Steller's jays are one of the most beautiful wild birds found in the western United States. Locally, they can be common, but this is a bird that can get a person's notice; from its habits, song, and distinctive coloration.

Though considered a songbird, Steller's jays are about the size of an American robin (thrush). The voice isn't melodic but is loud and somewhat abrasive. Often one of these jays is heard long before it is seen.

The bird is a deep shade of blue, with a darker, nearly black head. A prominent crest adorns the top of the head, and this can be erected nearly straight up when the bird becomes excited or agitated. The beak is reasonably long and strong. The tail is also long as in many species of jay, and is used as a steering rudder during flight.

This jay can be distinguished from the blue jay by the fact it has no white coloration on the wings, and it has a dark head the blue jay lacks. In addition, unlike most other jays, the belly is uniformly blue rather than pale or white.

Steller's jays have a nearly effortless flight and this is used to move through the treetops of evergreen forests it calls home. It is often found on the ground, both in wilderness and in campsites. They are occasionally seen in yards and gardens, though it tends to prefer elevations above 4,000 feet.

The Steller's jay is an opportunistic eater. It will eat seeds, fruit, insects, worms, and even meat. A picnic table loaded with uncovered food out in camp is a nearly irresistible lure to Steller's jays, and they will often clean up a campsite of food scraps left behind by campers, such as watermelon, watermelon seeds, bread scraps, and even dog food.

If the food particles are small, they will eat them on the ground or table. If they are larger, it isn't uncommon for the Steller's jay to carry it up into a tree to devour the food.

Outside of breeding season, Steller's jays are social animals and tolerate others of their species, though they each have distinct territories. During breeding season however, the males tend to be less tolerant of other males. The head crest is used for intimidation displays, as well as for attracting a mate. While the female is nesting, the male will often aggressively defend the territory. Actual battles are rare, since the birds rely more on the head crest displays and their voices to intimidate one another.

In areas where Steller's jays are found, attracting them to a yard isn't difficult. As previously noted, these are opportunistic eaters, so wild birdseed, raw sunflower seeds, dried bread, and fresh fruit are all welcomed by this jay. A supply of fresh water is also welcome. The birds are wary of movement, however, so cats will tend to make them skittish around the feeder.

In camp, they are even simpler to attract. Tossing watermelon rinds, bread crusts, and leftovers away from camp is a great lure. Though they have a normally loud voice, they don't always call when they come into camp, with the result that they can eat a large amount of the food in a dog dish, right in camp, without the dog even being aware of them.

Steller's jays are one of the most beautiful birds a person will see in the western US. They are the caretakers of campsites and the woods. Moreover, they are well worth the study. What better can be said of any bird?

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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