Steller's Jay Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Steller’s Jays are large songbirds with large heads, chunky bodies, rounded wings, and a long, full tail. The bill is long, straight, and powerful, with a slight hook. Steller’s Jays have a prominent triangular crest that often stands nearly straight up from their head.

  Relative Size

  About the same size as a Western Scrub-Jay

  between robin and crow

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 11.8-13.4 in (30-34 cm)
    • Weight: 3.5-4.9 oz (100-140 g)
    • Wingspan: 17.3 in (44 cm)

  © Jeff Maw / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  At a distance, Steller’s Jays are very dark jays, lacking the white underparts of most other species. The head is charcoal black and the body is all blue (lightest, almost sparkling, on the wings). White markings above the eye are fairly inconspicuous.

• Behavior

  Like other jays, Steller’s Jays are bold, inquisitive, intelligent, and noisy. Steller’s Jays spend much of their time exploring the forest canopy, flying with patient wingbeats. They come to the forest floor to investigate visitors and look for food, moving with decisive hops of their long legs.
• Habitat

  Look for Steller’s Jays in evergreen forests of western North America, at elevations of 3,000-10,000 feet (lower along the Pacific coast). They’re familiar birds of campgrounds, picnic areas, parks, and backyards.

Regional Differences

Scientists have described 16 subspecies of the Steller’s Jay in North and Central America, showing varying combinations of black and blue on the crest, head, and body. The Queen Charlotte Islands off British Columbia are home to the largest and darkest race. In mainland North America, you can notice differences between darker Pacific forms, with blue streaks over the eye, and lighter Rocky Mountain forms with white streaks and a partial white eyering.

Regional Photos

© Jeff Maw / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 16, 2017

© Doug Hitchcox / Macaulay LibraryArizona, January 16, 2017

© Nigel Voaden / Macaulay LibraryChiapas, March 19, 2015