January 29, 2025 • 43 mins
The Wildlife Matters podcast takes listeners on a captivating journey into the world of British corvids, focusing on three fascinating species: the Chough, the Magpie, and the Jay.
Hosted by Nigel Palmer, the episode delves into the unique characteristics and behaviors that distinguish these birds within their genus.
Listeners learn about the Chough's striking red bill and its acrobatic flights along seaside cliffs, as well as its unfortunate decline due to habitat changes and persecution.
The Magpie is presented as an intelligent, adaptable bird with a distinctive black and white plumage, known for its scavenging habits and complex vocalizations. The episode also highlights the Jay, a woodland species with a knack for mimicking other birds and caching food, particularly acorns, for winter survival. Each bird's role in the ecosystem is examined, emphasizing the importance of understanding and protecting these often-misunderstood creatures.
In addition to the in-depth exploration of corvids, the episode features poignant stories from the Wildlife Matters Nature News segment.
One such story centers on Abby, a former hunting dog from Spain, whose plight underscores the critical issues surrounding hunting practices and animal welfare. Abby's journey from abandonment to becoming a symbol for change resonates deeply with listeners, while the podcast also touches on the successful prosecution of a gamekeeper who illegally snared a fox, highlighting ongoing wildlife crime. The episode does not shy away from discussing the challenges wildlife faces in a world filled with human impact, but it also instills a sense of hope through collaboration and advocacy efforts aimed at conservation.
Listeners are encouraged to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and complexity of wildlife, as the podcast emphasises that spending time in nature is essential for mental and physical well-being.
The soundscape of bats foraging at dusk serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders in the natural world.
Overall, this episode of Wildlife Matters offers a rich tapestry of information, advocacy, and heartfelt storytelling that aims to educate and inspire listeners about the importance of conservation and the intricate lives of our feathered friends.
Takeaways:
- This episode dives into the fascinating world of British corvids, specifically the Chough, Magpie, and Jay.
- Abby's story serves as a poignant reminder of the cruelty faced by hunting dogs in Spain.
- The Wildlife Matters podcast highlights the importance of conservation efforts for native wildlife.
- Norfolk County Council's withdrawal of a bypass plan emphasizes the impact of environmental concerns on development.
- Corvids like the Magpie are not only intelligent but also play significant roles in their ecosystems.
- The episode encourages listeners to engage with wildlife conservation and support animal welfare initiatives.
Links referenced in this episode:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:26):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
I'm your host, Nigel Palmer,and this week's show features part
two of our introduction toBritish corvids, where we will look
at the three native corvidsthat are their own genus.
The captivating Chuff, themagnificent Magpie and the Jolly
(00:49):
Jay.
In this week's mindful momentsin nature.
We feature a native mammal whoshould be deep in hibernation in
January.
But Wildlife Matters was soexcited to be able to record them
at a.
Secret location last spring.
Despite the unsettling eventsin the world.
(01:10):
Our love for wildlife and the natural.
World fuels our commitment to conservation.
Although we may feelfrustrated at times, our dedication
remains unwavering, both herein the UK and and wherever we can
make a difference to wildlifeand nature around the world.
(01:32):
Whilst the challenges we allface are immense, our decades of
experience have taught us tobelieve in the power of collaboration
and the people's will.
This belief keeps us focusedon achieving.
Positive outcomes for wildlifeand nature in.
All our current and futurework, instilling hope for a better
(01:54):
future.
This week's Wildlife MattersNature News reflects on some of the
issues we face as we followthe heartbreaking story of Abby,
a former hunting dog fromSpain, who is now fronting a campaign
to end hunting with dogs in Spain.
Abby's story resonates with usat Wildlife Matters as it highlights
(02:18):
the global impact of huntingon wildlife and the immense suffering
of the dogs involved.
We also followed the story ofa fox caught in an illegal snare
in.
Scotland and the successfulprosecution of the gamekeeper who
set it.
Before we head off to Norfolk to.
Find out how bats have causedNorfolk County Council to abandon
(02:43):
their plans for a new bypass.
So, without any further delay,let's head over to our news desk
for this week's WildlifeMatters Nature News.
(03:10):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And this week's first story isa tragic one of Abby and her fellow
Spanish hunting dogs.
Abby, a former Spanish huntingdog, was found abandoned after losing
her sight with.
A broken toe and a ligaturemark around her neck.
(03:33):
Veterinarians confirmed afterinitial inspection that in.
Addition to being blind, Abbyhad two.
Hernias, oral haematomus, abroken toe and the ligature mark
around her neck.
More than 100 rescue andanimal rights advocates will now
demonstrate at Glasgow greenon Saturday, February 1, to raise
(03:56):
awareness of the pain andsuffering of animals like Abby, who
has thankfully found a.
Second chance of life in Scotland.
On the same day, animal rightsprotesters will march through Manchester
and central London to theSpanish Embassy demanding an end
to hunting with dogs in Spain,usually involving Podenco and the
(04:20):
Galgos breeds.
Abby is front and center ofthe campaign and was rescued after
being abandoned once she wasunable to work through six months
of intensive operations and rehabilitation.
She fought for her health anda second chance at life and she continues
to make the most of every dayand has recently climbed Conic Hill
(04:44):
by Loch Lomond.
In 2022 she won a public voteto be the face of the dog lover show.
February 1st marks the end ofSpain's hunting season when dogs
will be deemed unfit for forhunting and simply discarded.
Many of these dogs are treatedwith extreme cruelty after their
(05:05):
lifetime and the ways ofkilling unwanted dogs are callous
and often designed to extendtheir suffering.
In 2023, Spanish parliamentexcluded hunting dogs from Spain's
new animal welfare law.
In response, Free SpanishHounds are UK.
Based volunteer organizationwas formed that year.
(05:28):
To raise awareness and standin solidarity with the Spanish advocacy
group Plataforma nac.
The UK marches are part of acoordinated effort that includes
similar peaceful protests in48 Spanish cities and 29 other cities
across Europe.
These protests amplify thevoices of those fighting to end the
(05:53):
barbaric practice, TeresaRodriguez, who organises NAC's international
protest, told Wildlife.
By raising awareness of ourplight globally, we aim to encourage
visitors to Spain to protestagainst these practices and create
diplomatic pressure on theSpanish administration.
(06:15):
This approach has succeededwhen European politicians called
for action following ourdemonstrations at the European Parliament
in Strasbourg with the.
Support of the internationalcommunity, including the.
Peaceful protest in London,Glasgow and Manchester on the 1st
of February.
We remain committed to drivingmeaningful change and ensuring better
(06:38):
protection for these dogs.
Abva Shimshai, one of thefounders of Father 3 Spanish Hounds,
said, We will continue toprotest in the UK and be the voice
of these dogs until theSpanish government takes decisive
action to end hunting withdogs and ensure the protection that
the dogs so desperately need.
(06:59):
Together we stand for a futurefree from cruelty and neglect.
Today's second story onWildlife Matters Nature News is one
of a gamekeeper who has beenfined after pleading guilty to illegally
snaring a fox.
A gamekeeper has been finedand ordered to pay a surcharge for
(07:21):
illegally snaring a fox.
Thomas Ebner, 74 from RE inthe Scottish Borders, pleaded guilty
to setting a snare that couldcause unnecessary suffering to any
animal that came into contactwith with it.
The snare was located on landbelonging to Old Castle's farm in
(07:42):
Churnside Fox was caught bythe neck and partially suspended
on a broken fence line.
Ebner was sentenced at SelkirkSheriff's Court.
