Belongs to: crows

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Large, shy woodland bird with distinctive plumage

Habitat: wooded areas, and gardens or parks close to woodland

Widespread resident

Brownish-pink with blue and white patches on black wings, white rump and black tail; 33–36cm

Social in spring, gathering in groups; otherwise secretive, presence usually revealed by harsh calls

Feeds on acorns, collecting and burying a store in autumn; eggs and young birds; insects; occasionally worms, mice, lizards

Nest is made of twigs lined with hair and roots in a tree fork

1 brood April to June; 3–6 pale green eggs, speckled buff

Incubation time 19–20 days