Steller’s Jay is a large, striking bird found in western North America, ranging from Alaska to central Mexico. This species measures around 11.8 inches in length and weighs between 3.5-4.9 ounces, with males being slightly larger than females. It has a relatively long tail and a distinctive crest on its head, which is made up of dark blue feathers with black borders.

The Steller’s Jay is easily recognizable due to its unique appearance. Its body is primarily dark blue, and it has a black head with a prominent crest. Its wings and tail are also blue, with black bars and white spots on the wings. The bird’s bill is black and slightly curved, and its eyes are dark.

Steller’s Jays are non-migratory birds and are year-round residents in their range. They are commonly found in coniferous forests, where they are known to forage for insects, seeds, and nuts. These birds are also known to visit backyard bird feeders, where they will eat sunflower seeds and peanuts.

In addition to its striking appearance, the Steller’s Jay is also known for its raucous call, which is a harsh, nasal-sounding “shack-shack-shack.” They are also known for their intelligence and curiosity, and are known to investigate new objects and areas.

In summary, the Steller’s Jay is a large, striking bird with a distinctive blue body, black head, and prominent crest. They are non-migratory birds and are year-round residents in western North America, primarily found in coniferous forests. These birds are known for their intelligence and curiosity, and are easily recognized by their raucous call.