The Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus) is a small, softly feathered corvid of Norrland's old-growth forests, the smallest member of the crow family in western Eurasia and known for its fearless character — it readily approaches people resting in the forest, hoping for scraps. At 25–30 cm long with a wingspan of around 40–46 cm, it has fluffy, soft plumage in greyish-brown tones with a darker cap, set off by striking rust-red patches on the wings, rump and outer tail feathers that show clearly in flight; the sexes look alike. Its call repertoire is varied, but the most common is a soft, somewhat plaintive "kjiii-kjiii", along with other, sometimes mimicking tones delivered in a generally low-key manner.
Found in the lichen-rich coniferous forests of Norrland south to roughly northern Dalarna, the Siberian Jay has a continuous distribution across the interior of northern Sweden, with a population estimated at 40,000–80,000 pairs. It is entirely dependent on older, undisturbed forest, and because that habitat continues to shrink through forestry, the species is classified as Near Threatened in Sweden. Breeding begins very early in spring: the well-insulated nest is placed high in a spruce, usually tucked close against the trunk, where the female lays 3–4 eggs, and the early timing lets the pair take advantage of spring's first resources, with family groups often staying together for much of the year. The Siberian Jay is an omnivore, taking insects, berries, seeds and carrion, and is a skilled food-hoarder, caching supplies in bark crevices and under hanging lichens to see it through the long winter. Its bold, sudden appearances in the quiet forest, along with its willingness to approach humans, have earned it a prominent place in northern folklore, where it has been regarded alternately as a good omen and a bird of ill luck.
Read about this species in Swedish →