The best feeder for Steller's jays
Common at campgrounds and mountain feeders; caches thousands of seeds in fall.
Feeder styles that work
Jays and nuthatches work peanuts from wide mesh.
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What to fill it with
- Peanuts in the shell
- Black-oil sunflower
- Suet
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Steller's Jay measures 11.8–13.4 in and weighs 3.5–4.9 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for Steller's jays?
Whole-peanut or peanut-mesh feeder. Jays and nuthatches work peanuts from wide mesh.
What should I put in a feeder for Steller's jays?
Peanuts in the shell, Black-oil sunflower, Suet.
Where should I place a feeder for Steller's jays?
Common at campgrounds and mountain feeders; caches thousands of seeds in fall.
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.