JAYS : Garrulus glandarius
Where to see them : Usually see in or near trees or swooping between them. They like garden birdbaths.
Also see CORVIDS / CROWS incl MAGPIES
Have you seen a jay today?
These are striking birds, yet not often noticed. You may not even have realised that they are also corvids. They tend to be found in West Dunbartonshire in pairs or small numbers and keep to wooded areas or gardens. They can be somewhat shy, keeping close to cover, but will occasionly dart down to bird feeders or bird baths. Sometimes their screaming call alerts you to their presence. The smallest of the local corvus, They are a pale reddish brown with bluish black barred markings on wings and tail. What makes them colourful is the splash of blue on their wings as they dart between trees.
They eat mainly acorns, nuts, seeds and insects, but also nestlings of other birds and small mammals. Jays are famous for their acorn feeding habits and in the autumn you may see them burying acorns for retrieving later in the winter.
