Huge flocks of Pinyon Jays are visiting our feeders this week to get ready for winter. They are picking out the sunflower seeds and swallowing them whole. Why?
Answer:
Pinyon Jays have a large crop, a part of their esophagus which stretches to let them temporarily swallow quite a few seeds. The jay will then hide the seeds to store them for use in the winter. Pinyon Jays are very good at remembering the places they have hidden seeds, giving them plenty to eat during the long, cold winter.
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