Siberian Jay

Perisoreus infaustus

The Siberian Jay is a characteristic bird in old-growth forests in northern Sweden, and spends all year here. It is curious of people and will willingly approach to find something edible. The Siberian Jay is omnivorous and lives on insects, small animals, berries and seeds. In autumn, it hides quantities of food in trees to eat later in the year.

The male and female are similar in appearance, 28 cm long, and form lifelong relationships. The Siberian Jay begins to build its nest as early as March, and it lays 3-5 eggs in April. The female gets all its food from the male while she is brooding. The Siberian Jay is a non-migratory bird that stays in family groups for most of the year. The family does not break up until the time for nesting returns.

The Siberian Jay is common in Laponia, and in old-growth forest north of the river Dalälven. It is however unusual in harvested forests, since it dislikes felled areas and young forest. It is therefore estimated that the species will be diminish at the rate of 15% over the next 20 years.