GRAY JAY (Perisoreus canadensis) 



The gray jay's long association with campers and outdoorsmen has pro- 

 vided the bird with a host of descriptive nicknames including "camp 

 robber," "moose bird," "whisky jack," and "meat bird." Campers, picnick- 

 ers and backcountry travelers in Yellowstone and Grand Teton are bound, 

 sooner or later, to strike up an acquaintance with this likeable bird. 

 Because of its loose, fluffy plumage it can fly almost noiselessly and it 

 often glides into camp completely unnoticed. A soft whistled note may 

 announce the arrival of a second jay. After surveying the camp and picking 

 up any loose food morsels, the jays drift from the camp as noiselessly as 

 they arrived. In addition to the food they scavenge from campers, and 

 picnickers, the jay's diet fare includes berries and fruits, insects, the eggs 

 and nestlings of other birds, and carrion. In keeping with its general 

 character the jay's vocal repertoire is rich and varied, consisting of a 

 great variety of squawks, screams and whistles. Cray jays are common in 

 both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. 



Black-billed Magpie 



Joe Van Wormer 



COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) 



Ravens are intelligent, wary, adaptable birds. One of the first birds men- 

 tioned in early history and mythology, the raven was mentioned in the 

 Biblical account of Noah's Ark and was honored as the hero-bird of the 

 Cherokee Indians. The raven is distinguished from its cousin, the crow, 

 which is rare in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, by its larger size, stouter 

 bill, wedge-shaped tail, and coarser voice. The raven's diet includes small 

 rodents and young rabbits, insects, worms, nestling birds, bird eggs, snakes, 

 frogs, and carrion including dead elk, deer, and bison. Ravens are excellent 

 fliers, performing a variety of flight maneuvers, including acrobatic feats 

 and spectacular dives. Ravens are common breeding birds in both Yellow- 

 stone and Grand Teton. They prefer open terrain and canyons with steep 

 cliffs upon which they can build their nests. 



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