Cyanocitta stelleri
The Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a striking and intelligent corvid, instantly recognizable by its prominent crest and bold coloration. Measuring approximately 30-34 cm (12-13.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 43-48 cm (17-19 inches) and weighing 100-140 grams (3.5-5 ounces), this species boasts a dark, sooty-black to dark blue head, neck, and upper back, sharply contrasting with its vibrant, deep azure-blue lower back, wings, and tail. Distinctive field marks include the promin...
Primarily found in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, as well as oak woodlands, often frequenting suburban areas and parks. It inhabits a wide range of elevations from sea level to high mountain forests, depending on the region.
An opportunistic omnivore, its diet consists of a wide array of insects, nuts (especially acorns), seeds, berries, eggs and nestlings of other birds, small reptiles, carrion, and human handouts. Forages by gleaning, probing, and caching.
Steller's Jays are diurnal and highly active, often observed foraging and moving about throughout the day, typically roosting communally in dense trees at night. Their foraging strategies are diverse; they glean insects from foliage, probe tree bark, search the ground for nuts and seeds, and are ...
The Steller's Jay boasts a wide distribution across western North America, extending from the southern coast of Alaska and the Yukon Territory, south through British Columbia, and into the western United States. Its range in the U.S. covers the major mountain ranges, including the Cascade Range, ...
Least Concern
- Steller's Jays are expert mimics, famously imitating the calls of raptors like Red-tailed Hawks, which they may use to scare away other birds from food sources. - They are one of nature's best forest planters, caching thousands of acorns and conifer seeds each year, many of which are forgotten ...