The Canadian government has never named a national bird, to the dismay of many citizens. Bird lovers have rallied behind an unexpected choice: the tough, friendly gray jay.

The humble, hardy gray jay is poised to become a national symbol, but that's definitely controversial among fans of the Canada goose and the common loon. Also the snowy owl and black-capped chickadee.

Bird, however, remains steadfast. If the Canada jay doesn't become the national bird by the end of 2018, he said he will walk across the country to raise support for the cause.

In this Dec. 7, 2013, file photo, a gray jay, also called a whiskey jack, sits on a post in Lake Louise, Alberta. The Royal Canadian Geographic Society says its choice for Canada's national bird ...

TORONTO (AP) — The Royal Canadian Geographic Society said its choice for Canada's national bird epitomizes the best of the country's national traits: smart, hardy and friendly. The Society said ...

The humble, hardy gray jay is poised to become a national symbol, but that's definitely controversial among fans of the Canada goose and the common loon. Also the snowy owl and black-capped chickadee.

The humble, hardy gray jay is poised to become a national symbol, but that's definitely controversial among fans of the Canada goose and the common loon. Also the snowy owl and black-capped chickadee.

The humble, hardy gray jay is poised to become the national bird of Canada — and that's causing quite a flap. Canadian Geographic has officially recommended that the bird, also known as the whiskey ...

The humble, hardy gray jay is poised to become a national symbol, but that's definitely controversial among fans of the Canada goose and the common loon. Also the snowy owl and black-capped chickadee.