Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri. Acorns, pine seeds, insects and eggs.
Crows and jays (Corvidae)Steller's JayCyanocitta stelleri
- Scientific name
- Cyanocitta stelleri
- Length
- 11.8–13.4 in
- Weight
- 3.5–4.9 oz
- Nest
- Bulky cup in conifers 10–30 ft up
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 16–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Charcoal-black head and tall crest
- Deep blue body and wings
- Faint blue streaks on the forehead
Voice
Harsh 'shook-shook-shook'; mimics Red-tailed Hawks.
Diet and feeding
Acorns, pine seeds, insects and eggs.
What do Steller's jays eat? · Best feeder for Steller's jays
Steller's Jays by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Alberta | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–June |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| California | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Montana | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–June |
| South Dakota | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | May–June |
Frequently asked
What do Steller's jays eat?
Acorns, pine seeds, insects and eggs. At feeders: peanuts in the shell, black-oil sunflower, suet.
How big is a Steller's Jay?
11.8–13.4 in long and 3.5–4.9 oz.
Do Steller's jays use birdhouses?
No. Bulky cup in conifers 10–30 ft up.
Sources
- Steller's Jay — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Steller's Jay life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Steller's Jay — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.