Cyanocitta stelleri

Steller's Jay

Family: Corvidae · Class: Aves · Order: Passeriformes

Steller's Jay is a large, robust member of the crow family measuring 30 to 34 centimeters (12 to 13.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 43 to 46 centimeters (17 to 18 inches). Adults weigh between 100 to 140 grams (3.5 to 4.9 ounces). The species displays striking blue and black plumage, with a prominent black head, neck, and upper breast contrasting with deep blue wings, tail, and lower body. A distinctive black crest extends from the back of the head, which can be raised or lowered depending on the bird's alertness or emotional state. The bill is thick, straight, and black, adapted for its varied diet. Steller's Jay ranges from southern Alaska through western North America to Central America. In California, the species occurs throughout mountainous and forested regions from the Oregon border south to Baja California. The distribution includes the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, Coast Ranges, and Transverse and Peninsular ranges. Populations are resident year-round in most areas, though some individuals at higher elevations may move to lower areas during winter months. The species inhabits coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests from sea level to approximately 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) elevation. Steller's Jay shows a strong preference for areas with dense canopy cover, particularly forests dominated by pine, fir, spruce, and oak species. The species also occurs in riparian woodlands, parks, and suburban areas with mature trees. Optimal habitat includes areas with both dense forest for nesting and adjacent openings or edges for foraging. Steller's Jay is omnivorous with a diet consisting of insects, seeds, nuts, fruits, eggs, and nestlings of other birds. The species exhibits caching behavior, storing pine nuts, acorns, and other seeds for later consumption. During breeding season, which extends from April through July, pairs construct bulky nests of twigs, moss, and mud typically placed 2.4 to 4.9 meters (8 to 16 feet) high in coniferous trees. Females lay 3 to 5 pale green to blue eggs with brown spotting. Incubation lasts 16 to 18 days, and nestlings fledge after 18 to 21 days. The species is highly social outside the breeding season, forming flocks that may include dozens of individuals. Steller's Jay is not federally listed and shows stable population trends across most of its range. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, populations have remained relatively stable over the past several decades, with some local increases in suburban and park environments. The species has demonstrated adaptability to human-modified landscapes, though it remains dependent on mature forest habitat for optimal breeding success. Primary conservation concerns include habitat fragmentation and loss of old-growth forest, particularly at lower elevations where development pressure is greatest.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.