Family: Corvidae, Crows, Magpies, Jays view all from this family

Description 12-13 1/2" (30-34 cm). The only western jay with a crest. Front half of bird sooty black, rear dark blue-gray, with tight black crossbarring on secondaries and tail. Lightly streaked eyebrow, chin, and forehead markings vary considerably.

Habitat Coniferous forests: pine and oak woods in southern part of range, small groves and stands of mixed oak and redwood in northern California.

Nesting 3-5 spotted greenish eggs in a neat twiggy bowl lined with small roots and fibers, well hidden in a shady conifer.

Range Largely resident from coastal southern Alaska east to Rocky Mountains and southward into Central America.

Voice   A harsh shack-shack-shack-shack or chook-chook-chook call reveals its presence. May also mimic the screams of hawks.

Discussion Somewhat more reticent than the Gray Jay, Steller's nevertheless quickly becomes accustomed to campsites and human providers. It is often seen sitting quietly in treetops, surveying the surroundings. Near its nest site, it is silent and shy.