Adults
Description
Size: 11.5”
Plumage/Description: Males and females have similar plumage. The most prominent feature is its distinctive crest black crest with a small amount of white streaking at the base of the crest and over the eye. The crest, head, and neck are black and the plumage gradually transitions from black to gray to blue as you move down the length of the bird. Wings, rump, and tail are a deep, vivid blue color—in the sunlight it is a very gorgeous bird.
Habitat: Ponderosa/Coniferous, Residential,
Time of year: Year-round
Relative Abundance: Common
Behavior: Unlike our Western Scrub-Jays, Steller’s Jays are somewhat skittish, and not as common in residential areas. Usually seen in pairs. Fairly vocal, usually will be heard before they are seen. Rarely observed outside a Ponderosa Pine/Coniferous habitat. Like other jay species during breeding season they will plunder bird nest and eat live food sources. However, most of the year they eat seeds, nuts, and insects.
Diet: Seeds, nuts, insects, birds, eggs
Similar species:
Best Sites: Granite Basin, Gold Water Lake, Lynx Lake, at the higher elevations in the Bradshaw Mountains.
