Cyanocitta stelleri
The Steller's Jay is the classic crested jay of areas west of the Continental Divide. With a crest length unequaled by any other North American bird, the Steller's Jay is an unmistakable, raucous resident of the western slopes of the Rockies. It is the provincial bird of British Columbia. Steller's Jays are frequently encountered in parking areas, viewpoints and day-use areas in most of the national parks in the Rocky Mountains. They are bold, and they will not hesitate to steal food scraps from inattentive picnickers. Steller's Jays also eat acorns and other natural seeds, which they hammer apart with their bill partially open. George Wilhelm Steller, the first European naturalist to visit Alaska, collected the first specimen-the 'type' specimen-of this species. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: glossy blue plumage; black head and nape; large, black crest; white streaks on the forehead and chin; wings and tail are accentuated by dark blue. Size: L 111/2 in. (29 cm). Range: locally uncommon to very common year-round resident throughout the Rockies. Habitat: coniferous and mixed forests, campgrounds, picnic areas and townsites up to the subalpine. Nesting: in the crotch of a conifer tree; bulky stick and twig nest is lined with mud, grass and conifer needles; female incubates 4 eggs for 16 days. Feeding: searches the ground and vegetation for insects, small vertebrates and various other food items; forages in treetops for nuts, berries and other birds' eggs; visits bird feeders during winter. Voice: harsh, noisy shack-shack-shack, along with a variety of other calls. Similar Species: Blue Jay: white underparts; black 'necklace'; white wing bar. Western Scrub-Jay: no crest; pale gray underparts. |
