Steller's Jay

Also known as Pine Jay, Mountain Jay

Recognizable by its dark charcoal-black head, prominent triangular crest, and deep cobalt-blue body, Steller's jays are bold acrobats of western North American coniferous forests. These vocal corvids mimic hawk calls to scatter smaller birds from feeding spots and cache thousands of seeds across their territory every year. During the spring breeding season, monogamous pairs construct bulky cup nests from twigs, mud, and pine needles high in dense evergreen foliage.