Grey Jay
Perisoreus canadensis or Whiskey Jack, Camp Robber,
Canada Jay
Description - The Grey Jay, also known as the
Canada Jay or Whiskey Jack, is grey above and whitish
below; the forehead and throat are white and the nape
and stripe through the eye is a dull black. Younger birds
are a sooty-grey. They have a "whee-ah, chuck-chuck" call
and scold, scream and whistle.
Distribution - The Grey Jay (Canada Jay - Whiskey
Jack) is resident from Alaska east across Canada in coniferous
forests. Also know as the Camp Robber, this playful rascal
is a frequent visitor to campsites and summer cottages,
and can be easily fed by hand or bird feedding station
once you become acquainted.
Biology
- Being omnivorous, the Grey Jay feeds on meat, fruit,
insects and various vegetable substances. They are attracted
to campsites where they appropriate as much food as possible;
with its saliva it glues meat, suet and/or hide into balls
and hides it among pine needles. It lays 3-5 grey-green
eggs in a solid bowl-like nest made of twigs and bark
strips, lined with feathers and fur.