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Gray Jay

Perisoreus canadensis ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CORVIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Gray Jay Photo

© Mary Clay / CLO

A widespread and confiding denizen of boreal and sub-alpine forests, the Gray Jay frequently approaches people for food. It may even land on your hand for a morsel. This tameness can also lead to the pilferage of food not offered, and is responsible for the colloquial name of "camp robber."

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Crows and Jays
Crows and Jays
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large gray songbird.
  • Long tail.
  • Short, black bill.
  • Pale gray face and forehead.
  • Dark cap extending down nape and onto cheek.

Immature Description

Juvenile entirely sooty black with white moustache mark. Pale bill eventually turns dark.

Range Map Help

Gray Jay Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp