Canada jay

noun

1. gray jay.

Canada jay

noun

1. a large common jay of North America, Perisoreus canadensis, with a grey body, and a white-and-black crestless head

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canada jay¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Canada jays are nicknamed camp robbers, and those at Rainier know when and where visitors congregate and how to cajole handouts.

From Seattle Times

Species common to Minnesota, such as the black-capped chickadee and Canada jays, often store food in preparation for times when it’s unavailable, Forbes added.

From Washington Times

The union gave the species the Latin name Perisoreus canadensis, and at first, from 1886 to 1910, referred to it in English as the Canada jay.

From New York Times

The gray jay, once known as the Canada jay and the “wisakedjak” of folklore in indigenous cultures, is found in the boreal forests of Canadian provinces and territories but nowhere else on the planet.

From Seattle Times

"It is his trail," she whispered, to a Canada jay that chattered and jabbered at her from the limb of a dead spruce.

From Project Gutenberg