Hello, everyone! During a walk in the forest, you might suddenly hear a “Jay, Jay” sound. Did you know that this is the call of the Eurasian jay? Today, I’d like to introduce you to the fascinating world of this bird.
Belonging to the crow family, the Eurasian jay is about the size of a pigeon, measuring approximately 33 cm in length. It is characterized by a black and white mottled pattern from head to tail, with a white throat and belly, and a vine-brown back. The wings display beautiful stripes of black, white, and blue. In Japan, they inhabit forests from Yakushima to Hokkaido and have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds.
The most interesting feature of the Eurasian jay is its love for acorns. In autumn, it gathers acorns and stores them in the ground or in the crevices of trees. This behavior is not just about securing food; the uneaten acorns sprout and play a crucial role in creating new forests.
Furthermore, the call of the Eurasian jay is quite unique. Its name, “Garrulus,” means “talkative” in Latin, and true to its name, it produces a variety of sounds. The basic call is a raspy “Jay, Jay,” but it can mimic other birds and even sounds like chainsaws. When domesticated, it can also imitate human speech.
This charming bird can be found in forests from plains to mountains across Japan. They form small groups and move around by hopping on the ground or in trees, storing acorns. Their beautiful feathers and unique calls add color to the forest. I encourage you to listen for the Eurasian jay’s call. You’re sure to be captivated by its world. Until next time!
