What Is the National Bird of Canada?

The national bird of Canada is the gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis), officially recognized as the country's avian symbol in 2016 after a nationwide campaign led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Canadian Geographic. This decision marked a significant moment in Canadian natural history, answering the long-standing question: what is the national bird of Canada? Unlike many countries with longstanding official birds, Canada had remained without one for over a century—until the gray jay emerged victorious from a public vote that attracted over 50,000 participants. Also known regionally as the whiskey jack or moosebird, this hardy, intelligent songbird thrives in boreal and subalpine forests across the nation, making it a fitting emblem of resilience, adaptability, and northern wilderness.

Historical Context: Why Did Canada Wait So Long?

Despite being home to more than 450 bird species, Canada did not have an official national bird until 2016—a surprising gap considering that most other G7 nations had established theirs decades earlier. For example, the United States adopted the bald eagle in 1782, while France chose the Gallic rooster long before modern statehood. The absence was not due to lack of interest but rather a combination of political hesitation and debate over which species best represented the country’s vast ecological and cultural diversity.

Efforts to designate a national bird date back to at least the 1920s, when naturalists and educators began advocating for symbolic recognition of native wildlife. However, no formal legislation was ever passed. It wasn’t until 2014 that momentum built significantly, when Canadian Geographic launched a public initiative to finally settle the matter. A shortlist of 40 birds was curated based on criteria such as uniqueness to North America, representation across provinces and territories, cultural importance to Indigenous peoples, and year-round presence in Canada.

The Public Vote: How the Gray Jay Won

In 2015, Canadians were invited to vote online for their preferred candidate among five finalists: the common loon, snowy owl, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, and gray jay. Each species carried symbolic weight:

• Common Loon: Already featured on the Canadian one-dollar coin (“loonie”), widely beloved for its haunting calls.
• Snowy Owl: Iconic Arctic predator, gained pop culture fame through Harry Potter’s Hedwig.
• Black-capped Chickadee: Friendly, widespread, and often seen in backyard feeders.
• Blue Jay: Striking appearance, bold personality, but also common in the U.S., reducing its distinctiveness.
• Gray Jay: Native only to North America, primarily found in Canada’s boreal forest, deeply rooted in Indigenous oral traditions.

The gray jay received approximately 16,000 votes—more than any other contender—securing its place as the top choice. Ornithologists and conservationists praised the selection for highlighting a lesser-known but ecologically vital species. On November 23, 2016, Senator Pat Carney introduced a motion in the Senate to formally adopt the gray jay as Canada’s national bird, citing its endurance in harsh climates and deep ties to First Nations stories.

Bird Species	Votes (Approx.)	Key Attributes	Range in Canada
Gray Jay	16,000	Hardy, non-migratory, culturally significant	Transcontinental boreal and mountain forests
Common Loon	10,000	National icon, appears on currency	Lakes across Canada during breeding season
Snowy Owl	8,000	Arctic symbol, migratory patterns vary	Year-round in the north; irregular southern visits
Black-capped Chickadee	7,500	Familiar backyard bird, cheerful call	Widespread in forests and urban areas
Blue Jay	6,000	Colorful, intelligent, but shared with U.S.	Eastern provinces

Cultural and Indigenous Significance

The gray jay holds profound meaning in several Indigenous cultures across Canada. Among Algonquian-speaking peoples—including the Cree, Ojibwe, and Innu—the bird is known as Wisakedjak (or Whisky Jack), a benevolent trickster and culture hero who features prominently in creation myths and moral teachings. These narratives predate European contact and reflect centuries of observation and respect for the bird’s intelligence and boldness around humans.

This cultural resonance strengthened the case for the gray jay’s designation. Unlike the bald eagle in the U.S., which carries militaristic connotations, the gray jay embodies cooperation, survival, and wisdom—values aligned with Canadian identity. Its ability to thrive in remote, cold environments mirrors the experiences of northern communities and fur traders who historically relied on its presence as a sign of nearby human activity or food caches.

Biological Profile: What Makes the Gray Jay Unique?

Perisoreus canadensis belongs to the Corvidae family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies—renowned for their cognitive abilities. Here are some key biological traits that distinguish the gray jay:

• Appearance: Soft gray upperparts, white forehead and throat, pale underparts, and a dark tail. No sexual dimorphism; males and females look alike.
• Diet: Omnivorous and opportunistic—feeds on insects, berries, eggs, small mammals, carrion, and even human food scraps.
• Food Caching Behavior: Stores thousands of food items each summer by coating them in sticky saliva and hiding them under bark or moss. This adaptation allows survival through long winters.
• Non-Migratory Nature: One of the few songbirds that remains in northern forests year-round, including temperatures below -30°C (-22°F).
• Reproduction: Breeds in late winter (February–March), laying 3–4 eggs. Chicks hatch in cold conditions and depend entirely on parental care.
• Lifespan: Up to 17 years in the wild—an exceptionally long life for a small passerine.

