The Steller’s jay is a striking member of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens and magpies. It is named after German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first documented the species in 1741 during an expedition to Alaska. The bird’s distinctive features include a dark, almost black head that transitions into deep blue plumage across its wings and tail. It is known for its prominent crest, which can be raised or lowered depending on its mood, and its raucous, sharp calls that can often be heard echoing through British Columbia’s forests.
