After a long, hot summer day in the already drought-poor southern Brandenburg, the air still shimmers slightly over the field. The chattering calls of Eurasian Jays (Garrulus glandarius) can be heard in the trees all along. But nothing can be seen. Suddenly, one of the jays lands at the edge of a shallow spring draining a hillside. In midsummer, this is the only source of water for miles around. With jerky movements, it dips its feathers into the water, shakes itself, and beats its wings – a small explosion of drops and feathers.
Bathing is part of the so-called comfort behavior of the Eurasian Jay – as with many songbirds. It not only serves to clean its feathers but also to regulate its temperature. Especially on hot days, the jay shows an increased need to actively cool its body. By immersing itself in water and then shaking itself, excess heat can be efficiently dissipated.
Observations show that jays prefer to bathe in the early morning or late afternoon in summer – when temperatures are high but direct sunlight is less intense. They choose their bathing spots carefully. While small birds, such as the Great Tit (Parus major), tend to prefer sheltered wet spots, often with overhanging branches, jays prefer shallow, easily accessible watering holes with a clear view of the surrounding area. These are preferred, presumably because of the increased alertness to potential predators.
In addition to the cooling effect, bathing plays a central role in feather preening. Wet feathers are then easier to arrange with the beak (preening or “decorating”). This removes loose feathers, and the feather structure remains intact – crucial for insulation and flight characteristics. The water also helps reduce external parasites such as lice or mites, which is particularly important during the warm summer months.
Although the Eurasian Jay often appears alone outside of the breeding season, several individuals can occasionally be observed bathing at popular watering holes, one after the other or even simultaneously. They often display mutual attention—a behavior that can be interpreted as a sign of complex social interaction.
Images were shot remote with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM on a Canon R 5 via Smartphone and the Canon-App.
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