Quick Answer
The Steller’s jay is named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described the bird scientifically in 1741 during Vitus Bering’s Great Northern Expedition along the Alaskan coast. Steller was the first European to document many new species in the North Pacific, including Steller’s sea cow, Steller’s sea lion, and Steller’s eider. The vivid blue and black jay that bears Steller’s name ranges along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Central America.
Georg Wilhelm Steller
Georg Wilhelm Steller was a German naturalist, physician, and explorer who joined Vitus Bering’s Great Northern Expedition to map the northern Pacific coast of Russian America. He is considered a pioneer of Alaskan natural history.
Early Life and Education
Steller was born in 1709 in Windsheim, Germany and studied at the University of Wittenburg. He graduated in 1734 with a degree in medicine and initially worked as a physician. However, Steller was more interested in natural history and longed to travel and document new species.
Vitus Bering’s Great Northern Expedition
In 1734, Steller moved to St. Petersburg and offered his services as a naturalist to Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer then preparing for an expedition to map the northern Pacific coast of Russian America on behalf of the Russian Navy. Steller was eager to explore lands never before seen by Europeans.
Bering’s expedition left St. Petersburg in 1740. After crossing Siberia, Steller and Bering reached the coast of Alaska in 1741. From there, they explored parts of the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula.
Documenting New Species in the North Pacific
During the expedition, Steller documented and described many new plant and animal species, including the Steller’s jay. He wrote detailed observations about the jay’s appearance, behavior, habitat, and range. Steller also documented other unique species like Steller’s sea cow, a giant manatee relative that was hunted to extinction just 27 years later.
Steller’s writings provide the first European accounts of many North Pacific species. He is honored today as one of the most important early naturalists to explore Alaska.
Description of the Steller’s Jay
The Steller’s jay is a striking, intelligent corvid found along the Pacific coast of North America. Here are some key facts about its appearance, behavior, habitat, and range:
Appearance
– Mostly bright blue plumage on the head, back, wings and tail
– A black forehead and nape
– Dark blue crest on the head
– Black beak, legs and eyeline
– White or light blue streaks on the forehead and face
Behavior
– Omnivorous – eats seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, small animals
– Occasionally raids other birds’ nests for eggs and nestlings
– Very vocal – makes a wide range of loud, harsh calls
– Highly social and inquisitive
– Known for bold behavior around humans
Habitat
– Coniferous and mixed forests
– Forest edges and clearings
– Backyards and parks in some areas
Range
– Coastal regions from Alaska to Central America
– Western Canada to the Rocky Mountains
– Most common along the Pacific Coast from Washington to Northern California
Region | Population and Status |
---|---|
Alaska | Common year-round resident |
Canada | Common along coast, rare in interior |
Washington | Abundant year-round |
Oregon | Common year-round |
California | Common along coast, rare in interior |
Southwest U.S. | Rare and local populations |
Mexico | Uncommon resident of highlands |
Central America | Rare visitor |
History and Origins of Steller’s Jay Name
Although Steller first documented the jay in 1741, it was many years before the bird was formally named after him. Here is a brief history:
Steller’s Initial Description
In his journal from Bering’s expedition, Steller provided an account of a “blue mountain jay” he observed in the forests along the Alaska coast. He wrote detailed notes about its beautiful blue plumage, loud calls, curiosity, and habitat in spruce woods. This was the first European description of what came to be known as Steller’s jay.
Classified as Corvus cristatus
The next major description of the jay came in 1788 from Johann Gmelin, a German naturalist. In his edition of Systema Naturae, Gmelin classified the bird as Corvus cristatus – crested raven or crow. At the time, many jays were simply classified as crows under the genus Corvus.
Named Cyanocitta stelleri by Gould 1834
It was not until 1834 that the Steller’s jay was formally named in honor of Steller. English ornithologist John Gould assigned the bird to its own genus Cyanocitta, different from other North American jays. He named it Cyanocitta stelleri, recognizing Steller’s role as the original describer from the 1741 expedition.
