Corvids

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

A bold, crested jay with a dark head and brilliant blue body. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains and is closely related to the Blue Jay.

Current regional viewing notes

Coniferous and mixed forests around Hoonah; very common at picnic areas, campgrounds, and forest edges throughout Southeast Alaska.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Coniferous and mixed forests, forest edges, parks, and residential areas.

Diet

Omnivorous — seeds, nuts, berries, insects, eggs, and nestlings; caches food for later.

Natural history note

Steller's Jays are excellent vocal mimics and frequently imitate the calls of Red-tailed Hawks, likely to scare other birds away from food sources.