Cyanocitta

Cyanocitta is a small genus of passerine birds in the crow family, Corvidae. It contains two North American species: Cyanocitta cristata, the blue jay, and Cyanocitta stelleri, the Steller's jay. Both are medium-sized, crested birds with strong bills and long tails, known for their intelligence and vocal activity.

Blue jays are among the most familiar North American jays. They typically show vibrant blue upperparts with black markings and white underparts, and a characteristic black necklace. Steller's jays are generally darker, with slate-blue plumage, a prominent crest, and a more extensive black facial pattern. Despite their color differences, both species share a similar body shape and behavior.

Geographic distribution and habitat differ between the two species. The blue jay ranges across eastern and central North America, extending into southern Canada and parts of the southwestern United States, and it adapts to woodlands, parks, and residential areas. The Steller's jay inhabits western North America, from Alaska to Mexico, favoring coniferous and mixed forests and often occurring at forest edges and in human-altered landscapes.

Behavior and diet are opportunistic. Both species feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs of other birds. They cache food for later use and are known to be vocal and social, often forming loose flocks outside the breeding season. They can mimic other sounds and are frequently territorial around breeding sites.

Reproduction involves nest construction in trees, with clutch sizes typically ranging from four to six eggs. Incubation lasts about 12 to 14 days, and fledging occurs roughly 16 to 21 days after hatch. Both parents participate in care. Neither species is globally threatened, though local habitat loss and window collisions can affect populations.