Birds of North America
Puzzle 17 · Western Forests · Page 33 in print
Steller's Jay
Steller’s Jays break open hard seeds and acorns by striking them repeatedly with their bills.
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The words
Alaska
The northern part of the species’ stated Alaska-to-Nicaragua range.
Black Crest
The black crest is an identifying feature described for the species.
Campgrounds
Places where the bold jay often scavenges in the West.
Head Cocking
Turning or tilting the head as a Steller’s Jay surveys its surroundings.
Long Tail
The Steller’s Jay has a long, full tail.
Nicaragua
Southern limit of the range.
Picnic Areas
Another place where the jay scavenges.
Pine Seeds
A major fall and winter food.
Pinyon Pine
A pine whose seeds Steller’s Jays carry and bury for winter.
Raptors
Birds of prey whose calls the jay often imitates.
Rounded Wings
Rounded wings form part of the Steller’s Jay’s overall shape.
Scavenging
The bold jay’s habit of picking up scraps around people.
Spruce
Conifer of its main breeding forests.
Squirrels
Animals whose calls the jay copies.
White Streaks
Pale streaks on the crest of Steller’s Jays in the interior.
Sources
- Steller’s jayWikipedia
- Stellers Jay: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Steller’s JayNational Geographic
- Stellers Jay: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Steller’s JayNational Audubon Society