Sheriff Patterson told Ebner,this is a.
Breach of the act and you knew.
What you were doing and thefox was caused suffering.
But I have to take intoaccount that you have no previous
(08:05):
convictions and you pleaded guilty.
The gamekeeper was fined£1,250 plus a £75 surcharge.
A Scottish SPCA inspector fromthe Special Investigations Unit told
Wildlife Matters, the fox wascaught in a snare along a broken
(08:25):
fence line.
It was seen by members of the.
Public jumping through thefence in considerable distress and
foaming at the mouth.
The snare was wrapped around afour fence post and was bloodstained.
A member of the public was able.
To free the fox from the snare.
This snare was set in a way.
That caused suffering to the fox.
(08:46):
There was a significant riskof it becoming entangled in the fence,
which could.
Have led to strangulation.
It is clear that the fox wasexperiencing both mental and physical
distress.
The animal was also at further risk.
Of injury from surroundingpart four wire and broken wood.
The snare was set by an individual.
(09:07):
Who had attended an officialsnare training.
Course where they were taughtthe correct way to set snares.
This is yet another example ofthe cruel impact snares can have
on animal welfare and theunnecessary suffering that they cause.
We welcome a ban on snares andimplemented by the Scottish Government.
(09:28):
A ban on snares was enacted inMarch 2024 as part of the Wildlife
Management and MewbournScotland Act.
The inspector continued, wehave also been given additional investigative
powers to tackle wildlife crime.
These powers allow ourinspectors, who are already investigating
animal welfare offenses, tosearch, examine and seize evidence.
(09:53):
The bill includes variousmeasures to protect wildlife, such
as a ban on all forms ofsnares and glue traps.
Wildlife Matters has longcalled for an outright ban on snares
due to the suffering theyinflict on animals.
Whether used legally orillegally, animals caught in snares
can endure unimaginablephysical and mental anguish.
(10:15):
Snares are non selective andcan harm both domestic and non target
animals.
Our third story takes us to Norfolk.
Where plans for a link roadhave been withdrawn due to concerns
about bats.
Norfolk County Council wasseeking approval from the government
to build a 274 million.
(10:37):
Norwich Western Link road.
However, last year theproject's future was.
In doubt because NaturalEngland changed rules protecting
the rare Barber Stell bats onthe proposed roads route.
Conservative Councillor GrahamPlant said that the road remained
a priority project, but the.
Council could not resolve theissue and.
(10:58):
Withdrew its planning application.
The 3.9 mile, or 6.2 kilometerNorwich Western Link, which had been
planned for years, wouldconnect the northern distributor
road.
The NDR, to the A47.
The County Council said thatthe road would cut traffic congestion,
(11:18):
reduce journey times andimprove air quality in the local
community.
However, opponents suggestedthat it would badly damage the environment
in the Wenson Valley.
And encourage more car use.
Brian Watkins, leader of theLiberal Democrats, said the roadwork
had already left the councilmillions of of pounds out of pocket.
(11:42):
Labour's Steve Morphew saidthe scheme was clearly flawed and
that the council had.
Been warned time and timeagain that questions over its viability
had been raised.
And the Greens Jamie Osbournesaid the application withdrawal was
the final nail in the coffinfor the planned road.
DEFRA declined to comment toWildlife Matters.
(12:04):
And in fact referred us to Natural.
Image England, where JamesMarshall, Natural England's deputy
director for Norfolk andSuffolk, said Natural England was
clear that development and.
Nature can go hand in hand.
But he said Barber Stell batswere incredibly rare and that the
proposed route would destroyone of the largest remaining populations
(12:27):
in the uk.
We have worked closely withNorfolk County Council for more than
four years on the proposedNorwich Western Link Road and consistently
advised on our significantconcerns, he said.
The Department of Transportspokesman said we will continue to
work with Norfolk CountyCouncil on measures to improve congestion
(12:50):
in the area and that has beenthis week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(13:14):
With so much pressure onwildlife and the natural world right
now, it is more important thanever to remain within nature, which
is where we we genuinely belong.
Nature is a natural healer for our.
Physical and mental well being.
Wildlife Matters has longadvocated that spending.
(13:35):
Time in nature is essentialfor good.
Physical and psychologicalhealth and can be.
Vital for those who live with or.
Are recovering from physicalor mental problems.
Last spring Wildlife Matterswas fortunate to.
Join a small team that spent several.
(13:55):
Nights surveying a secretlocation for bats.
We took our sound equipmentand hired.
Some very clever high techequipment so we can record something
truly amazing for.
You, something that is beyondthe range of human hearing.
(14:16):
So if it's safe to do so, stopwhatever you're doing, be still and
be silent for a minute or twoand enjoy the incredible sound of
bats leaving their roost to goforaging at dusk.
On this week's WildlifeMatters, mindful moments.
(14:41):
Sa it it.
(16:03):
We hope you enjoyed.
That unique audio immersioninto the world of bats.
What an incredible experience.
I stood at the roost entrancewith my parabolic microphone and
a backpack full of techy equipment.
But I couldn't hear the bats.
I could feel them as they flewclose by me, so close that I'm.
(16:26):
Sure I could hear the sound oftheir wings.
But otherwise I withstood incomplete silence.
Now I'm sure you can imagine how.
I felt when I heard the audio.
That we have just shared with you.
Bats have always held aspecial place in my heart.
From childhood evenings spentin our neighbour's.
(16:48):
Orchard watching thepipistrelles at dusk, to the breathtaking
sight of Barbara Stells skimming.
The lake's surface as I sat inmy kayak, bats have never failed
to captivate me.
So it has been an absolutepleasure to share this unique audio
experience with you on thisweek's Wildlife Matters.
(17:12):
Mindful moments.
And now it's time to.
Join me for part two of Wildlife.
Matters Introduction toBritish Corvids in this week's Wildlife
Matters main features.
(17:42):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
And in part two of ourintroduction to the corvids of Britain,
we focus.
On the three corvid species,all belonging to different genera,
and today we'll uncover thedistinct features and behaviors of
the.
Chough, the magpie and thejay, three.
(18:05):
Corvid species that stand outin the avian world.
The Chuff is also known as thered billed chuff.
It's a bird species in thePyrocoraxa genus.
It stands out with its uniquecharacteristics such as its distinctive
red bill and legs and itsimpressive acrobatic flights around
(18:27):
seaside cliffs, often in flocks.
The other species in thisgenus is the alpine or yellow billed
chuff, but here in the BritishIsles the chuff is found in Wales,
Cornwall and the Isle of Man,parts of western Scotland and Ireland.
Unfortunately, changes inlivestock management and persecution
(18:49):
have led to a decline in their.
Populations and they becameextinct over much of England.
The chuffs, scientific namePihocarax pihocarax is an example
of a tautonym where the genusand the specific name are the same.
This non migratory resident isthe least.
(19:12):
Common member of the crowfamily here in Britain and is also
known as the Cornish Chuff.
The adults have similar appearances.
Both have glossy black plumagewith blue green sheen.
They also have striking redlegs and a long tapered, slightly
curved bright bill.
(19:32):
Their eyes are black and they have.
Large square wings and asquare tail.
They are slightly larger than jackdaws.
Juvenile plumage has a mattelook compared to the adults with
a pale orange red Bill andorange red legs.
Chuffs enjoy feeding from oldcoastal pastures, digging up earthworms,
(19:56):
beetles, ants and otherreadily available insects and invertebrates.
Using their purpose designedbill to probe deep into the soil.
They will also take smallmollusks and lichen.
Chuffs are found throughoutsouthern Europe and beyond.
