Eurasian Jay (Nötskrika)

Characteristics:
The Eurasian Jay is a medium-sized crow species (about 35 cm long) and one of the most colourful members of the crow family.
Its body is pinkish-brown, the crown is streaked black, and it has a distinct black moustache stripe.
The wing coverts are bright blue with fine black bars, a key identification feature.
The rump is white and the tail is black.
Males and females look alike.
Its call is a harsh, loud screech, often used as a warning signal in the forest, but it can also imitate other birds, such as the Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Bullfinch, or Lapwing.

Habitat:
The Eurasian Jay is found throughout Sweden, most common in southern and central regions, extending north to southern Norrbotten.
It prefers mixed and deciduous forests, especially those with oak, since acorns are an important winter food source.
It also lives in parks, gardens, and forest edges.

Behaviour:
The Jay is alert, intelligent, and cautious, yet curious.
It is famous for collecting and storing acorns, which it hides in the ground to eat later — behaviour that helps oak trees spread.
Usually lives alone or in pairs, but may form small groups in autumn.

Diet:
An omnivorous species feeding mainly on acorns, nuts, berries, insects, small rodents, bird eggs, and earthworms.
Its diet varies depending on the season and food availability.

Reproduction:
Breeding takes place in April–May.
The nest is built in trees or bushes using twigs, roots, and moss.
The female lays 4–6 eggs, incubated for about 16–18 days.
The chicks fledge after 3–4 weeks.

Migration:
The Eurasian Jay is mostly resident, but some individuals move short distances during poor acorn years or harsh winters.

Distribution:
Widespread across Europe and Asia.
In Sweden, it is common in forested areas except in the far north.

Hunting:
The Eurasian Jay is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season: 1 August – 28 (or 29) February nationwide.
Hunting is occasionally done as protective hunting, particularly when Jays prey on other birds’ eggs or nestlings.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 5–7, or
• Rifle class 4 (permitted for small game and corvids).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Beige-brown crow with blue wing patch and black moustache stripe.
• Found in mixed and oak-rich forests.
• Eats acorns, berries, insects, and small animals.
• Known for storing acorns in autumn.
• Breeds in April–May, 4–6 eggs.
• Resident bird, sometimes moves locally in winter.
• Game species – hunting season 1 August – 28 (or 29) February.
• Hunted with shotgun or rifle class 4.
• Excellent mimic and forest sentinel, warning other animals of danger.