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Steller's Jay (Long-crested Jay, Pine Jay)
Contour feather from the body or lesser wing covert region

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.
Learn more about Steller's Jay (Long-crested Jay, Pine Jay) in the encyclopedia →

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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