Crows and jays · Perching birds
Siberian Jay
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Perisoreus infaustus
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How to recognize it
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26–30 cm long
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Grey-brown plumage, dark crown and wings; rusty tail with a dark stripe down the middle
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Loud "kzhay-kzhay" call and low "kuuk-kuuk" whistle
About the species
Grey-brown feathers blend into the conifers, with a dark brown crown and a paler throat. Rust-red patches show at the bend of the wing and along the sides of the tail, which has a dark stripe down its middle. The red tail contrasts with the otherwise muted plumage.
In the forest, it is usually quiet and moves in small groups of two to seven. A loud screech is its sharpest call; its song ranges from whistles to creaks and trills. In flight, it spreads its tail into a fan.
It lives in dense, mature conifer forest, especially spruce, across the northern forests from Scandinavia through Russia and Siberia. It eats berries, seeds, insects and spiders, and in autumn and winter hides berries behind loose bark or in lichen for later. It stays in much of its range year-round, though some in the east move south in winter.
Where to find
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In the northern taiga, scan mature, dense spruce forest for Siberian Jays foraging in small groups beneath the closed canopy.
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During the breeding season in conifer forest, listen for whistles, creaks and trills — the song is usually heard only at close range.
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At wet, open patches with tussocks, watch for insect foraging in the grass.
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In autumn and winter in conifer forest, look for berries being tucked behind loose bark, into hanging beard lichen or between forked twigs.
