Jay | Hainault Forest

Jay

Garrulus glandarius

Jays are unlike other corvids because they are colourful and rather shy birds often staying under the cover of trees in wooded areas. This may be because they were hunted by the Victorians to provide feathers for ladies' hats. During autumn they bury acorns and chestnuts ready for collection when food is scarce. They sometimes forget where their caches have been hidden which assists trees in spreading to other areas. The collective noun for a group of Jays can be either a 'Scold' or 'Band'.

Birds