Steller's Jay (often called Mountain Jay or Pine Jay)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Cyanocitta, Species: C. stelleri
Family: Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
- Shape
- Elongated and slightly asymmetrical; the tip is typically rounded, though this specimen shows significant wear and fraying at the distal end.
- Size
- Approximately 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) in length. This is consistent with the rectrices of an adult Steller's Jay, which typically range from 5.5 to 7 inches.
- Rarity
- Common within its specific range and habitat, though rarely seen in the eastern United States.
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Description
This is a signature tail feather from the Steller's Jay, a striking crested bird of the West. Adult birds feature a charcoal-black head and crest that fades into a deep blue body. They are roughly 12-13 inches long with a 17-19 inch wingspan. They are bold, intelligent, and vocal inhabitants of the forest.
Colour & Pattern
Brilliant cerulean to deep cobalt blue. The upper third of the feather shows characteristic fine black horizontal barring (narrow bands), which is a diagnostic trait for many North American jays. The underside is much duller and more grey-toned.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous and interlocked for the majority of the vane; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base. The barbs show significant separation (fraying) due to environmental wear or molt stress.
Texture & Surface
Relatively stiff and smooth where intact, but currently appears matte and slightly ragged due to wear. The blue is a structural color (Schizochroism), meaning it relies on light refraction rather than pigment alone.
Key Features
Electric blue coloration combined with distinct black horizontal barring on the outer vanes, and a dark, rigid rachis.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed forests, particularly high-elevation pine and Douglas-fir forests, as well as residential gardens in wooded areas.
Geographic Range
Western North America, ranging from southern Alaska through the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast down into the mountains of Central America.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous foragers that act as important seed dispersers (especially for pine nuts and acorns) and opportunistic predators of insects.
Similar Species
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) features white tips and bolder bars; California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) lacks the dark barring on the blue tail feathers.
Interesting Facts
Steller's Jays are excellent mimics; they can perfectly imitate the scream of a Red-tailed Hawk to frighten other birds away from bird feeders or food sources.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. The feather shows 'ragging' at the edges and tip, likely an old feather naturally molted at the end of the breeding season. No obvious parasite damage is visible.