A two-year-long, Canada-wide search has resulted in the gray jay, also known as the whiskey jack, being chosen as Canada's national bird by the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.
The robin-sized gray jay, which is found in every province and territory but only in Canada, is being lauded by the society as a reflection of Canadians' best qualities, smart, tough and friendly.
The whiskey jack's common name doesn't come from booze, but from the original Cree and Algonquin languages in which it was celebrated as a friendly and clever herald of good fortune.
The gray jay beat out higher profile contenders including the common loon, snowy owl and black-capped chickadee in a contest that garnered national attention and attracted almost 50,000 online voters.
The gray jay actually came third in voting behind the loon and the snowy owl, but was chosen following a public debate and deliberations by a panel of experts.
The federal government has not committed to naming a national bird, let alone the gray jay, but the Canadian Geographic Society argues that Canada's 150th anniverary in the coming year offers a perfect opportunity.