Jay (!)

Garrulus glandarius

Interesting facts: The favourite food of the jay is acorns, which is reflected in the German name of the bird. It can carry up to ten in his throat sack. Also beechnuts, hazel nuts, peas, beans and cereals are on the menu. They are hidden in the ground as a store for winter. With its excellent memory, the species finds almost all the hiding again, even when they are covered in snow. Young jays are fed predominantly on insects, small mammals, eggs and young birds.

Characteristics: Light grey speckled crown (can be ruffled when aggravated); wings with a distinctively patterned blue-black area; white rump and tail; overall impression of the plumage pink-brown; black moustache; white throat; pink to skin-coloured feet

Body length: Longer than 30 cm (longer than a blackbird)

Distribution: Europe-wide distribution; deciduous and mixed forests, parks, cemeteries, gardens with trees, even in urban areas