These adaptations make the gray jay a model organism for studying behavioral ecology and climate resilience. Scientists monitor populations closely, especially as warming temperatures threaten boreal ecosystems.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat

The gray jay inhabits coniferous forests across Canada, from coast to coast. Its range extends from Alaska through Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. It is particularly abundant in spruce-fir and pine-dominated woodlands above 600 meters elevation.

While primarily a resident species, young birds may disperse southward in autumn, occasionally appearing in northern U.S. states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine. However, unlike irruptive migrants such as crossbills or snowy owls, these movements are limited and predictable.

Conservation Status and Environmental Challenges

Currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the gray jay faces emerging threats due to climate change. Warmer autumns increase spoilage rates of cached food, reducing winter survival. Additionally, habitat fragmentation from logging and resource extraction disrupts nesting success.

Long-term studies in Algonquin Provincial Park show declining reproductive success linked to rising fall temperatures. If current trends continue, southern portions of the gray jay’s range could contract significantly by 2080. Protecting intact boreal forests remains critical—not just for this species, but for carbon sequestration and biodiversity overall.

How to See the Gray Jay: Tips for Birdwatchers

For aspiring birders hoping to observe Canada’s national bird in the wild, here are practical tips:

1. Visit Boreal Forests: Head to national or provincial parks within the boreal zone, such as Banff, Jasper, Riding Mountain, La Mauricie, or Terra Nova.
2. Listen for Calls: The gray jay makes soft chattering, whistling, and mimicry sounds. It lacks the loud cry of a raven but may imitate other birds.
3. Bring Food (Cautiously): Though they readily approach humans, feeding wild birds can alter natural behaviors. If permitted, offer unsalted nuts or dried fruit sparingly.
4. Respect Distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens. Avoid disturbing nests, especially during breeding season (Feb–Apr).
5. Join Guided Tours: Many eco-lodges and nature centers offer winter birding excursions featuring gray jays.

Photographers should note that lighting in dense coniferous forests can be low; a higher ISO setting may be necessary. Early morning hours yield the most active behavior.

Common Misconceptions About Canada’s National Bird

Despite official recognition, confusion persists about Canada’s national bird. Some common misunderstandings include:

• Misconception 1: “The common loon is Canada’s national bird.” While iconic and featured on currency, the loon has never been officially designated.
• Misconception 2: “The gray jay is just another name for the blue jay.” They are different species—blue jays are brighter colored and more aggressive; gray jays are paler and more trusting of people.
• Misconception 3: “It’s called ‘whiskey jack’ because settlers drank whiskey and saw the bird.” Actually, the name derives from Indigenous pronunciation of Wisakedjak.
• Misconception 4: “All Canadians automatically accept the gray jay.” While scientifically sound, some citizens still favor the loon emotionally.

Official Recognition vs. Popular Perception

Although the gray jay was selected through a rigorous process and endorsed by experts, it does not yet appear on official emblems like coats of arms or currency. There is no federal law mandating its use in government materials, meaning adoption remains symbolic rather than legal. This contrasts with countries where national birds are enshrined in statute.

Nonetheless, educational institutions, wildlife organizations, and tourism boards increasingly promote the gray jay as a unifying natural symbol. Children’s books, stamps, and documentaries now feature the bird, helping solidify its status in public consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the gray jay the same as the Canada jay?

Yes. In 2018, the American Ornithological Society officially changed the common name from “gray jay” to “Canada jay” to honor its strong association with the country. Both names remain in use.

Why isn’t the loon the national bird of Canada?

The common loon is culturally cherished and appears on the $1 coin, but it migrates south in winter and lacks deep Indigenous mythological roots compared to the Canada jay.

Can I see the national bird in my backyard?

Only if you live near boreal forest habitats. Urban dwellers are more likely to spot chickadees or juncos. Travel to northern parks increases sighting chances.

Does the national bird have a mating call?

The Canada jay uses a variety of soft vocalizations, including gurgles and whistles, during courtship. It is less vociferous than many songbirds.

Has the national bird designation affected conservation funding?

Not directly. However, increased awareness has boosted support for boreal forest protection initiatives that benefit the species.

In conclusion, the answer to “what is the national bird of Canada?” is definitively the Canada jay (formerly gray jay)—a remarkable bird that embodies the spirit of Canada’s northern wilderness. From its role in Indigenous storytelling to its extraordinary survival strategies in extreme cold, this unassuming corvid represents both biological ingenuity and cultural continuity. As awareness grows, so too does appreciation for this quiet ambassador of Canada’s vast, forested landscapes.