Steller's Jay (Long-crested Jay, Pine Jay)

The Steller's Jay is a striking, charismatic corvid easily recognized by its dark blackish-brown head, prominent crest, and vibrant deep blue body plumage. Measuring about 11 to 13 inches long, these intelligent birds are known for their bold personalities, loud raucous calls, and ability to mimic other species.

Rich deep blue to blackish-blue near the tip with distinct, dark transverse barring, transitioning to a lighter grayish-blue and white fluffy base; structural coloration creates iridescent blue hues under natural light

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base with separated barbs and no hooklets

Smooth and glossy on the upper pennaceous vane, becoming soft, silky, and loose at the basal plumulaceous section

Deep blue and black coloration with distinctive dark barring across the vane, combined with a fluffy grayish-white base characteristic of western corvid body feathers

Coniferous and mixed mountain forests, ranging from lowlands to timberline, often associated with pine, fir, and spruce trees

Western North America, from Alaska down through the Rocky Mountains, Pacific Coast, and into Central America; a permanent resident throughout its range

Acts as a crucial seed disperser, particularly for conifer seeds and acorns, playing a vital role in forest regeneration and ecosystem health

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), which features lighter bright blue feathers with distinct white spots and black necklace markings rather than dark barring

Steller's Jay is the provincial bird of British Columbia and is named after German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first encountered the bird in Alaska in 1741

Good condition with minor wear along the distal edge of the vane and slight fraying on the lower barbs; structural integrity remains largely intact

Looked black with blue sheen under natural light