Steller's jay is a bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America, closely related to the blue jay found in eastern North America. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also sometimes colloquially called a "blue jay" in the Pacific Northwest, but is distinct from the blue jay of eastern North America. The species inhabits pine-oak and coniferous forests.
Region
Western North America and Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Found from coastal Alaska and western Canada through the western United States into Mexico and the highlands of Central America. It inhabits coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and pine–oak zones, from coastal redwoods to high-elevation spruce–fir. Frequently uses forest edges, riparian corridors, and burned or logged mosaics. It readily visits picnic areas, campgrounds, and suburban yards near suitable forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Steller's jay is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains and is well known for its bold behavior around campsites and feeders. It is an excellent mimic, often imitating hawks and other birds. Like many corvids, it caches seeds and nuts, unintentionally aiding forest regeneration. Subspecies vary in head pattern, with interior birds showing pale streaking on the forehead.
Adults along the Pacific Coast have blue streaks on their black crests.
![Cyanocitta stelleri ridgwayi, a subspecies of Steller's jay found from Chiapas to Guatemala[10]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Cyanocitta_stelleri_coronata%2C_San_Crist%C3%B3bal%2C_Chiapas%2C_Mexico_%28cropped%29.jpg/640px-Cyanocitta_stelleri_coronata%2C_San_Crist%C3%B3bal%2C_Chiapas%2C_Mexico_%28cropped%29.jpg)
Cyanocitta stelleri ridgwayi, a subspecies of Steller's jay found from Chiapas to Guatemala[10]
Steller's jays are omnivorous and can be social with humans.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Temperament
bold, inquisitive, and assertive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, forming looser flocks outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs defend territories during nesting; both sexes help build the nest and feed young. Often mobs predators and uses alarm calls. Stores food in scattered caches for later use.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal repertoire dominated by loud, harsh, rasping shacks and descending shaarr calls. Skilled mimic that imitates hawks, owls, and other birds, especially when alarmed. Also gives softer chatter and murmuring notes near the nest.
