The Canada Jay should probably be one of our national symbols. Found everywhere, from coast to coast and north to south, they are extremely prolific.
Many people love them while others find them extremely annoying. They are very opportunistic omnivores (basically, they will eat almost anything), but I have never found them to be particularly aggressive. In my experience, they will sit at the end of the picnic table, patiently waiting for leftovers or handouts, and quietly chirping to remind you not to forget them.
Smart and adaptive, they are one of the few examples of Canadian wildlife to retain their original indigenous name: Wisakedjàk (Algonquin) which then became “whiskey jack,” as they are often called. Indigenous peoples consider Wisakedjàk to be a trickster, which considering the jay’s behaviour, is very appropriate! Although they are related to crows and ravens, they are also categorised as songbirds, an interesting distinction.
Here is an example of their song. https://youtu.be/zEvBatYBwbo
Happy Tuesday.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 
They are scamps for sure, but always a joy to watch. Happy Tuesday Lynette. Allan
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“Scamp” is a good word for them, but I do admire their ingenuity in getting a meal. I always have to feed them, of course (sunflower seeds, which I often carry).
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Lynette, thank you for this charming introduction to the Canada Jay and glad you have only good experiences with them! They sound adorable and I enjoyed listening to the bird song from across the ocean!
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You’re very welcome. 🙂 I think they are amazing, charming rogues, although some people find them annoying. They’re just being themselves and finding a meal. Cheers.
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They are quite bold about coming to take food from your hand.
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Oh yes, and really surprising the first couple of times they do that. I often have seeds or nuts with me, so they usually get something from me for sure.
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Nice!
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It is so delicate and beautiful for a jay! Ours are much more robust.
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We also have blue jays, who are larger and yes, more robust. The Canada Jays and Stellar’s Jays have a more delicate appearance. Cheers, Cindy.
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“Smart and adaptive,” you say? Let’s try to live up to their example!
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Agreed!
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I don’t think I’ve ever paid much attention to these birds before, but I certainly will moving forward.
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Allan called them “scamps” and that’s a good description for them, but I’ve never experienced any aggressiveness issues. They will eat right from your hand if you offer.
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