Why is the gray jay Canada’s national bird?
When did the gray jay become Canada’s national bird?
Who chose the gray jay as Canada’s national bird?
What does a gray jay represent?
Learn more about Canada’s national bird
common problem
Canada’s national bird, officially chosen four and a half years ago, is the ever-charming gray jay (Canadian white-bellied snake), sometimes called Whiskey Jack.
To someone unfamiliar with the bird, the gray jay might seem like an odd choice. However, once you understand the qualities and significance of this bird, you will understand why it is a perfect choice.
The gray jay – native to the entire country – has long been revered by the Aboriginal people; its importance is especially appreciated by the Cree. In fact, the name Whiskey Jack comes from the Cree traditional name for the bird, WisakedjakGraybirds are also an important indicator species – their presence helps in studies of the health of Canada’s boreal and mountain forests.
These are just a few of the reasons why it was decided to name the gray jay the national bird of Canada. In this article, we take a deeper dive into why this jay is a perfect choice and what it represents. We’ll also discuss the gray jay as a species. Read on to discover more!
Canada’s national bird, the gray jay
Why is the gray jay Canada’s national bird?
The gray jay was chosen as Canada’s national bird because, after much deliberation, no other bird fit that bill better. Gray crows are tough, curious, friendly, and historic. They are known by indigenous peoples as teachers and messengers of the forest. Gray birds help hunters by making warning calls when other predators are nearby, and help lost people find their way home.
Even today, gray jays are known to follow hikers, skiers, and anyone else who wanders the mountains and forests of Canada. When a person chooses to go on an outing with you, they make great companions.
Their curiosity often makes them follow people for a long time. They’ll also hang out around your campsite. Their friendly nature is seen as representative of Canada as a whole.
This small but legendary bird is also native to all 13 provinces and territories. Gray jays are found throughout Canada throughout the year. It persists in northern mountains and boreal forests long after other birds have migrated south to warmer regions.
Despite its relatively small size, this jay has been known to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Whiskey jacks do very well in the harsh Canadian winters.
This is further evidenced by their habit of building nests and hatching eggs as early as February, when the snow is still thick in the taiga.
Canadian Gray Jay in the Snow
When did the gray jay become Canada’s national bird?
The voting and decision-making process to choose Canada’s national bird began in 2015. However, a formal decision was not made until 2017. More than 100 birds were in the running, but after careful consideration, five were finally selected for voting.
The common loon actually won the popular vote, but the Royal Geographical Society of Canada chose the gray jay instead. The society believes that this jay is more representative of Canada as a whole.
Who chose the gray jay as Canada’s national bird?
The Royal Geographical Society of Canada has chosen the gray jay as Canada’s national bird. It took almost two years to finalize the decision due to much debate surrounding the decision. Ultimately, the society decided that the gray jay was a better fit than the popular choice common loon.
gray jay in flight
What does a gray jay represent?
In Aboriginal tradition, seeing gray jays in the morning is a good omen. Traditionally, the bird is seen as a wise teacher, even a guide. In general, gray crows represent a kind and resilient spirit. These crows are historically known as the companions of those that roam the forests of Canada’s north.
Learn more about Canada’s national bird
identify
Gray birds are members of the Corvidae family (i.e., crows, ravens, bluejays, tiger jays). They are slightly smaller than blue jays and lack a crest. Their bodies are medium gray to dark gray, while their heads are white except for a dark gray patch on the crown.
Males and females are sexually dimorphic, meaning there is no color variation in their plumage.
Habitat
Gray jays are native to boreal and mountain forests in North America. Its main territory is located in Canada. However, the jay is also found throughout the subalpine ranges of the mountainous western United States.
Gray birds do not migrate, therefore, they are permanent residents within their territory. Habitats include coniferous or mixed forests and deciduous forests. Several qualities make these birds unique, but their ability to survive the harsh northern mountain winters is most astonishing.
Gray Jay or Whiskey Jack in its natural habitat
nesting
Gray jays typically nest in conifers such as Douglas fir, black pine, and western hemlock. Nests are constructed from twigs, bark strips and lichen. The interior is lined with feathers or fur left by mammals.
Eggs are laid as early as February, usually requiring the female to hatch during periods of heavy snow. There are some pretty shocking pictures of the females in their nests, barely visible due to the snow. Females do get up from the nest quite often (every 10-15 minutes) to shake off the snow.
Canadian gray jay on the ground
common problem
Is it the Canada Jay or the Gray Jay?
The gray jay was originally known by ornithologists as the Canadian jay. However, in 1957, the Union of American Ornithologists changed the bird’s common name to the gray jay.
What is Canada’s National Treasure?
The beaver was chosen as Canada’s national animal in 1975.
Canada’s national treasure, the beaver
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.