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#Canadabird is the word

AAfter two years, nearly 50,000 votes and thousands of public comments and expert advice, Canadian Geographic named the grey jay (also known as the whisky jack or Canada jay) its official recommendation for Canada’s national bird, and featured it on the cover of its December 2016 issue. The announcement was met with a slew of messages on social media and canadiangeographic.ca.

I love this choice! I actually really like the selection of a lesser-known bird. It was kind of a nobrainer that the popular vote would go to the loon, as pretty much all Canadians are familiar with it since it is on our money. As a birder, as much as I like loons, I have had much more exciting experiences with these beautiful jays. Alina Abbott —via cangeo.ca

The loon is already Ontario’s provincial bird. The grey jay is tougher than the bald eagle, and not endangered. It’s like Canada: tough and humble.

Jo-anne Spence Kingston, Ont.

I’m delighted that Canadian Geographic chose the grey jay. It has all the appropriate attributes: intelligence, resourcefulness, a pleasing appearance, friendliness, hardiness and a country-wide distribution. It’s uniquely Canadian. When I finished painting it ( top), I realized I’d given its eyes a glimmer of humour. It was a pleasurable challenge to capture its character.

Morgan Warren North Saanich, B.C.

Sorry, but the loon will always be my choice for Canada’s bird.

Joey Paquette Windsor, Ont. Canadians love our birds! And congrats #Greyjay, crowned @Cangeo’s national bird! #Canadabird @cathmckenna [Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Clarification:

Our recommendation of the grey jay initiated a widespread discussion about the proper spelling of the species’ name. In response, the Canadian Press updated its Stylebook to reflect that “grey jay” and “whisky jack” are the acceptable forms. Prior to this, Can Geo had followed the American Ornithologists’ Union standard of “gray jay” and “whiskey jack,” which is how the bird is referenced in Canadian field guides and academic studies. As we follow CP Style, however, we will now use “grey” and “whisky.”

— Ed.