Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic symbols. From the maple leaf on our flag to the majestic moose roaming our forests, the country prides itself on unique national emblems that represent its identity. But when it comes to an official bird, Canada doesn’t have one yet — at least not officially.
Recently, the idea of naming the Canada Jay as our official national bird has gained momentum. This charming and resilient bird is deeply connected to Canada’s wilderness and culture. So, should the Canada Jay be named our country’s official bird? Let’s explore why this feathered friend could be the perfect fit.
Not at all like the Joined together States with its Bare Hawk, and Mexico with its Brilliant Hawk, Canada doesn’t have a national fowl. North America’s northern domain has a national insignia (the beaver, not the maple leaf), a national horse (the Canadian horse, of course), indeed national winter and summer sports (hockey and lacrosse, individually). But no national bird.
Who Is the Canada Jay?
The Canada Jay, scientifically known as Perisoreus canadensis, is a medium-sized bird found across much of Canada’s boreal forests and mountainous regions. Known by many names—including “Gray Jay” or “Whiskey Jack”—this bird is celebrated for its intelligence, boldness, and resourcefulness.
Key Traits:
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Appearance: Soft gray feathers with a lighter face and a dark eye stripe
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Behavior: Fearless around humans, often approaching campsites and hikers
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Habitat: Boreal forests from coast to coast, thriving in cold northern climates
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Diet: Opportunistic feeder, known for storing food for winter
In 2016, The Regal Canadian Geographic Society looked for to settle that with a open challenge to title an avian symbol. The Common Nut case won the well known vote, and the Frigid Owl took moment.
But ornithologists mediated and convinced the society to select the third-place finisher, the Gray Jay, incompletely on the thinking that the crackpot is as of now the official winged creature of Ontario and Frigid Owl a image of Quebec. The Gray Jay was unaffiliated, and it happens in each area, a winged creature that all Canadians can claim.
To the apropos named David Fowl, an ornithologist at Montreal’s McGill College, this bird’s science makes it a culminate image for his country.
He notes that Gray Jays are monogamous, deny to move when the climate turns cold, are savvy sufficient to store up nourishment to final the winter, and are known to look for out individuals for arrangements. That’s steadfast, intense, brilliantly, and friendly,” Fowl says. That, to me, epitomizes Canadians, if I can brag a bit.”
It’s a superb blurb child for boreal timberlands. The as it were drawback is that the open doesn’t know it that well,” Winged creature says.
Well, my reply to that is, ‘Get off your duffs, get out to our national and common parks, and meet this bird.’ And I ensure you, the Canada Jay will meet you with incredible friendliness.
Bird alludes to the “Canada Jay” on reason, which was the common title for Perisoreus canadensis back in the early 20th century. But in 1957 the previous American Ornithologists’ Union (presently the American Ornithological Society) pronounced the species’ common title to be Gray Jay.
The AOU was really in the handle of lumping a few Perisoreus species beneath a single common title, and a nonregional moniker may have maintained a strategic distance from befuddling developments of subspecies names (such as the “Oregon Canada Jay”). In any case, the AOU utilized an American spelling (“gray” instep of “grey”), which has presently raised a bit of anger in the north.
It is completely improper for the Canadian national winged creature to have a title forced by a self-appointed outside body,” said Dan Strickland, the resigned chief naturalist at Ontario’s Algonquin Common Park.
In 2017 the Society of Canadian Ornithologists passed a determination to rechristen the winged creature as the Canada Jay. And there were tall trusts among Canadian birders that Prime Serve Justin Trudeau would authoritatively announce a unused national winged creature in honor of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
But we ran into a bit of a brick divider with the Legacy Ministry,” says Winged creature. The sesquicentennial came and went with no government activity.
So presently Canadian birders turn their trusts to Vancouver, where thousands of the world’s beat feathered creature researchers will accumulate for the Universal Ornithological Congress in Eminent 2018. It’s like the Olympics of ornithology, “really the idealize worldwide arrange for gladly reporting the Canada Jay as our national bird,” says Bird.
The government Office of Canadian Legacy does not appear interested, be that as it may. In a September 2017 e-mail, a media relations agent with the legacy service composed: At this time, the Government of Canada is not effectively considering proposition to receive a feathered creature as a national image.
The Case Against Naming the Canada Jay Official Bird
While the Canada Jay has many supporters, some argue that other birds like the Common Loon or the Snowy Owl might be better representations.
The loon, for example, has long been associated with Canadian lakes and wilderness, featuring prominently on the one-dollar “loonie” coin. The snowy owl, meanwhile, symbolizes the Arctic and northern heritage.
Critics also note that the Canada Jay’s name wasn’t officially recognized until recently—having been called the Gray Jay for decades—and that not everyone is familiar with it yet.
Recent Developments: A Step Towards Official Recognition
In 2019, the Canadian government officially changed the bird’s common name from “Gray Jay” to “Canada Jay,” a move seen as a step toward embracing the bird as a national symbol.
The name change sparked renewed interest and discussions about making it the official bird. This change highlights the Canada Jay’s cultural importance and its potential as a unifying emblem across the country.
Public Opinion and Cultural Significance
Surveys and public polls have shown growing support for the Canada Jay as the official bird. Many Canadians feel it better reflects the country’s identity than other popular contenders.
The bird is also woven into Indigenous stories and folklore, enriching its cultural significance. Naming it the official bird would acknowledge both natural heritage and Indigenous connections.
Conclusion
So, should the Canada Jay be named our country’s official bird? The answer seems to be leaning toward yes. This bird’s deep ties to Canada’s environment, culture, and values make it a fitting candidate.
It represents the vast wilderness, the adaptability needed to thrive in our landscapes, and the warmth and friendliness that define Canadian character.
As conversations continue, one thing is clear: the Canada Jay has earned its place in Canadians’ hearts. Giving it official status would celebrate our natural heritage and give us a new symbol to proudly share with the world.