However, they have onlyrecently been reintroduced to remote
locations in the far west ofWales, the far west of Scotland and
(20:21):
Cornwall.
Chuffs do favour sea caves,ruined buildings or holes and fissures
on cliff faces to nest in.
They tend to inhabit mountainareas or high coastal cliffs.
According to Cornish legend,King Arthur was transformed into
a chough on his deathbed,hence the bird's red bill and legs.
(20:43):
Cornwall's county crestfeatures a single chuff, and in the
1960s the coat of arms for theDuchy of Cornwall incorporated two
chuffs facing each other.
Choughs often fly in pairs orsmall flocks, soaring and diving
around cliff edges, and theyare both graceful and agile.
(21:07):
The fingers of their primarywing feathers.
Are easy to spot from theground as they cavort overhead in
an endless exhibition ofaerobatic maneuvering.
Their nests can be bulky.
They're made of sticks, roots,heather and.
Other plants and lined withhair and sheep's wool.
One brood of three to fivewhite eggs with brown or grey blotches
(21:31):
is produced between May andJuly each year.
The second corvid specieswe're going to look at today is the
Eurasian magpie, scientificname Pika Pika the magpie, also known
as the common magpie, is adistinctive bird native to the British
(21:53):
Isles.
It is the only magpie speciesfound in this region, with the Iberian
magpie being the only othermagpie species found in Europe.
The magpie has a pied plumageof black and white blue wings and
a long tail which makes iteasily identifiable.
The scientific name pika pikais an example of a tautonym where
(22:17):
the genus and the specificname are the same.
The magpie is a long tailedcorvid with stunning black and white
plumage, making it morestriking than many of the other crow
species.
It is also one of the mostintelligent birds in the world, a
fact that often surprises andimpresses bird enthusiasts.
(22:40):
It is often associated withvarious superstitions, adding to
its mystique.
Magpies are around the size ofa dove, with their large diamond
shaped tails making up abouthalf of their total body length.
They weigh between 160 and upto around 250 grams, with females
(23:00):
generally being lighter thanthe males.
Adult wingspans do varybetween 52 and around 60 cm juvenile
magpies resemble adults, butthey have shorter tails and a duller
plumage without the iridescent gloss.
These unmistakable birds haveblack heads, backs and chests with
(23:25):
pure white underparts andlarge patches above and below each
wing.
Males and females aredifficult to distinguish, although
the females are slightly smaller.
Magpies are classified assongbirds, although their calls may
not be as pleasant to.
The ear as many.
However, they have aremarkable vocal range and can produce
(23:50):
such a wide variety of calls,including warbling and mimicry.
Magpies are omnivores and relyheavily on live and dead animals
as their primary food source.
They are intelligent andopportunistic scavengers and hunters
who mostly scavenge on the ground.
(24:11):
They will also raid nests andoccasionally catch flying prey.
Their diet includes beetles,insects, rodents, frogs, reptiles,
eggs, nestlings, small adultbirds, roadkill fruit, berries and
seeds.
During times of abundance,magpies demonstrate an exciting behavior
(24:35):
called caching.
They bury excess food aroundtheir territory to consume when food
is scarce.
Baby magpies feed on insectsand other soft foods, such as meat
scraps.
Both the male and femalemagpies take part in feeding their
young, although the malesusually provide more food.
(24:58):
Magpies are common in the uk.
You can easily spot them nearyour home.
They have an extensive globaldistribution, too, including virtually
all of Europe and extending.
Through Asia to North Koreaand Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Magpies are habitatgeneralists at home in gardens, parks
(25:19):
and farmland, and, of course.
In urban areas, a realtestament to their adaptability.
However, they avoid treelesslandscapes and dense forests, showing
their preference for a morevaried environment.
When foraging for food,magpies walk or run along the ground,
but they spend.
(25:39):
Most of their time perched on buildings.
Walls, trees and otherstructures, safe from terrestrial
predators.
Their feet have three toespointing forwards and one pointing
backwards, giving them adistinctive, uneven, jerky motion.
When they're walking, you havea good chance of seeing magpies near
(26:01):
your home.
Wherever you live in theUnited Kingdom.
Listen out for their loud,chattering call to locate these intelligent
birds.
Magpies short, rounded wingsin flight show large white panels
on the hand.
They flutter when on thestraight course with occasional sweeping
glides.
And when on the ground, theymake strong bounds while the tail
(26:24):
jerks up and down.
Magpies carry a confident,almost arrogant air about them.
They sometimes gather in noisyflocks that can be from five to about
25 birds, and that is known asa magpie parliament.
And in winter, they may roostin larger flocks containing up to
(26:45):
300 individual birds.
The average lifespan of amagpie is.
Three to five years, but some can.
Live for more than 20 years now.
Despite their bold nature,magpies still face threats from predators
such as domestic cats and foxes.
Birds of prey such as femalesparrowhawks and tawny owls are also
(27:10):
known to hunt magpies.
Magpies are protected underthe Wildlife and countryside act
of 1981.
There are around 650,000magpies in the United Kingdom and
they have a Green conservationstatus which means they are classified
as of least concern.
(27:32):
Magpies prepare their nests inwinter, although they only lay eggs
in April.
They build their nests intrees or thorny vegetation to protect
themselves from predators.
Building their large domeshaped nests can take several weeks
and male and female magpiesare involved in the construction.
(27:53):
Magpies usually lay betweenfive and seven eggs which are blue,
green and speckled.
Each egg is around 35millimeters long and 24 millimeters
wide.
Magpie pairs mate for life andthey form a close bond.
They will stay together evenduring the non breeding season when
(28:14):
they may join larger flocks.
Despite this, magpies are notthe most popular in the uk, partly
because of their cheeky natureand their tendency to raid other
birds nests.
Magpies can be very aggressivetowards each other.
During the breeding seasonthey will call and perch in prominent
(28:35):
positions to warn off intruders.
However, if these warnings areignored, territorial pairs may result
to physical violence.
Magpies are also known to actaggressively towards other birds
such as gulls and sparrowhawks.
They may even harass otheranimals such as squirrels sometimes.
(28:55):
Additionally, they candominate other birds at bird tables,
especially if meaty foods are available.
During the breeding season,magpies sleep near their nests.
In the winter they often roostin large communal flocks.
Sometimes up to 1700individuals have been recorded in
Europe.
(29:16):
Magpies are present in theUnited Kingdom throughout the year,
even on the coldest of winterdays, although they will travel longer
distances to avoid extremeweather elsewhere in Europe and Asia,
they are generally sedentaryand usually spend their lives within
a radius of a few kilometers.
Therefore, they are notconsidered as migrants.
(29:39):
According to an old magpienursery rhyme, a single magpie is
an omen of bad luck, whilsttwo magpies signify joy.
Some superstitious individualsstill resort to amusing antics like
saluting the birds andcalling, calling out Good Morning
Mr.
Or Mrs.
Magpie to prevent any misfortune.
(30:02):
Magpies are intelligent birdsthat generally regard humans as a
potential threat.
A study suggested that theycan recognize individual human faces
and will respond negativelytowards people who have previously
threatened their nests whilstignoring other humans.
They are one of just threeknown birds with this ability, many
(30:26):
bird lovers criticize magpiesfor their nest raiding habits.
However, these birds arefollowing their instincts and survival
strategies.
And there's no evidence thatmagpies reduce songbird numbers through
predation, although they candeter more welcome birds from visiting
our garden.
(30:47):
Magpies are shy and nervous birds.
Wild individuals do not tameeasily and will usually take off
at the slightest hint of danger.
