Introduction

The Gray Jay is a widespread resident of North America’s boreal and sub-alpine coniferous forests. Occupation of permanent all-purpose territories in such climatically hostile biomes is made possible by this bird’s unusual food storage behavior. Copious sticky saliva from enlarged salivary glands is used to fasten food items in trees, food that is used extensively by pairs throughout the winter and even during other times of the year.

This species nests during late winter in cold, snowy, and apparently foodless conditions, with eggs incubated at temperatures as low as -30° C. Second broods or replacement nests are not attempted in the seemingly more favorable May-June breeding period used by other boreal passerines. Once fledged, young stay in the natal territory until early June, when the dominant brood-member expels its siblings. Juveniles (dominant and expelled) remain on their natal or adopted territories until the next breeding season begins, when they are expelled in turn by adults. Thus, Gray Jays do not breed cooperatively, with young lingering on to help at the nest, as various other species of jays are known to do.