
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 and Jays)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a slightly tapered, rounded tip and a soft, elongated outline.
- Size
- Approximately 3.5 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, typical of a medium-sized body or wing covert feather for a corvid of this size.
- Rarity
- Common throughout its natural range in western coniferous forests.
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Description
A striking medium-sized corvid with a prominent dark crest, deep blue body plumage, and black head and shoulders. Known for their bold and intelligent behavior, harsh vocalizations, and adaptability.
Colour & Pattern
Striking deep blue and slate grey coloration, featuring structural blue hues on the distal web and darker grey-black towards the base, characteristic of Steller's Jay plumage.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the upper distal portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy, loose) structure near the base.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and silky pennaceous upper portion with a softer, downy base; matte finish with structural iridescence on the blue barbs.
Key Features
Vibrant structural blue transitioning to deep slate grey at the fluffy base, diagnostic of western North American corvids like Steller's Jay.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed mountain forests, especially in mountainous western North America, ranging from lowlands up to timberline.
Geographic Range
Western North America, from southern Alaska down through British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest (including the Olympic Mountains), and down to Central America.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important seed disperser, particularly for conifer seeds and acorns, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration.
Similar Species
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), which features lighter blue tones, white spotting, and lacks the dark crest and geographic overlap in the Pacific Northwest.
Interesting Facts
Steller's Jay is the provincial bird of British Columbia and is known to readily mimic the calls of various raptors, particularly the Red-tailed Hawk.
Condition Notes
Good condition, mostly intact barbs with slight fraying at the fluffy base, showing minimal wear or sun bleaching.
Notes
Olympic mountains