And our third and the finalcorvid species we're looking at today
is the Eurasian jay.
(31:07):
The jay is a member of thecrow family.
It doesn't have the iridescentblack coloration of other corvids,
but it has a cinnamon body,black and white wings with an electric
blue wing bar, a white rump, ablack tail and a pale streaked crown
with a black moustache.
(31:28):
Both the male and the femalejays look alike and juveniles have
darker reddish brown plumageand a bolder black barring.
On the blue wing patch.
Although they have a mix ofcolors, jays are hard to spot because
they are typically found inwoodlands where their plumage blends
in beautifully.
(31:49):
Jays are relatively shy andare known for caching food, especially
acorns to eat later.
They usually bury them inautumn and retrieve them throughout
the winter months.
The jay is a medium sized birdthat is larger than a blackbird.
It has a body length of around30ft 5cm with well developed legs,
(32:12):
a medium length tail and bill.
Jays will weigh 140 up toaround 200 grams, making them the
smallest Corvid in the UK.
With a 52 to 58 centimeter wingspan.
Jays have a surprising vocal range.
Their typical call is araucous rasping screech often produced
(32:37):
when they are alarmed bypredators or humans.
But these intelligent birdscan mimic other birds and even mammals
such as horses and cats.
They frequently mimic the callof the buzzard, so take a closer
look next time you hear the kiA ki.
A as it might just be a jay.
(32:58):
Jays have a varied diet too, and.
Their habit of storing foodshows an impressive level of forward
planning.
Jays are opportunistic andomnivorous, although specific wood
food sources dominate their diet.
Various fruits and nuts inaddition to invertebrates, small
mammals, birds, eggs andnestlings are all on the J's menu.
(33:22):
Acorns are an essentialcomponent of their diet and are often
cached to provide a foodsource in the winter.
Jays are usually shy aroundhumans but can be found on garden
bird tables where they willeat peanuts and suet.
Baby jays rely on both parentsto bring food back to the nest.
(33:44):
Insects are the most crucialfood source for the Young and these
are collected nearby.
Jay chicks fledge the nestafter about three weeks, but may
be fed for another two monthsor more before gaining their full
independence.
The range of the jay in the UKis extensive, with their population
(34:05):
growing towards the north andthe west.
However, due to certainspecific requirements, their habitat
availability is limited.
They can be found almosteverywhere except in the high lying
areas of Scotland, northernEngland and in some coastal areas
on the east coast.
(34:25):
The jay is a woodland speciesthat prefers habitats with abundant
oak and beech trees.
They can also be found in ourgardens, parks and orchards.
Jays live in well wooded andforested areas.
They spend most of their timein trees searching for insects and
other food.
They will occasionally comedown to the ground to search for
(34:48):
acorns and bury extra foodunder the leaf litter.
The Eurasian jay is widelydistributed throughout the Northern
hemisphere, ranging fromIreland in the west to Japan in the
east.
They can be found as far southas the southeast of Asia and the
north of Africa.
Jays are common in the UnitedKingdom but rarely seen outside woodland
(35:12):
habitats.
There are estimated to be170,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
As we said, jays are shy andcautious birds.
They are usually seen flyingaway from an observer showing rounded
wings and a striking black andwhite rump and tail pattern whilst
emitting a harsh alarm call.
(35:35):
Their flight ischaracteristically bouncy.
Although they may form smallgroups outside of the breeding season,
they prefer a solitary existence.
The jays average lifeExpectancy is around four years,
although there are records ofbirds surviving between 16 to 18
years in the wild.
(35:57):
Jays are vulnerable topredation from predators such as
sparrowhawks, goshawks anddomestic cats.
The Wildlife and countrysideact of 1981 protects Eurasian jays
in the United Kingdom.
They are not consideredendangered and are assessed as of
least concern on the ICUN Red List.
(36:20):
They have a green conservation status.
Male jays typically choose thenest site in a coniferous or broadleafed
tree.
They build the nest at thejunction of the trunk and a giant
branch, usually well hidden by foliage.
They may also occasionallynest in vines, creepers, cavities
(36:42):
on buildings and larger nest boxes.
Jays begin breeding in theirsecond year.
They nest in the spring andproduce a single brood each year.
Egg laying usually occurs inearly to mid May.
Incubation takes 16 or 17 daysand the young birds fledge the nest
(37:03):
after.
19 to 23 days.
Jays in the UK typically willlay four or five olive green eggs
with fine brown spec.
The average egg isapproximately 30 millimetres long
and around 23 millimeters wide.
Like most corvids, jays matefor life and maintain a strong pair
(37:27):
bond.
Through courtship displays andmutual feeding, the males will observe
their partners to determinetheir desired food.
Jays are highly intelligentbirds, known for their ability to
mimic other species, storefood for future needs and provide
their partners with theirfavorite food.
(37:48):
They belong to the corvidfamily, which is known for its intelligence
during the breeding season.
Jays are territorial and canbe aggressive towards other birds.
They will chase theiroffspring away before they begin
to nest in the following yearand may even resort to physical conflict
if necessary.
(38:09):
However, compared to theirAmerican counterparts, jays in the
UK are not actually known fortheir aggression.
Jays play a crucial role inshaping the natural environment and
creating habitats they require.
By planting oak trees duringautumn, they are said to bury over
(38:29):
2,000 acorns, many of which germinate.
And by transporting acornsinto fields, jays can regenerate
woodland edges that humanactivities like farming have destroyed.
Jays are generally residentthroughout the year and rarely move
long distances.
However, continental birdsfrom northern Europe may form considerable
(38:53):
flocks in years when acornsare scarce and migrate to neighbouring
regions, including the United Kingdom.
They are native to the UK andhave been recorded for hundreds of
years, even in the works ofWilliam Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Jays and magpiesbelong to the Corvidiae family but
(39:13):
are not the same bird.
Magpies are pied long tailedbirds from the Pica genus, whilst
jays are smaller, colourfulspecies from the garrulous genus.
Despite their woodlandheritage, jays can be seen in London's
parks and gardens.
They are more habituated toour presence and may be bolder and
(39:35):
more accessible to observethan their wilder relatives.
We hope you've enjoyedWildlife Matters guide to the Corvids
of Britain.
Please listen to part one tolearn more about the raven, the rook,
hooded and carrion crows andthe jackdaws.
Here at Wildlife Matters, weare huge.
(39:57):
Fans of corvids and we'llbring you.
In depth studies on each of these.
Captivating corvids, includingsome field studies in future episodes.
And that has been this week'sWildlife Matters main feature.
(40:26):
Well, I hope you've enjoyedlearning more about the charismatic
corvids that call call theBritish Isles home.
One of the main reasons formaking this podcast is to educate,
engage and entertain as weshare our experiences and lifelong
passion for wildlife and thenatural world.
(40:48):
To have one episode withcorvids and.
Bats is a dream for me.
They are two of the mostfascinating and captivating species
here in the uk, yet both arehugely underappreciated and often
feared and persecuted.
Do let us know your favoriteplant or animal species and let's
(41:10):
see if we can share an episode.
It would be fantastic if you could.
Share your knowledge aboutyour passion on this podcast.
Please do get in touch.
Our email address ishello@wildlife matters.org that's
hello@wildlife matters.org Iwant to say thank you to everyone
(41:35):
who left us a comment on lastweek's Part one of our corvid double
episode and those of you whoare still discovering our nature
storytelling in the Christmas special.
We do read all of your comments.
On our social media channelsand I.
Try to reply to as many as possible.
