Songbirds

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

The only crested jay in western North America, with a jet-black head and brilliant cobalt-blue body. A bold, noisy year-round resident in Kodiak's Sitka spruce forests.

Where to look

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Pillar Mountain, and wooded areas near Kodiak town.

Habitat

Coniferous forests, especially Sitka spruce.

Diet

Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, eggs, and nestlings.

Natural history note

Steller's Jays are masterful mimics and can imitate the calls of Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks to scare other birds from food.