From Opus

Photo by janruss
Location: Edmonds, Washington, USA

Cyanocitta stelleri

[edit] Identification

L. 29cm Wt. 105gm *Dark grey to black head and nape Large black crest The only crested jay in the west Most have white streaks on the forehead and chin Absent in some subspecies Body, wings, and tail are a deep blue Long straight bill (black) Black legs

[edit] Distribution

Year-round resident of mountainous regions of the western U.S. and Mexico. Common in the Sierras, coastal ranges of California, Rocky Mtns., and coast ranges of B.C. and southern Alaska.

[edit] Taxonomy

Shares the Genus Cyanocitta with the Blue Jay.

[edit] Habitat

Mixed pine/oak and coniferous forest.

[edit] Behaviour

Typical jay behavior; intelligent and iquisitive, opportunistic feeders. Will become tame around humans, especially if deliberately fed. This has led to camp-robber status in some campgrounds. Diet: Omnivorous, will take frogs, eggs, and snakes when available. Winter diet is pine seeds, acorns and fruit; will come to feeders. Monogamous

[edit] External Links