OTTAWA — The Senate has advanced a proposal to officially recognize the whiskey jack, also known as the Canada jay, as the country’s national bird, praising its hardiness, sociability and deep roots in Canadian wilderness.Senators gave second reading to Bill S-221, which would formally designate the species as a national symbol. The bill describes the jay as “highly representative of Canada,” noting it thrives in extreme winter conditions and nests year-round across all ten provinces and three territories.“No bird in Canada has acquired such a variety of nicknames and monikers,” said Sen. Michael MacDonald (N.S.), who introduced the bill. “The Canada jay, the grey jay, the camp robber, the moosebird and the whiskey jack — I’ve even heard it called whiskey John.”.The Royal Canadian Geographic Society selected the whiskey jack in a 2016 vote over contenders like the Canada goose and snowy owl. “I voted,” MacDonald added, recalling the process.He noted the bird’s habits make it a uniquely Canadian icon. “It never stops eating — appropriately, in Scottish Gaelic, it’s called ‘the glutton,’” he said. “It even lays eggs in -25C weather. It doesn’t migrate, and if you enter the woods, you’ll find they’re everywhere.”.Sen. David Wells (Nfld. & Labrador) took the opportunity to remind colleagues that Newfoundland and Labrador already boasts two avian emblems — the puffin as the official bird and the ptarmigan as the official game bird — a fact that surprised MacDonald.The bill passed without opposition and will now go to committee for further study. MacDonald said it’s time for Canada to formally recognize a national bird, noting other national designations already include the maple tree, the Canadian horse, the beaver, and red and white as national colours.Globally, the most common animal symbol is the lion, selected by 28 countries. The eagle is the most popular bird, recognized by 24 countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Germany.
