Steller's Jay (Long-crested Jay, Pine Jay)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Cyanocitta, Species: C. stelleri
Family: Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, showing a smooth elliptical outline
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, typical of a larger body or covert feather for this species
- Rarity
- Common
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Description
The Steller's Jay is a striking, charismatic bird easily recognized by its dark blackish-head, prominent crest, and brilliant deep blue body and wings. Measuring around 11 to 13 inches long, these intelligent corvids are known for their bold personalities, raspy vocalizations, and ability to mimic other species.
Colour & Pattern
Deep rich blue transitioning to a slaty charcoal-grey at the base, characteristic of structural blue coloration resulting from light scattering via microscopic air cavities in the barbules
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane distally with a plumulaceous base; barbs are tightly interlocked with functional barbicels, showing intact and healthy condition
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and firm along the pennaceous upper portion, becoming soft and downy near the base
Key Features
Rich deep blue color shifting to slate gray at the base, firm pennaceous structure with a fluffy covert base, and size consistent with a large corvid body feather
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed mountain forests, heavily wooded residential areas, and foothill regions across western North America
Geographic Range
Western North America, from southern Alaska down through British Columbia, the western United States (including California), and into Mexico and Central America
Ecological Role
Acts as an important seed disperser, particularly for conifer and oak species, and functions as an intelligent forest sentinel giving loud alarm calls when predators are near
Similar Species
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) or Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata); distinguished by the deeper, richer blue and darker slate-black head tones characteristic of Steller's Jay
Interesting Facts
Steller's Jays are the only crested jay in western North America and serve as the provincial bird of British Columbia. They are notorious hoarders of seeds and nuts, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration.
Condition Notes
Good condition, fresh appearance with minimal wear, barbs fully intact and no visible parasitic damage or heavy sun bleaching
Notes
Found in the backyard where their house fringes goldfinch is in California quail California scrub Jay and Stella