Bright, almost entirely blue, crested jay. Short, small bill. Black head and shaggy crest. Young birds have a more grayish cast to the head and breast and a less developed crest. Thin white streak above each eye conspicuous in some populations. Brownish-black extending down chest and midway down back, blended further down. Deep blue back and tail with faint black barring. Short tail. Rump blue, legs dark. In flight, the primaries and secondaries look silvery gray and the wings are rather blunt and rounded at the tips.

Length: 32 (cm) Wingspan: 47 (cm)

Voice:

Varied harsh calls. Scolding shek shek shek, or series of raspy jaaaar notes. Imitates squirrels, raptors, and many birds. Extremely low amplitude melodic singing may be heard at close range.

Habitat:

Prefers conifers, but also inhabits oak woodlands. Seen from sea level to near timberline.

Behavior:

Solitary or in small flocks. Bold and aggressive. Mobs predators. Robs nests. Stashes nuts, ensuring that the cache is well covered. Pounds nuts with bill to open.

Feeding:

Eats acorns, pine seeds, small reptiles and rodents, carrion, eggs, bird nestlings, and insects. Will also eat dry pet foods.