Perisoreus canadensis
adult
The Gray Jay is a large-headed, plump-bodied songbird with soft-looking plumage. The sexes are similar. Adults have a dark gray back, separated from the dark gray rear crown by a pale gray nape. The rest of the face, and the underparts, are pale gray. The wings are dark, with subtly pale feather margins in most birds, and the tail is dark. Birds from the northwest of the species’ range have the darkest upperparts and birds from the southwest are palest overall. Juveniles differ from adults in being uniformly dark gray.
The Gray Jay is a resident breeding species across northern North America and in western mountain ranges. Outside the breeding season it is often seen in small roving groups. Birds tend to be inquisitive and opportunistic feeders, so if you go camping within the species’ range it is likely to come to you, on the lookout for food scraps.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 11.5 in (29 cm)
FOOD Wide range of foods, from seeds and berries to insects and campfire scraps
HABITAT Northern and upland conifer forests
STATUS Widespread and fairly common resident
VOICE Not especially vocal. Calls include a fluty, whistled wheeo and a harsh, chattering chakk
