Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Canada Jay
Perisoreus canadensis. Omnivore that stores food in sticky saliva-coated caches.
Crows and jays (Corvidae)Canada JayPerisoreus canadensis
- Scientific name
- Perisoreus canadensis
- Length
- 9.8–11.4 in
- Weight
- 2.3–2.7 oz
- Nest
- Well-insulated cup in spruce near the trunk
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–4 eggs
- Incubation
- 18–22 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Fluffy grey body
- Dark cap on a pale face
- Short black bill
Voice
Soft whistles and 'wheeoo' calls.
Diet and feeding
Omnivore that stores food in sticky saliva-coated caches.
Canada Jays by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Year-round resident | April |
| Alberta | Year-round resident | April |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | April |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Maine | Year-round resident | April |
| Manitoba | Year-round resident | April |
| Michigan | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Minnesota | Year-round resident | April |
| Montana | Year-round resident | April |
| New Brunswick | Year-round resident | April |
| New Hampshire | Year-round resident | April |
| New York | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Year-round resident | April |
| Northwest Territories | Year-round resident | April |
| Nova Scotia | Year-round resident | April |
| Nunavut | Year-round resident | April |
| Ontario | Year-round resident | April |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Prince Edward Island | Year-round resident | April |
| Quebec | Year-round resident | April |
| Saskatchewan | Year-round resident | April |
| South Dakota | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Utah | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Vermont | Year-round resident | April |
| Washington | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Wisconsin | Year-round resident | April |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | April |
| Yukon | Year-round resident | April |
Frequently asked
What do Canada jays eat?
Omnivore that stores food in sticky saliva-coated caches. At feeders: suet, peanuts.
How big is a Canada Jay?
9.8–11.4 in long and 2.3–2.7 oz.
Do Canada jays use birdhouses?
No. Well-insulated cup in spruce near the trunk.
Sources
- Canada Jay — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Canada Jay life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Canada Jay — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.