The Canada jay, also known as the gray jay, whisky jack, or gorbe-à-dos-gris, has long been a bird surrounded by controversy when it comes to its name. This medium-sized songbird with fluffy plumage is found across Canada and the northern United States. But whether to call it the Canada jay or gray jay has been debated for decades.
In this article, we’ll look at the history behind each name, arguments from bird experts for and against each one, official name changes, and what name is commonly used today. By the end, you should have a good understanding of this naming debate and be able to decide for yourself whether it’s more accurate to call this bird the Canada jay or gray jay.
What are the origins of the names Canada jay and gray jay?
The Canada jay was first described scientifically in 1760 by Mathurin Jacques Brisson, a French zoologist. He collected a specimen in Quebec and named it Le Geai du Canada – essentially “The Jay of Canada.” This is where the name Canada jay originates.
The gray jay name also has a long history. In 1831, John Richardson, a Scottish naturalist working in northern Canada, called it the “grey jay” in his book Fauna Boreali-Americana. The American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) officially adopted the name gray jay in 1890.
Why was it originally called the Canada jay?
Brisson likely named it the Canada jay for two reasons:
- Its range was primarily in eastern Canada at the time of discovery
- To distinguish it from other North American jays like the blue jay
Why was the name changed to gray jay?
The AOU chose gray jay for several reasons:
- Its plumage is predominantly gray
- Gray jay followed conventions for naming other birds
- Its range had expanded into the contiguous United States
What are the arguments for using Canada jay?
There are several rationales bird experts give for why Canada jay is a more appropriate name than gray jay:
It’s the original name
Canada jay was the first formal scientific name given to this bird. Changing well-established common names causes confusion, so it makes sense to stick with the original.
It links the bird to Canada
The Canada jay is strongly associated with Canada. Around 90% of its global population breeds in Canada. Using Canada in the name highlights this connection.
Gray jay is not very descriptive
There are many gray-colored birds. Gray on its own does not evoke a specific species. Canada jay better captures the essence of this unique bird.
It’s still primarily a Canadian bird
Though its range extends into the US, it is still predominantly found in Canada. Canada jay reflects this Canadian stronghold in its breeding grounds.
What arguments support using gray jay?
There are also reasons why proponents think gray jay is the better name over Canada jay:
It follows conventions for bird names
Using simple color descriptors like gray is common in bird names. This allows for consistent naming patterns across species. For example: blue jay, gray catbird, great gray owl.
The plumage is mostly gray
The plumage of this bird is in fact dominantly gray. Its back, nape, wings, and tail are all gray. Gray jay accurately describes one of its most prominent physical features.
It lives year-round in the US
While it breeds primarily in Canada, a significant portion of its population lives year-round in Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, and the Northeastern US. Gray jay reflects its permanent residency south of the Canadian border.
Gray is more inclusive
Using Canada may exclude populations in the US. Gray jay is a more inclusive common name for the entire global population.
What are the official name designations?
The Canada jay and gray jay names have gone back and forth with various official organizations over the last century:
| Year | Designation | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Gray jay | AOU |
| 1957 | Canada jay | AOU |
| 1983 | Gray jay | AOS |
| 2018 | Canada jay | AOS |
As the table shows, the American Ornithologists’ Union (now the American Ornithological Society) has gone back and forth over the decades. Canada jay was the official name for 26 years until it was changed back to gray jay in 1983. Then in 2018, it reversed once again to officially reinstate Canada jay.
Why did it change to Canada jay in 1957?
Experts petitioned the AOU to change it to Canada jay for the following reasons:
- Better reflects the geographic distribution
- Distinguishes it from other gray-colored jays
- Long-standing prior use in biological literature
Why was it changed back to gray jay in 1983?
Those in favor of gray jay proposed the change because:
- Follows conventions for descriptive names based on color
- Avoids political overtones from using Canada
- Gray jay has precedent in the scientific literature
Why did it change back to Canada jay in 2018?
The switch back to Canada jay was supported by the following arguments:
- Canada jay is the original formal name and has historical precedent
- Better reflects the strong Canadian association
- Distinguishes it from other gray-colored birds
What terms are used most today?
Currently, Canada jay is more commonly used by the following groups:
- Scientific organizations like AOS Field Guides
- Canadian government agencies and conservation groups
- Many ornithologists and birders, especially in Canada
However, gray jay remains in widespread use as well, especially among these factions:
- US-based organizations like the National Audubon Society
- Some ornithologists and birders in the US
- Many major field guides covering both the US and Canada
So while Canada jay gained favor after the 2018 official name change, gray jay is still frequently used. Both terms remain common in everyday birding circles today.
Conclusion
The debate over Canada jay versus gray jay has continued for over 200 years. Both names have merit and there are reasoned arguments on both sides. While scientific organizations have oscillated, changing back and forth over time, general usage has largely continued referring to this bird by both names.
Ultimately, using either Canada jay or gray jay is accurate – this bird lives up to both! Whether you call it by its descriptive color or geographic association, you’ll be referring to the same fluffy, charismatic songbird of the north.