(41:57):
Following on from yourfeedback, I've decided to share more
nature based folklore stories.
So please do subscribe to theWildlife Matters podcast so you never
miss an episode and be sure tojoin us around the campfire on the
equinoxes and.
Solstices throughout the year.
(42:19):
We'll be beginning with theSpring Equinox.
Storytelling Special in March.
We do appreciate you choosingto spend.
Your time with us today.
Thank you for being here.
Now please do share thispodcast with colleagues, friends
and family or anyone else youthink may enjoy it.
(42:42):
Wildlife Matters is a proudlyindependent podcast and we want to
keep it ad free, but it's notfree to produce.
So please if you can supportus on our website's Ways to Help
page.
Our web address is in the shownotes and you will find us on your
(43:05):
search engine of course choice.
But for those with a pen and.
Paper, our website address iswww.wildlife matters.org.
that's www.wildlifematters.org and Wildlife Matters
(43:25):
will return in two weeks timewith a special called the Amazing
Ways Animals Find a Mate.
Yes, it's our Valentine Dayspecial and it's full of fun, fascinating
facts about love.
Don't miss it.
Wild Ones I have been yourhost, Nigel Palmer and this is Wildlife
(43:47):
Matters signing off.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
I'm your host, Nigel Palmer,and this week's show features part
two of our introduction toBritish corvids, where we will look
at the three native corvidsthat are their own genus.
The captivating Chuff, themagnificent Magpie and the Jolly
(00:49):
Jay.
In this week's mindful momentsin nature.
We feature a native mammal whoshould be deep in hibernation in
January.
But Wildlife Matters was soexcited to be able to record them
at a.
Secret location last spring.
Despite the unsettling eventsin the world.
(01:10):
Our love for wildlife and the natural.
World fuels our commitment to conservation.
Although we may feelfrustrated at times, our dedication
remains unwavering, both herein the UK and and wherever we can
make a difference to wildlifeand nature around the world.
(01:32):
Whilst the challenges we allface are immense, our decades of
experience have taught us tobelieve in the power of collaboration
and the people's will.
This belief keeps us focusedon achieving.
Positive outcomes for wildlifeand nature in.
All our current and futurework, instilling hope for a better
(01:54):
future.
This week's Wildlife MattersNature News reflects on some of the
issues we face as we followthe heartbreaking story of Abby,
a former hunting dog fromSpain, who is now fronting a campaign
to end hunting with dogs in Spain.
Abby's story resonates with usat Wildlife Matters as it highlights
(02:18):
the global impact of huntingon wildlife and the immense suffering
of the dogs involved.
We also followed the story ofa fox caught in an illegal snare
in.
Scotland and the successfulprosecution of the gamekeeper who
set it.
Before we head off to Norfolk to.
Find out how bats have causedNorfolk County Council to abandon
(02:43):
their plans for a new bypass.
So, without any further delay,let's head over to our news desk
for this week's WildlifeMatters Nature News.
(03:10):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
And this week's first story isa tragic one of Abby and her fellow
Spanish hunting dogs.
Abby, a former Spanish huntingdog, was found abandoned after losing
her sight with.
A broken toe and a ligaturemark around her neck.
(03:33):
Veterinarians confirmed afterinitial inspection that in.
Addition to being blind, Abbyhad two.
Hernias, oral haematomus, abroken toe and the ligature mark
around her neck.
More than 100 rescue andanimal rights advocates will now
demonstrate at Glasgow greenon Saturday, February 1, to raise
(03:56):
awareness of the pain andsuffering of animals like Abby, who
has thankfully found a.
Second chance of life in Scotland.
On the same day, animal rightsprotesters will march through Manchester
and central London to theSpanish Embassy demanding an end
to hunting with dogs in Spain,usually involving Podenco and the
(04:20):
Galgos breeds.
Abby is front and center ofthe campaign and was rescued after
being abandoned once she wasunable to work through six months
of intensive operations and rehabilitation.
She fought for her health anda second chance at life and she continues
to make the most of every dayand has recently climbed Conic Hill
(04:44):
by Loch Lomond.
In 2022 she won a public voteto be the face of the dog lover show.
February 1st marks the end ofSpain's hunting season when dogs
will be deemed unfit for forhunting and simply discarded.
Many of these dogs are treatedwith extreme cruelty after their
(05:05):
lifetime and the ways ofkilling unwanted dogs are callous
and often designed to extendtheir suffering.
In 2023, Spanish parliamentexcluded hunting dogs from Spain's
new animal welfare law.
In response, Free SpanishHounds are UK.
Based volunteer organizationwas formed that year.
(05:28):
To raise awareness and standin solidarity with the Spanish advocacy
group Plataforma nac.
The UK marches are part of acoordinated effort that includes
similar peaceful protests in48 Spanish cities and 29 other cities
across Europe.
These protests amplify thevoices of those fighting to end the
(05:53):
barbaric practice, TeresaRodriguez, who organises NAC's international
protest, told Wildlife.
By raising awareness of ourplight globally, we aim to encourage
visitors to Spain to protestagainst these practices and create
diplomatic pressure on theSpanish administration.
(06:15):
This approach has succeededwhen European politicians called
for action following ourdemonstrations at the European Parliament
in Strasbourg with the.
Support of the internationalcommunity, including the.
Peaceful protest in London,Glasgow and Manchester on the 1st
of February.
We remain committed to drivingmeaningful change and ensuring better
(06:38):
protection for these dogs.
Abva Shimshai, one of thefounders of Father 3 Spanish Hounds,
said, We will continue toprotest in the UK and be the voice
of these dogs until theSpanish government takes decisive
action to end hunting withdogs and ensure the protection that
the dogs so desperately need.
(06:59):
Together we stand for a futurefree from cruelty and neglect.
Today's second story onWildlife Matters Nature News is one
of a gamekeeper who has beenfined after pleading guilty to illegally
snaring a fox.
A gamekeeper has been finedand ordered to pay a surcharge for
(07:21):
illegally snaring a fox.
Thomas Ebner, 74 from RE inthe Scottish Borders, pleaded guilty
to setting a snare that couldcause unnecessary suffering to any
animal that came into contactwith with it.
The snare was located on landbelonging to Old Castle's farm in
(07:42):
Churnside Fox was caught bythe neck and partially suspended
on a broken fence line.
Ebner was sentenced at SelkirkSheriff's Court.
Sheriff Patterson told Ebner,this is a.
Breach of the act and you knew.
What you were doing and thefox was caused suffering.
But I have to take intoaccount that you have no previous
(08:05):
convictions and you pleaded guilty.
The gamekeeper was fined£1,250 plus a £75 surcharge.
A Scottish SPCA inspector fromthe Special Investigations Unit told
Wildlife Matters, the fox wascaught in a snare along a broken
(08:25):
fence line.
It was seen by members of the.
Public jumping through thefence in considerable distress and
foaming at the mouth.
The snare was wrapped around afour fence post and was bloodstained.
A member of the public was able.
To free the fox from the snare.
This snare was set in a way.
That caused suffering to the fox.
(08:46):
There was a significant riskof it becoming entangled in the fence,
which could.
Have led to strangulation.
It is clear that the fox wasexperiencing both mental and physical
distress.
The animal was also at further risk.
Of injury from surroundingpart four wire and broken wood.
The snare was set by an individual.
(09:07):
Who had attended an officialsnare training.
Course where they were taughtthe correct way to set snares.
This is yet another example ofthe cruel impact snares can have
on animal welfare and theunnecessary suffering that they cause.
We welcome a ban on snares andimplemented by the Scottish Government.
