Steller's Jay

Male
Female

Year-round

Size
11.5"
Listen
Plumage / Description

Males and females have similar plumage. The most prominent feature is its distinctive crest black crest with a small amount of white streaking at the base of the crest and over the eye. The crest, head, and neck are black and the plumage gradually transitions from black to gray to blue as you move down the length of the bird. Wings, rump, and tail are a deep, vivid blue color � in the sunlight it is a very gorgeous bird.

Habitat

Males and females have similar plumage. The most prominent feature is its distinctive crest black crest with a small amount of white streaking at the base of the crest and over the eye. The crest, head, and neck are black and the plumage gradually transitions from black to gray to blue as you move down the length of the bird. Wings, rump, and tail are a deep, vivid blue color � in the sunlight it is a very gorgeous bird.

Relative Abundance

Common

Behavior

Unlike our Western Scrub-Jays, Steller's Jays are somewhat skittish, and not as common in residential areas. Usually seen in pairs. Fairly vocal, usually will be heard before they are seen. Rarely observed outside a Ponderosa Pine/Coniferous habitat. Like other jay species during breeding season they will plunder bird nest and eat live food sources. However, most of the year they eat seeds, nuts, and insects.

Diet

Seeds, nuts, insects, birds, eggs

Similar Species

NA

Best Sites

Granite Basin, Gold Water Lake, Lynx Lake, at the higher elevations in the Bradshaw Mountains.