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

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.

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

Pennaceous vane distally with a plumulaceous base; barbs are tightly interlocked with functional barbicels, showing intact and healthy condition

Central rachis is moderately stout, dark near the vane and lightening toward the base, curved slightly; barbs are densely packed and uniform

Smooth, glossy, and firm along the pennaceous upper portion, becoming soft and downy near the base

Body covert or upper flank feather, determined by the curved profile, rounded tip, and transitional soft base

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

Coniferous and mixed mountain forests, heavily wooded residential areas, and foothill regions across western North America

Western North America, from southern Alaska down through British Columbia, the western United States (including California), and into Mexico and Central America

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

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

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.

Historically valued by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for their vibrant blue feathers, which were often incorporated into ceremonial regalia, artwork, and adornments

Look for molted feathers under tall conifers or near backyard bird feeders in western regions where Steller's Jays frequently forage

Good condition, fresh appearance with minimal wear, barbs fully intact and no visible parasitic damage or heavy sun bleaching

Found in the backyard where their house fringes goldfinch is in California quail California scrub Jay and Stella