Aging Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis)

Photo 1. A first year bird hatched on or about 28 April 2006. Note "pointed" rectrices compared to adults in photos 3 and 4. Photographed 30 October 2006 in Algonquin Park, Ontario, by Dan Strickland.

Photo 2. White tipped wing coverts of above first year bird. 30 October 2006 by Dan Strickland. Compare with adult in photo 5.

Photo 3. "Truncated" rectrices of an adult female at least 4.5 years old. Compare with first year bird in photo 1. 30 October 2006 by Dan Strickland.

Photo 4. Closer view of "truncated" rectrices of same above female at least 4.5 years old on 30 October 2006. Compare with first year bird in photo 1. Photo by Dan Strickland.

Photo 5. White tipped wing coverts of an adult female at least 4.5 years old on 30 October 2006. Can you see any differences between first year in photo 2 and this adult? Photo by Dan Strickland.

Photo 6. A fuzzy shot a 5.5 year old male showing its truncated rectrices on 30 October 2006 by Dan Strickland.