Steller's Jay

A vibrant, crested jay of the western wild. The bird features a charcoal-black head and crest that fades into a deep blue body. This feather showcases the intricate barring found on the wings and tail.

Muted blue-gray to deep cerulean base with distinct dark horizontal bars (barring) across the vane, typical of the genus Cyanocitta.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked with hooklets for flight stability; small plumulaceous section near the calamus for insulation.

The rachis is dark, rigid, and tapers towards the tip. Barbs are densely packed, carrying the structural blue coloration and melanin-based bands.

Smooth and somewhat stiff to the touch; the surface has a slight satiny sheen due to structural coloration rather than pigmentation.

Tail (rectrix). The slight curvature and asymmetry suggest it is not the central pair but one of the lateral feathers used for steering.

Distinctive dark horizontal barring on a blue-gray background and an asymmetrical shape characteristic of parids and corvids.

Coniferous and mixed evergreen forests, particularly in mountainous or coastal regions; also found in suburban parks with mature trees.

Western North America, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia south through the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast into Central America.

Omnivorous feeder and important seed disperser for various pine and oak species; acts as a 'sentinel' bird by alerting others to predators.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feathers are brighter blue with white tips; Western Scrub-Jay feathers lack the dark horizontal barring.

Steller's Jays are excellent mimics and can imitate the calls of Red-tailed Hawks to scare other birds away from food sources.

Used historically by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest in ceremonial regalia and storytelling; modern use is primarily for educational displays.

Look for these feathers near coniferous forest floors or picnic areas in western parks during the late summer molt (July-September).

Good condition; minor edge wear and a small notch (separation of barbs) on the leading edge. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.