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The Gray Jay is an abundant and widespread year-round resident of Canada's boreal coniferous forests, ranging from the east to the west coasts and north to the tree line. Both the Christmas Bird Count and the Breeding Bird Survey suggest little overall change in abundance since 1970. However, the northern portion of the population is not well covered by either survey. Climate change has been identified as a possible threat to this species on the southern edge of its range (Strickland 2007). With more than 80% of the global breeding population, Canada's responsibility for the Gray Jay is very high. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Historic populations of this species are probably similar to those of today (Strickland and Ouellet 1993). However, the Gray Jay is susceptible to climate change because its winter survival depends on supplies of perishable stored food that may deteriorate with warmer winter conditions (Strickland 2007). As a year-round resident of Canada's boreal coniferous forests this species may be a key indicator of the ecosystem's health.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