Alternate Names
The Steller’s jay has also been known by various other common names including:
– Steller’s crested jay
– Dwarf crow
– Blue mountain jay
– Pine jay
– Alaska jay
But its scientific name Cyanocitta stelleri, honoring Steller’s contributions, has stood the test of time.
Steller’s Jay as a Symbol of the Pacific Northwest
With its striking blue plumage and bold personality, the Steller’s jay has become a beloved icon of the Pacific Northwest.
Common in Coastal Forests
The jay’s range extends along nearly the entire length of the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Central America. But it is especially abundant in the coastal forests of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Throughout much of this region, the Steller’s jay is a very familiar backyard bird.
Features Prominently in Native Tribal Cultures
Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest featured the clever and vocal jay prominently in their myths and legends. The Makah and Nuu-chah-nulth tribes believed the jay served as a trustworthy messenger. The Lummi told tales of the jay stealing salmon from the other animals. And the Salish honored the jay in their winter dances and ceremonies.
Beloved Regional Bird and Sports Mascot
Today, the Steller’s jay remains a powerful icon of the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. It is a beloved regional bird featured in books, logos, school mascots, and more. To many, its inquisitive nature and vibrant color mirror the region’s natural beauty.
Part of Regional Identity
Writer and ornithologist Don Hunter described the Steller’s jay as “the bird that ties the Pacific Northwest together.” More than just a biological species, the jay has become woven into the very cultural identity of the coastal Northwest. Its name honors the region’s history of exploration while its persistence symbolizes the area’s enduring natural heritage.
Threats Facing the Steller’s Jay
The Steller’s jay remains a thriving, adaptable species across its range. However, some threats to local populations exist.
Habitat Loss
The jay depends on coniferous and mixed forests. Logging of old-growth forest reduces habitat availability in some areas like British Columbia. Forest fragmentation can isolate jay populations.
West Nile Virus
Steller’s jays are vulnerable to West Nile virus, a disease spread by mosquitoes. Local declines in jay numbers have been noted after West Nile virus first arrives in an area. Other diseases, like avian pox, may also affect jay health.
Climate Change
Changing precipitation patterns and increased drought conditions resulting from climate change could stress jay populations. Lower snowpack in winter may limit food availability.
Nest Predation
Common nest predators of jays include squirrels, snakes and other birds, like hawks and crows. Higher predator populations may make successful nesting more difficult.
Human Activities
The Steller’s jay’s tendency to approach humans may put them at risk. They may take bait at trap lines or ingest pesticides. Jays are sometimes considered nuisance birds and killed.
Conservation Status of the Steller’s Jay
While the Steller’s jay remains widespread across its native range, conservation actions help protect the species.
Population Monitoring
Monitoring programs like the North American Breeding Bird Survey track jay population trends over time. This data helps identify threats and guides management.
Habitat Protection
Protecting parks, reserves and private forestlands with conservation easements limits habitat loss for jays. Well-managed forests retain mature and dead trees needed for nesting and feeding.
West Nile Virus Surveillance
Monitoring mosquito and disease prevalence allows proactive responses like targeted mosquito control to limit outbreak risks. Public education also encourages residents to reduce breeding habitat.
Regulations
Steller’s jays are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This federal law prohibits harming or killing jays as well as disturbing active nests. Some states also specifically protect the species.
Citizen Science
Backyard birdwatchers contribute useful data about jay populations through projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count. Increased public interest helps efforts to study and conserve Steller’s jays.
Conclusion
The Steller’s jay remains a conspicuous and charismatic presence along the Pacific coast, just as it was when the naturalist Georg Steller first documented the vivid blue mountain jay. While threats exist, focused conservation efforts, habitat protections, and public interest in the species help ensure the Steller’s jay continues to thrive as an iconic Northwestern bird. Its resiliency is an inspiring symbol of the living heritage of the Pacific Northwest’s forests.