Eurasian Jay
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Garrulus, Species: glandarius · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Contour (likely from the alula or primary coverts)
Species
Garrulus glandarius (High Confidence)
Feather Type
Contour (likely from the alula or primary coverts)
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Slightly asymmetrical, spatulate with a rounded tip
Size
Approximately 1.5 - 2 cm in length, very small compared to the large wing coverts of the species
Rarity
Common; a very frequent resident in Belgian woodlands
Color & Pattern
Distinctive structural blue with black horizontal barring; the blue is created by light scattering (Tyndall effect)
Barb Structure
Densely packed pennaceous barbs at the tip, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) at the base
Texture & Surface
Smooth, firm, and slightly glossy due to concentrated structural coloration
Description
A medium-sized, colorful member of the crow family characterized by pinkish-brown plumage and brilliant blue wing patches
Key Features
Electric blue color with crisp black horizontal 'tiger' barring
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, and increasingly urban parks with mature trees
Geographic Range
Widespread across Europe (including Belgium), North Africa, and much of Asia
Condition Notes
Fresh condition with intact barbs and no visible sun bleaching or parasitic wear
Interesting Facts
Eurasian Jays are famous for hoarding acorns, planting thousands of oak trees across Europe every year
Ecological Role
Primary seed disperser for oak trees and generalist predator/scavenger
Similar Species
None in Belgium; the specific blue-and-black barring is unique to the Eurasian Jay in this region
Notes
Dworp, Belgium