The national bird of Canada is Gray Jay. Its scientific name is Perisoreus canadensis. The gray jay is also commonly known as the whiskey jack, Canada jay, whiskey jack, hoary jay and camp robber. The gray jay is a member of the crow family. The gray jay is found in Canada, Alaska and parts of the northern United States.
Gray jay is gray in color and has small black spots on its wings and back. The bird is found in various shades of gray or white and has a black crest on its head. In winter, gray jay goes into hibernation for about two months, but it does not go into deep sleep like other birds. It is primarily nocturnal and omnivorous, though it sometimes eats insects, fruits, seeds, and small animals.
Classification of Gray Jay bird
- Common Name: Gray Jay
- Scientific name: Perisoreus Canadensis
- Family: Corvidae
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Genus: Perisoreus
- Species: P. canadensis
Gray Jay Facts – Canada national bird
- Gray Jay is the official and native bird of Canada.
- The gray jay bird flying speed is unknown but somewhere it is estimated to be around 20-25 mph (32–40 kph).
- The gray jay bird weight is 70 g.
- It is a large songbird, roughly 25-30cm long.
- The gray jay lives in forests and eats berries, insects, and mice.
- It is often seen near human habitation and is an intelligent bird that is easy to tame.
- they build nests in trees and lay usually two eggs.
Why is Gray Jay the national bird of Canada?
The gray jay is another example of the superior intelligence of birds. The bird is considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in North America. It is often seen in Canada and Alaska, but it can also be found in the northern parts of the United States.
Did you know, what is the national bird of England?
The Canadian government has declared the gray jay, also known as the whiskey jack or camp robber, as its national bird of Canada. It is the most beautiful birds in the world and it is native to Asia.
The gray jay is not just a Canadian symbol, but a great bird to have around. Since, the bird was chosen as the Official bird of Canada on 7 December 1964 because it represents the country’s culture, artistry and refinement. Due to al the above facts it is the government of Canada considered gray jay bird as the national bird of Canada.