(09:28):
A ban on snares was enacted inMarch 2024 as part of the Wildlife
Management and MewbournScotland Act.
The inspector continued, wehave also been given additional investigative
powers to tackle wildlife crime.
These powers allow ourinspectors, who are already investigating
animal welfare offenses, tosearch, examine and seize evidence.
(09:53):
The bill includes variousmeasures to protect wildlife, such
as a ban on all forms ofsnares and glue traps.
Wildlife Matters has longcalled for an outright ban on snares
due to the suffering theyinflict on animals.
Whether used legally orillegally, animals caught in snares
can endure unimaginablephysical and mental anguish.
(10:15):
Snares are non selective andcan harm both domestic and non target
animals.
Our third story takes us to Norfolk.
Where plans for a link roadhave been withdrawn due to concerns
about bats.
Norfolk County Council wasseeking approval from the government
to build a 274 million.
(10:37):
Norwich Western Link road.
However, last year theproject's future was.
In doubt because NaturalEngland changed rules protecting
the rare Barber Stell bats onthe proposed roads route.
Conservative Councillor GrahamPlant said that the road remained
a priority project, but the.
Council could not resolve theissue and.
(10:58):
Withdrew its planning application.
The 3.9 mile, or 6.2 kilometerNorwich Western Link, which had been
planned for years, wouldconnect the northern distributor
road.
The NDR, to the A47.
The County Council said thatthe road would cut traffic congestion,
(11:18):
reduce journey times andimprove air quality in the local
community.
However, opponents suggestedthat it would badly damage the environment
in the Wenson Valley.
And encourage more car use.
Brian Watkins, leader of theLiberal Democrats, said the roadwork
had already left the councilmillions of of pounds out of pocket.
(11:42):
Labour's Steve Morphew saidthe scheme was clearly flawed and
that the council had.
Been warned time and timeagain that questions over its viability
had been raised.
And the Greens Jamie Osbournesaid the application withdrawal was
the final nail in the coffinfor the planned road.
DEFRA declined to comment toWildlife Matters.
(12:04):
And in fact referred us to Natural.
Image England, where JamesMarshall, Natural England's deputy
director for Norfolk andSuffolk, said Natural England was
clear that development and.
Nature can go hand in hand.
But he said Barber Stell batswere incredibly rare and that the
proposed route would destroyone of the largest remaining populations
(12:27):
in the uk.
We have worked closely withNorfolk County Council for more than
four years on the proposedNorwich Western Link Road and consistently
advised on our significantconcerns, he said.
The Department of Transportspokesman said we will continue to
work with Norfolk CountyCouncil on measures to improve congestion
(12:50):
in the area and that has beenthis week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(13:14):
With so much pressure onwildlife and the natural world right
now, it is more important thanever to remain within nature, which
is where we we genuinely belong.
Nature is a natural healer for our.
Physical and mental well being.
Wildlife Matters has longadvocated that spending.
(13:35):
Time in nature is essentialfor good.
Physical and psychologicalhealth and can be.
Vital for those who live with or.
Are recovering from physicalor mental problems.
Last spring Wildlife Matterswas fortunate to.
Join a small team that spent several.
(13:55):
Nights surveying a secretlocation for bats.
We took our sound equipmentand hired.
Some very clever high techequipment so we can record something
truly amazing for.
You, something that is beyondthe range of human hearing.
(14:16):
So if it's safe to do so, stopwhatever you're doing, be still and
be silent for a minute or twoand enjoy the incredible sound of
bats leaving their roost to goforaging at dusk.
On this week's WildlifeMatters, mindful moments.
(14:41):
Sa it it.
(16:03):
We hope you enjoyed.
That unique audio immersioninto the world of bats.
What an incredible experience.
I stood at the roost entrancewith my parabolic microphone and
a backpack full of techy equipment.
But I couldn't hear the bats.
I could feel them as they flewclose by me, so close that I'm.
(16:26):
Sure I could hear the sound oftheir wings.
But otherwise I withstood incomplete silence.
Now I'm sure you can imagine how.
I felt when I heard the audio.
That we have just shared with you.
Bats have always held aspecial place in my heart.
From childhood evenings spentin our neighbour's.
(16:48):
Orchard watching thepipistrelles at dusk, to the breathtaking
sight of Barbara Stells skimming.
The lake's surface as I sat inmy kayak, bats have never failed
to captivate me.
So it has been an absolutepleasure to share this unique audio
experience with you on thisweek's Wildlife Matters.
(17:12):
Mindful moments.
And now it's time to.
Join me for part two of Wildlife.
Matters Introduction toBritish Corvids in this week's Wildlife
Matters main features.
(17:42):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
And in part two of ourintroduction to the corvids of Britain,
we focus.
On the three corvid species,all belonging to different genera,
and today we'll uncover thedistinct features and behaviors of
the.
Chough, the magpie and thejay, three.
(18:05):
Corvid species that stand outin the avian world.
The Chuff is also known as thered billed chuff.
It's a bird species in thePyrocoraxa genus.
It stands out with its uniquecharacteristics such as its distinctive
red bill and legs and itsimpressive acrobatic flights around
(18:27):
seaside cliffs, often in flocks.
The other species in thisgenus is the alpine or yellow billed
chuff, but here in the BritishIsles the chuff is found in Wales,
Cornwall and the Isle of Man,parts of western Scotland and Ireland.
Unfortunately, changes inlivestock management and persecution
(18:49):
have led to a decline in their.
Populations and they becameextinct over much of England.
The chuffs, scientific namePihocarax pihocarax is an example
of a tautonym where the genusand the specific name are the same.
This non migratory resident isthe least.
(19:12):
Common member of the crowfamily here in Britain and is also
known as the Cornish Chuff.
The adults have similar appearances.
Both have glossy black plumagewith blue green sheen.
They also have striking redlegs and a long tapered, slightly
curved bright bill.
(19:32):
Their eyes are black and they have.
Large square wings and asquare tail.
They are slightly larger than jackdaws.
Juvenile plumage has a mattelook compared to the adults with
a pale orange red Bill andorange red legs.
Chuffs enjoy feeding from oldcoastal pastures, digging up earthworms,
(19:56):
beetles, ants and otherreadily available insects and invertebrates.
Using their purpose designedbill to probe deep into the soil.
They will also take smallmollusks and lichen.
Chuffs are found throughoutsouthern Europe and beyond.
However, they have onlyrecently been reintroduced to remote
locations in the far west ofWales, the far west of Scotland and
(20:21):
Cornwall.
Chuffs do favour sea caves,ruined buildings or holes and fissures
on cliff faces to nest in.
They tend to inhabit mountainareas or high coastal cliffs.
According to Cornish legend,King Arthur was transformed into
a chough on his deathbed,hence the bird's red bill and legs.
(20:43):
Cornwall's county crestfeatures a single chuff, and in the
1960s the coat of arms for theDuchy of Cornwall incorporated two
chuffs facing each other.
Choughs often fly in pairs orsmall flocks, soaring and diving
around cliff edges, and theyare both graceful and agile.
(21:07):
The fingers of their primarywing feathers.
Are easy to spot from theground as they cavort overhead in
an endless exhibition ofaerobatic maneuvering.
Their nests can be bulky.
They're made of sticks, roots,heather and.
Other plants and lined withhair and sheep's wool.
One brood of three to fivewhite eggs with brown or grey blotches
(21:31):
is produced between May andJuly each year.
The second corvid specieswe're going to look at today is the
Eurasian magpie, scientificname Pika Pika the magpie, also known
as the common magpie, is adistinctive bird native to the British
(21:53):
Isles.
