The Steller's Jay lives in coniferous forest west of the Rockies. It was named by George Steller. Its scientific name is Cyanocitta stelleri. This bird likes to build its nest from sea level to timberline. Its distinctive markings and colors are blue on the wings and tail with black shoulders. It has a dramatically crested head. Steller's Jays are eleven inches long.
It is slightly bigger than a robin. It eats nuts, seeds, dead animals, and the young of small birds. It finds its food on the ground. It is known to steal nuts from orchards. The Steller's Jay looks different from the east coast Blue Jay but has many of the same behaviors. These birds do not migrate and individuals often live many years.