Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Overview
Description
Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America, closely related to the blue jay (C. cristata) found in eastern North America. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also sometimes colloquially called a "blue jay" in the Pacific Northwest, but is distinct from the blue jay of eastern North America. The species inhabits pine-oak and coniferous forests.1
Taxonomy
Passeriformes > Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) > Jays, Magpies, Crows, and Ravens
Subspecies Seen: Steller's Jay (Coastal), Steller's Jay (Southwest Interior)
Sightings
Relevant Sightings
- 08-31-2019 - California, United States (First Sighting / First and Best Photo)
- 12-01-2024 - California, United States (First/Best Recording)
- 05-26-2025 - California, United States (Last Sighting)
Places Seen
- Arizona, United States
- California, United States