Siberian jay in flight (Perisoreus infaustus) by Dick Hoogenboom

The Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus) is a songbird from the Corvidae family (crows). The scientific name of the species was published in 1758 as Corvus infaustus by Carl Linnaeus.

Characteristics
The taiga jay grows to a length of 26 to 29 cm; its wingspan is over 40 cm. It weighs approximately 75 to 90 grams. Males and females look the same. The basic colour is beige-brown, the plumage is greyish with a dark cap; the rump, tail and parts of the wings are rust-red. Juvenile birds have more brownish upper parts. When the taiga jay flies, a red spot is clearly visible, especially on the breast. The Siberian jay cannot sing; at most, like the Eurasian jay, it can produce a scratching sound when frightened or in danger.

Lifestyle
Siberian jays are omnivores: they eat seeds, nuts, berries and insects, among other things, but also carrion. Like the Eurasian jay and the nutcracker, it hides seeds and nuts in the ground as winter stores. The Siberian jay is almost always able to find its stores, even when there is snow on the ground. All in all, the Siberian jay lives a fairly secluded life, but is not overly shy when encountering humans; in winter, it often comes close to villages.