Pl. LXXIX
The Birds · Plate LXXIX
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandarius
Corvidae · Taxon 8088
| Length | 32–35 cm |
| Wingspan | 52–58 cm |
| Weight | 102–204 g |
Field marks
- Stocky, medium-sized corvid with broad, rounded wings and a long black tail
- Pinkish-brown to rufous-brown body plumage
- Variable crown, often pale with black streaking, above a bold black moustache stripe
- Bright azure-blue shoulder panel finely barred with black
- Strong black-and-white wing pattern and a conspicuous white rump
- Stout black bill, pale grayish eye, and sturdy pinkish-brown legs
HabitatWoodland and forest with dense tree and shrub cover, especially oak-rich mixed or deciduous woods; also coniferous forest, wooded parks, orchards, and large gardens. Usually avoids extensive open ground.
BehaviorIntelligent, often wary woodland corvid that forages in trees and on the ground. Omnivorous, with a strong habit of collecting and burying acorns; also eats other seeds, fruit, invertebrates, eggs, and small vertebrates. Usually resident but may disperse when food crops fail. Gives harsh, rasping alarm calls and readily mimics other sounds.
Palette
pinkish rufous-brownazure blueblackwhitesoft gray