stellers jay

1. Bird Name
English name: Steller’s Jay
Scientific (Latin) name: Cyanocitta stelleri

2. Appearance
Steller’s Jay is famed for its strikingly vibrant pigmentation and distinctive markings. The four subspecies display a variety of blue shades, but all adults have dark, almost black, plumage around their head and neck. Contrasting with this, the body, wings, and tail are a stunning blue. This contrast is accompanied by faint, dark barring on the wings and tail. Their eyes are dark brown. One of their unique, identifiable features is the large, shaggy crest on the bird’s head. The stout, hooked beak is charcoal black. In all subspecies and genders, appearance remains consistent, showing no sexual dimorphism.

3. Size
On average, a Steller’s Jay will stand at roughly 30-34 cm (12-13.5 inches) tall. Their wingspan ranges from 39-43 cm (15.3-17 inches). These birds typically weigh between 100-140 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Steller’s Jays are native to North America. They are commonly found in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. They prefer dense, coniferous forests but are also known to inhabit mixed woodlands. In elevation, they can be found from sea level up to treeline. While more common in wild settings, these birds have been adapting to human-altered environments, making appearances in suburban areas and parks.

5. Interesting Facts
Steller’s Jays are resourceful birds. They stash away food for later use in hidden caches, recalling their locations even after long periods. They often mimic the voices of other birds, animals, and even human-made sounds. Culturally, in some Native American folklore, the Steller’s Jay is seen as a symbol of friendship and trust.

6. Diet
Their diet is omnivorous consisting of insects, seeds, berries, nuts, small animals, eggs, and nestlings. When opportune, they do not shy away from scavenging around picnic areas and campsites.

7. Behaviour & Sounds
Steller’s Jays are known for their active and aggressive behaviors around food resources. Their vocalizations are varied, often mimicking hawks’ sounds to scare away other birds from feeding areas. Their typical call comprises a series of ‘shook, shook, shook’ sounds.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Steller’s Jay falls into the ‘Least Concern’ category, denoting its currently stable global population.

9. Lifespan
On average, Steller’s Jays can live for about 16 years in the wild, while in captivity, their lifespan can exceed 20 years with proper care.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking regions, the Steller’s Jay is often referred to as “Chara Pinta”. They generally avoid interaction with humans but have been known to become acclimated to human presence in areas where they are regularly fed. They play a critical role in forest ecosystems by helping to control insect and rodent populations. Their seed-stashing habit also aids in dispersal and growth of plant species, contributing to the overall biodiversity and health of their habitats.