Jay

The jay (Garrulus glandarius), is maybe our most colourful corvid species in the UK. This one we saw on UEA campus, perched in a pine tree, before it flew down to hop on the ground amongst the bluebells.

While resident in the UK all year round, jays are more commonly seen during the autumn months, unlike the individual we saw on a very sunny May day. This is due to the jay's penchant for acorns, which are of course produced en masse by oak trees during the autumn, meaning jays are far more noticeable as they forage and fly between trees on the lookout for their favourite food.  Jays will also stash some of the acorns they find, building up a cache to help get them through the harsher winter months. At this time of the year however, there are far fewer nuts and seeds on offer for jays to eat, meaning they turn to alternative food sources. Sadly, this often includes the eggs and nestlings of smaller birds such as blue tits. But the jays of course have their own chicks to feed, raising 4-5 young in their messy, twig-built nests.

Being rather elusive during the spring and summer months when they're often hidden among foliage, jays are often heard before being seen, with their loud, raucous, screaming calls. In flight, you catch a glimpse of the exotic blue patch on the wings, and the bold white rump and black tail. The rest of their plumage is an understated, but still rather beautiful muted pinkish tone. This beautiful bird can be seen throughout most of the UK, with the exception of northern Scotland, favouring broadleaved woodland where their beloved oak trees are found, although can also be seen in more mixed and coniferous woodland areas, as well as gardens and parks in urban areas.

So next time you see an oak tree full of acorns, or indeed any woodland area, keep your ears and eyes peeled to spot these stunning birds!