It is the only magpie speciesfound in this region, with the Iberian
magpie being the only othermagpie species found in Europe.
The magpie has a pied plumageof black and white blue wings and
a long tail which makes iteasily identifiable.
The scientific name pika pikais an example of a tautonym where
(22:17):
the genus and the specificname are the same.
The magpie is a long tailedcorvid with stunning black and white
plumage, making it morestriking than many of the other crow
species.
It is also one of the mostintelligent birds in the world, a
fact that often surprises andimpresses bird enthusiasts.
(22:40):
It is often associated withvarious superstitions, adding to
its mystique.
Magpies are around the size ofa dove, with their large diamond
shaped tails making up abouthalf of their total body length.
They weigh between 160 and upto around 250 grams, with females
(23:00):
generally being lighter thanthe males.
Adult wingspans do varybetween 52 and around 60 cm juvenile
magpies resemble adults, butthey have shorter tails and a duller
plumage without the iridescent gloss.
These unmistakable birds haveblack heads, backs and chests with
(23:25):
pure white underparts andlarge patches above and below each
wing.
Males and females aredifficult to distinguish, although
the females are slightly smaller.
Magpies are classified assongbirds, although their calls may
not be as pleasant to.
The ear as many.
However, they have aremarkable vocal range and can produce
(23:50):
such a wide variety of calls,including warbling and mimicry.
Magpies are omnivores and relyheavily on live and dead animals
as their primary food source.
They are intelligent andopportunistic scavengers and hunters
who mostly scavenge on the ground.
(24:11):
They will also raid nests andoccasionally catch flying prey.
Their diet includes beetles,insects, rodents, frogs, reptiles,
eggs, nestlings, small adultbirds, roadkill fruit, berries and
seeds.
During times of abundance,magpies demonstrate an exciting behavior
(24:35):
called caching.
They bury excess food aroundtheir territory to consume when food
is scarce.
Baby magpies feed on insectsand other soft foods, such as meat
scraps.
Both the male and femalemagpies take part in feeding their
young, although the malesusually provide more food.
(24:58):
Magpies are common in the uk.
You can easily spot them nearyour home.
They have an extensive globaldistribution, too, including virtually
all of Europe and extending.
Through Asia to North Koreaand Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Magpies are habitatgeneralists at home in gardens, parks
(25:19):
and farmland, and, of course.
In urban areas, a realtestament to their adaptability.
However, they avoid treelesslandscapes and dense forests, showing
their preference for a morevaried environment.
When foraging for food,magpies walk or run along the ground,
but they spend.
(25:39):
Most of their time perched on buildings.
Walls, trees and otherstructures, safe from terrestrial
predators.
Their feet have three toespointing forwards and one pointing
backwards, giving them adistinctive, uneven, jerky motion.
When they're walking, you havea good chance of seeing magpies near
(26:01):
your home.
Wherever you live in theUnited Kingdom.
Listen out for their loud,chattering call to locate these intelligent
birds.
Magpies short, rounded wingsin flight show large white panels
on the hand.
They flutter when on thestraight course with occasional sweeping
glides.
And when on the ground, theymake strong bounds while the tail
(26:24):
jerks up and down.
Magpies carry a confident,almost arrogant air about them.
They sometimes gather in noisyflocks that can be from five to about
25 birds, and that is known asa magpie parliament.
And in winter, they may roostin larger flocks containing up to
(26:45):
300 individual birds.
The average lifespan of amagpie is.
Three to five years, but some can.
Live for more than 20 years now.
Despite their bold nature,magpies still face threats from predators
such as domestic cats and foxes.
Birds of prey such as femalesparrowhawks and tawny owls are also
(27:10):
known to hunt magpies.
Magpies are protected underthe Wildlife and countryside act
of 1981.
There are around 650,000magpies in the United Kingdom and
they have a Green conservationstatus which means they are classified
as of least concern.
(27:32):
Magpies prepare their nests inwinter, although they only lay eggs
in April.
They build their nests intrees or thorny vegetation to protect
themselves from predators.
Building their large domeshaped nests can take several weeks
and male and female magpiesare involved in the construction.
(27:53):
Magpies usually lay betweenfive and seven eggs which are blue,
green and speckled.
Each egg is around 35millimeters long and 24 millimeters
wide.
Magpie pairs mate for life andthey form a close bond.
They will stay together evenduring the non breeding season when
(28:14):
they may join larger flocks.
Despite this, magpies are notthe most popular in the uk, partly
because of their cheeky natureand their tendency to raid other
birds nests.
Magpies can be very aggressivetowards each other.
During the breeding seasonthey will call and perch in prominent
(28:35):
positions to warn off intruders.
However, if these warnings areignored, territorial pairs may result
to physical violence.
Magpies are also known to actaggressively towards other birds
such as gulls and sparrowhawks.
They may even harass otheranimals such as squirrels sometimes.
(28:55):
Additionally, they candominate other birds at bird tables,
especially if meaty foods are available.
During the breeding season,magpies sleep near their nests.
In the winter they often roostin large communal flocks.
Sometimes up to 1700individuals have been recorded in
Europe.
(29:16):
Magpies are present in theUnited Kingdom throughout the year,
even on the coldest of winterdays, although they will travel longer
distances to avoid extremeweather elsewhere in Europe and Asia,
they are generally sedentaryand usually spend their lives within
a radius of a few kilometers.
Therefore, they are notconsidered as migrants.
(29:39):
According to an old magpienursery rhyme, a single magpie is
an omen of bad luck, whilsttwo magpies signify joy.
Some superstitious individualsstill resort to amusing antics like
saluting the birds andcalling, calling out Good Morning
Mr.
Or Mrs.
Magpie to prevent any misfortune.
(30:02):
Magpies are intelligent birdsthat generally regard humans as a
potential threat.
A study suggested that theycan recognize individual human faces
and will respond negativelytowards people who have previously
threatened their nests whilstignoring other humans.
They are one of just threeknown birds with this ability, many
(30:26):
bird lovers criticize magpiesfor their nest raiding habits.
However, these birds arefollowing their instincts and survival
strategies.
And there's no evidence thatmagpies reduce songbird numbers through
predation, although they candeter more welcome birds from visiting
our garden.
(30:47):
Magpies are shy and nervous birds.
Wild individuals do not tameeasily and will usually take off
at the slightest hint of danger.
And our third and the finalcorvid species we're looking at today
is the Eurasian jay.
(31:07):
The jay is a member of thecrow family.
It doesn't have the iridescentblack coloration of other corvids,
but it has a cinnamon body,black and white wings with an electric
blue wing bar, a white rump, ablack tail and a pale streaked crown
with a black moustache.
(31:28):
Both the male and the femalejays look alike and juveniles have
darker reddish brown plumageand a bolder black barring.
On the blue wing patch.
Although they have a mix ofcolors, jays are hard to spot because
they are typically found inwoodlands where their plumage blends
in beautifully.
(31:49):
Jays are relatively shy andare known for caching food, especially
acorns to eat later.
They usually bury them inautumn and retrieve them throughout
the winter months.
The jay is a medium sized birdthat is larger than a blackbird.
It has a body length of around30ft 5cm with well developed legs,
(32:12):
a medium length tail and bill.
Jays will weigh 140 up toaround 200 grams, making them the
smallest Corvid in the UK.
With a 52 to 58 centimeter wingspan.
Jays have a surprising vocal range.
Their typical call is araucous rasping screech often produced
(32:37):
when they are alarmed bypredators or humans.
