ExploreBirds

Canada Jay

Perisoreus canadensis

The Canada Jay is a friendly bird that loves to hang out in the forests. It has soft gray feathers and a cheerful call that sounds like it's saying 'cheer-up!'

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Canada Jay has soft grey plumage, a white forehead, and a distinctive black patch on its hindcrown. Its fluffy appearance and relatively short bill help it stand out from other jays. The underparts are a lighter grey, almost white.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusPerisoreus
Canada Jay
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Canada Jay

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Canada Jays are known to follow people silently, appearing suddenly to snatch food right from your hand!

Indigenous peoples considered the Canada Jay a friendly spirit, sometimes called a "Whiskey Jack."

These clever birds can spend hours watching animals to swoop in and steal their food finds!

They're so tough, they start nesting and laying eggs while it's still snowing!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Pantry Builder

Canada Jay can store thousands of food items using sticky saliva that helps them survive harsh, cold winters.

Ability

Memory Master

Canada Jay has an amazing memory that helps them recall thousands of hidden food caches for many months.

Ability

Cold Weather Champ

Canada Jay can fluff up its dense feathers that creates an insulating air layer to stay warm in freezing temperatures.

Measurements & details

Length
25-29 cm
Wingspan
35-45 cm
Weight
0.06-0.08 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
18-19 days

Diet & Feeding

A versatile eater, Canada Jays feast on insects, berries, fungi, and sometimes even small animals.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Berries
  • Fungi
  • Seeds
  • Carrion
  • Small mammals

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Often prey for this nocturnal forest hunter.

eats

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

Preys on small rodents when opportunities arise.

depends on

Black Spruce

Picea mariana

Relies on these trees for nesting sites and food caches.

eats

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Feeds on various insects, including bees and wasps.

Traits

Also known as

Gray JayWhiskey Jack

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Canada Jay?

25-29 cm

What is Canada Jay's wingspan?

35-45 cm

How much does Canada Jay weigh?

0.06-0.08 kg

How long does Canada Jay live?

8-12 years

How fast can Canada Jay move?

45 km/h

What does Canada Jay eat?

A versatile eater, Canada Jays feast on insects, berries, fungi, and sometimes even small animals.

Where is Canada Jay usually found?

Forests

How does Canada Jay hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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