Steller's Jay

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

The Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a striking bird native to western North America, easily recognized by its pronounced crest and vibrant blue plumage. This species exhibits considerable regional variation in coloration, with northern birds sporting blackish-brown heads that gradually transition to bluer heads in the south. Adults along the Pacific Coast may display blue streaks on their black crests. The bird's size is notable, measuring approximately 30–34 cm in length and weighing between 100–140 g.

Identification Tips

To identify a Steller's jay, look for its blackish-brown to dark blue head, depending on the subspecies, with lighter streaks on the forehead. The body transitions from dark at the shoulders to silvery blue on the lower breast. The wings and tail are a rich blue with darker barring. The bird's bill is slender, and it has long legs compared to the blue jay. Notably, the crest is more pronounced in northern populations.

Habitat

Steller's jays are found in a variety of forested habitats, from pine-oak woodlands to coniferous forests. They are adaptable birds that can also be seen in residential and agricultural areas with nearby forests. Their range extends from low to moderate elevations and occasionally reaches as high as the tree line.

Distribution

The species ranges from southern Alaska through western North America to northern Nicaragua, with a lower density in the central Rocky Mountain region and desert areas of the Great Basin. Steller's jays are also present in Mexico's interior highlands and other patchy populations throughout Mexico, as well as in parts of Central America.

Behaviour

These jays are omnivorous and exhibit a mix of solitary and social behaviors. They are known to be bold around humans, often scavenging at picnics and campsites. Steller's jays are also known for their caching behavior, storing food such as acorns and seeds for later consumption.

Song & Calls

Steller's jays have a repertoire of vocalizations, including harsh "SHACK-Sheck" series, a "skreeka!" call reminiscent of a pump handle, and a soft "hoodle hoodle" whistle. Their alarm call is a nasal "wah". They are also skilled mimics, capable of imitating the calls of birds of prey and other sounds.

Breeding

These birds form monogamous pairs and breed quietly to avoid attracting predators. The female incubates the eggs, typically two to six in number, for about 16 days, while the male provides food. Nests are constructed in conifers or sometimes in man-made structures, using a variety of materials.

Similar Species

The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is similar but can be distinguished by its smaller size, shorter legs, and different vocalizations. Hybridization with blue jays occurs where their ranges overlap in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Diet and Feeding

Steller's jays consume a diet of seeds, nuts, berries, invertebrates, small rodents, eggs, and nestlings. They are known to cache food and readily exploit human-provided food sources, showing a preference for various seeds and nuts, especially whole raw peanuts.