The Steller’s jay is a bold and aggressive species frequently found scavenging in campgrounds, picnic areas, and feeding stations in the West. The bird’s flight is strong and steady, with wings rarely flexed above horizontal. Polytypic. Length 11.5".

A nearly unmistakable dark blue, black-crested jay with variable white or blue markings on the head. The wings and tail are a vivid blue, with fine black barring. The head, including the crest; back; and throat are blackish. Juveniles are washed with brownish or grayish to the upperparts and are duller below.

Extensive among the 17 subspecies from Alaska to Nica­ragua, but more limited and clinal among the 8 subspecies north of Mexico. The most distinctive subspecies in North America is macrolopha of the