But these intelligent birdscan mimic other birds and even mammals
such as horses and cats.
They frequently mimic the callof the buzzard, so take a closer
look next time you hear the kiA ki.
A as it might just be a jay.
(32:58):
Jays have a varied diet too, and.
Their habit of storing foodshows an impressive level of forward
planning.
Jays are opportunistic andomnivorous, although specific wood
food sources dominate their diet.
Various fruits and nuts inaddition to invertebrates, small
mammals, birds, eggs andnestlings are all on the J's menu.
(33:22):
Acorns are an essentialcomponent of their diet and are often
cached to provide a foodsource in the winter.
Jays are usually shy aroundhumans but can be found on garden
bird tables where they willeat peanuts and suet.
Baby jays rely on both parentsto bring food back to the nest.
(33:44):
Insects are the most crucialfood source for the Young and these
are collected nearby.
Jay chicks fledge the nestafter about three weeks, but may
be fed for another two monthsor more before gaining their full
independence.
The range of the jay in the UKis extensive, with their population
(34:05):
growing towards the north andthe west.
However, due to certainspecific requirements, their habitat
availability is limited.
They can be found almosteverywhere except in the high lying
areas of Scotland, northernEngland and in some coastal areas
on the east coast.
(34:25):
The jay is a woodland speciesthat prefers habitats with abundant
oak and beech trees.
They can also be found in ourgardens, parks and orchards.
Jays live in well wooded andforested areas.
They spend most of their timein trees searching for insects and
other food.
They will occasionally comedown to the ground to search for
(34:48):
acorns and bury extra foodunder the leaf litter.
The Eurasian jay is widelydistributed throughout the Northern
hemisphere, ranging fromIreland in the west to Japan in the
east.
They can be found as far southas the southeast of Asia and the
north of Africa.
Jays are common in the UnitedKingdom but rarely seen outside woodland
(35:12):
habitats.
There are estimated to be170,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
As we said, jays are shy andcautious birds.
They are usually seen flyingaway from an observer showing rounded
wings and a striking black andwhite rump and tail pattern whilst
emitting a harsh alarm call.
(35:35):
Their flight ischaracteristically bouncy.
Although they may form smallgroups outside of the breeding season,
they prefer a solitary existence.
The jays average lifeExpectancy is around four years,
although there are records ofbirds surviving between 16 to 18
years in the wild.
(35:57):
Jays are vulnerable topredation from predators such as
sparrowhawks, goshawks anddomestic cats.
The Wildlife and countrysideact of 1981 protects Eurasian jays
in the United Kingdom.
They are not consideredendangered and are assessed as of
least concern on the ICUN Red List.
(36:20):
They have a green conservation status.
Male jays typically choose thenest site in a coniferous or broadleafed
tree.
They build the nest at thejunction of the trunk and a giant
branch, usually well hidden by foliage.
They may also occasionallynest in vines, creepers, cavities
(36:42):
on buildings and larger nest boxes.
Jays begin breeding in theirsecond year.
They nest in the spring andproduce a single brood each year.
Egg laying usually occurs inearly to mid May.
Incubation takes 16 or 17 daysand the young birds fledge the nest
(37:03):
after.
19 to 23 days.
Jays in the UK typically willlay four or five olive green eggs
with fine brown spec.
The average egg isapproximately 30 millimetres long
and around 23 millimeters wide.
Like most corvids, jays matefor life and maintain a strong pair
(37:27):
bond.
Through courtship displays andmutual feeding, the males will observe
their partners to determinetheir desired food.
Jays are highly intelligentbirds, known for their ability to
mimic other species, storefood for future needs and provide
their partners with theirfavorite food.
(37:48):
They belong to the corvidfamily, which is known for its intelligence
during the breeding season.
Jays are territorial and canbe aggressive towards other birds.
They will chase theiroffspring away before they begin
to nest in the following yearand may even resort to physical conflict
if necessary.
(38:09):
However, compared to theirAmerican counterparts, jays in the
UK are not actually known fortheir aggression.
Jays play a crucial role inshaping the natural environment and
creating habitats they require.
By planting oak trees duringautumn, they are said to bury over
(38:29):
2,000 acorns, many of which germinate.
And by transporting acornsinto fields, jays can regenerate
woodland edges that humanactivities like farming have destroyed.
Jays are generally residentthroughout the year and rarely move
long distances.
However, continental birdsfrom northern Europe may form considerable
(38:53):
flocks in years when acornsare scarce and migrate to neighbouring
regions, including the United Kingdom.
They are native to the UK andhave been recorded for hundreds of
years, even in the works ofWilliam Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Jays and magpiesbelong to the Corvidiae family but
(39:13):
are not the same bird.
Magpies are pied long tailedbirds from the Pica genus, whilst
jays are smaller, colourfulspecies from the garrulous genus.
Despite their woodlandheritage, jays can be seen in London's
parks and gardens.
They are more habituated toour presence and may be bolder and
(39:35):
more accessible to observethan their wilder relatives.
We hope you've enjoyedWildlife Matters guide to the Corvids
of Britain.
Please listen to part one tolearn more about the raven, the rook,
hooded and carrion crows andthe jackdaws.
Here at Wildlife Matters, weare huge.
(39:57):
Fans of corvids and we'llbring you.
In depth studies on each of these.
Captivating corvids, includingsome field studies in future episodes.
And that has been this week'sWildlife Matters main feature.
(40:26):
Well, I hope you've enjoyedlearning more about the charismatic
corvids that call call theBritish Isles home.
One of the main reasons formaking this podcast is to educate,
engage and entertain as weshare our experiences and lifelong
passion for wildlife and thenatural world.
(40:48):
To have one episode withcorvids and.
Bats is a dream for me.
They are two of the mostfascinating and captivating species
here in the uk, yet both arehugely underappreciated and often
feared and persecuted.
Do let us know your favoriteplant or animal species and let's
(41:10):
see if we can share an episode.
It would be fantastic if you could.
Share your knowledge aboutyour passion on this podcast.
Please do get in touch.
Our email address ishello@wildlife matters.org that's
hello@wildlife matters.org Iwant to say thank you to everyone
(41:35):
who left us a comment on lastweek's Part one of our corvid double
episode and those of you whoare still discovering our nature
storytelling in the Christmas special.
We do read all of your comments.
On our social media channelsand I.
Try to reply to as many as possible.
(41:57):
Following on from yourfeedback, I've decided to share more
nature based folklore stories.
So please do subscribe to theWildlife Matters podcast so you never
miss an episode and be sure tojoin us around the campfire on the
equinoxes and.
Solstices throughout the year.
(42:19):
We'll be beginning with theSpring Equinox.
Storytelling Special in March.
We do appreciate you choosingto spend.
Your time with us today.
Thank you for being here.
Now please do share thispodcast with colleagues, friends
and family or anyone else youthink may enjoy it.
(42:42):
Wildlife Matters is a proudlyindependent podcast and we want to
keep it ad free, but it's notfree to produce.
So please if you can supportus on our website's Ways to Help
page.
Our web address is in the shownotes and you will find us on your
(43:05):
search engine of course choice.
But for those with a pen and.
Paper, our website address iswww.wildlife matters.org.
that's www.wildlifematters.org and Wildlife Matters
(43:25):
will return in two weeks timewith a special called the Amazing
Ways Animals Find a Mate.
Yes, it's our Valentine Dayspecial and it's full of fun, fascinating
facts about love.
Don't miss it.
Wild Ones I have been yourhost, Nigel Palmer and this is Wildlife
(43:47):
Matters signing off.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.