gray jay

American  

noun

1. a gray jay, Perisoreus canadensis, of northern North America, noted for its boldness in stealing food from houses, traps, camps, etc.

---

Etymology

Origin of gray jay

First recorded in 1935–40

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gray jay

Like Canada itself, the gray jay is a pleasant surprise, comforting for its lack of pushiness and dramatics, endearing for its wit and poise.

From Slate ● Dec. 30, 2016

Birds: The magazine Canadian Geographic recently nominated the gray jay as the national bird.

From Slate ● Dec. 30, 2016

And if Canada’s Parliament is anything like ours, a thoughtful choice like the gray jay could soon be out the window, in favor of some dodo.

From Slate ● Dec. 30, 2016

Canada’s choice of the gray jay, however, breaks the mold.

From Slate ● Dec. 30, 2016

A gray jay now and then screeched his approach to unseen denizens of the woods.

From The Mysterious Rider by Zane Grey

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---