Latin Name: Cyanocitta
stefferi
Closely related to the Blue Jay, the
Steller's Jay is the only crested jay found in many areas west of
the Rocky Mountains. This very dark bird is common in coniferous
forests. Like some other members of its family, it is often very
bold near human habitation and is thus familiar throughout its
range.
Description
13" (33 cm). A very dark jay, the Steller's
is black on the head, breast, and back and has a deep blue belly,
tail, and wings. Most races show no white or contrasting areas of
lighter color in the plumage, although inland races have a
distinctive white eyebrow. This bird has a prominent crest, and
the bill and legs are black.
Voice
A loud shook-shook-shook or
shack-shack-shack.
Similar species
The Blue Jay, an eastern species, is paler
blue, without black head, breast, and back; has white spots in
wings and tail and whitish underparts with black breastband: crest
shorter than in most Steller's Jays. Scrub and Gray-breasted jays
paler overall, lack crest, rarely found in coniferous forest.
Pinyon Jay stockier, shorter-tailed, and longer-billed: lacks
crest.
Range
Western North America. Resident from Kenai
Peninsula, Alaska, east to Rocky Mountains, south in montane and
coastal coniferous forests to Nicaragua.
Marshall
Cultural Atlas
