Jay - Garrulus Glandarius

Jay (click to enlarge)	Identification The Jay is a colourful crow, mostly a brownish pink, that is about the same size as a Jackdaw. The back and underparts are a brownish pink, the underparts being paler. The head has a black and white flecked crown, black moustache, and white throat. The wings are mostly
black with striking blue and white wing patches. The iris of the eye is a pale blue. Jay's are very sociable birds and so have many different calls, and can imitate other birds, especially other crows. In the garden, we are more likely to hear their "krar krar" alarm call.

Nesting The untidy nest of twigs is built by both birds in a tree or shrub. Roots, hairs and fibres are used to line the nest. Breeding starts in late April and consists of 1-3 clutches of 3-10 eggs.

Food Jays feed on acorns, beech mast, fruits, insects, birds' eggs, and young birds. In the garden they will take peanuts - filling their crop - and kitchen scraps.

Many thanks to British Garden Birds for the information on this page.