General Description: Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis), formerly Gray Jays, are small, noisy jays without any blue and without a crest. The wings, back, and tail are dark gray, and the underparts are light gray. The head is white except for differing amounts of black on the top of the head and nape. Juveniles are dark, sooty gray overall with a bit of a light mustache mark.

There seem to be 3-9 subspecies of Canada Jay, but maybe only four genetic groups. The groups differ in the amount and darkness of gray atop the head. The birds pictured here include P. c. obscurus, which occurs along the Pacific coast from Washington to northern California. Also pictured here are birds from central Oregon and far-eastern Canada. Birds from these areas have the most dark atop the head. Closer to home, the subspecies P. c. capitalis of the southern Rocky Mountains is all white atop the head with just the nape showing black.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Corvidae. Formerly Gray Jay.

Favored Habitat: Forested areas, generally in higher-elevation mountains.

Where to Find: Don't look for Gray Jays around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them across Canada and south into mountainous regions the northern states. They can be found as far south as the southern Rocky Mountains.

Comments: These birds are brave and clever camp robbers that will even land on your hand to snatch a peanut.