Audubon Collection: Canada Jay

Image of two Canada Gray birds on an oak branch

Plate 24
Havell CVII

Gray Jay or Canada Jay

(Perisoreus canadensis)

“I have represented a pair of these birds on an oak branch, with its rich autumnal tints,” Audubon wrote, “and have attached to it the nest of a hornet, having observed the bird in the State of Maine pursuing that insect.” He made this drawing on September 26, 1829. The white oak tree is probably by George Lehman.

Source: The Original Water-Color Paintings by John James Audubon. Copyright 1966 by American Heritage Publishing Co., Inc.

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