jay
1. Bird Name: The English name for the bird under discussion is the Jay, more specifically the Eurasian Jay. Its scientific name is Garrulus glandarius.
2. Appearance: The Eurasian Jay is a particularly striking bird, standing out from its relatives due to its distinct multicolored plumage. Its body is largely a pinkish-brown, however, its wings are a combination of black, white, and a blue and black pattern that appears almost like lace. The tail and the part of the wings closest to the body are black. Their beak and legs are also a bright pink. In terms of distinguishing between the sexes, it’s rather challenging as males and females are alike in color and size. However, the male bird usually has a slightly larger size and even broader black ‘moustache’ stripe extending from its beak.
3. Size: On average, an adult Eurasian Jay measures anywhere from 32 to 35 cm (12.5–14 inches) in length. In terms of wingspan, they typically range from 54 to 58 cm (21–23 inches). They generally weigh between 150 and 200 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution: The Eurasian Jay can be found throughout temperate Europe and Asia and as far as North Africa. It’s adaptable to various environments but typically prefers mixed woodland, particularly where oak trees are present. However, they can also be found in parks and large gardens within city limits.
5. Interesting Facts: (a) Compared to other birds, the Eurasian Jay is particularly intelligent, capable of plan for the future, which was previously thought to be exclusively a human trait. (b) Their mimicking skills are highly impressive, being able to reproduce the call of other bird species, or even human-made sounds. (c) They are monogamous, with pairs staying together for life.
6. Diet: The diet of this species includes a wide variety of seeds, nuts, insects, eggs and young of other birds, small mammals, and fruits. Their preference for acorns is particularly worth noting, and they’re known for their unique behavior of storing them for later consumption.
7. Behavior & Sounds: They are generally shy woodland birds, often remaining hidden in the treetop canopy. However, in winter they can become more sociable. Their flight is rather distinctive with an undulating style. The call of the Jay is not as beautiful as its appearance, sounding rather harsh and screeching.
8. Conservation Status: Being widespread and abundant, this bird is classified as a species of ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.
9. Lifespan: In the wild, a Eurasian Jay may live up to 17 years, while in captivity, they can live up to 20 years.
10. Additional Notes: In various cultures, the Eurasian Jay has been given several local names like ‘geai des chênes’ in French and ‘Eichelhäher’ in German, both referring to the Jay’s fondness for acorns. They play a vital role in ecosystems, particularly in helping the dispersal of seeds, most notably of oak trees, through their habit of storing food. They often bury more acorns than they can eat, thus aiding the growth of new trees. Further, they are generally tolerant of humans, particularly when regularly provided with food, and can become quite tame over time.
