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.

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Etymology

Origin of gray jay

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

While other countries tend toward gaudier specimens, the gray jay has a clean, gray-and-white plumage; a bespoke suit instead of a wild costume.

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2016

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

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2016

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

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

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

From The Mysterious Rider by Grey, Zane