The hidden truth: unexpected acorn caching sites by Eurasian Jays (Garrulus glandarius L.) re-examined

Abstract

Eurasian Jays (Garrulus glandarius) typically store seeds on the ground in shallow caches, promoting tree recruitment. However, speculation exists that Eurasian Jays occasionally store a portion of seeds in microhabitats unsuitable for proper germination. Here, we report that unexpected caching sites in Eurasian Jays can be much more widespread than previously considered and despite their accidental character it seems to be a durable aspect of Eurasian Jay’s hoarding behavior. Out of 259 removed acorns of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), we localized 31 consumed and 222 stored acorns. Six experimental acorns (3% of stored acorns) were found stored by jays in unexpected caching sites: (i) above the ground on individuals of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), (ii) inside the woody stems of Reynoutria sp. individuals, (iii) in a rotten trunk, and (iv) among ruin debris. Our findings suggest the need to revise our understanding of so-called unexpected caching in Eurasian Jays. This highlights a previously overlooked aspect of oak-jay interactions, offering a valuable piece to the puzzle.