Steller jays are omnivores because they feed on vegetables and animal matter for their survival. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, rodents, bird eggs, and different invertebrates. Steller jays are aggressive birds and they are also classified as scavengers. They are different from blue jays as they have longer legs than blue jays.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Steller jays are abundant in western North America. They prefer to live in evergreen forests. They are also found in backyards, parks, and picnic areas. They live and build their nests at elevations of 3000 to 10000 feet. 

The average size of a steller jay is about 30 to 34cm long and its average weight is about 100 to 140 grams. A steller jay can live up to 10 years.

Insects and animals

Steller jays eat different insects including beetles, wild bees, spiders, wasps, ants, earthworms, mealworms, etc. Steller jays also eat small lizards and rodents such as mice. Steller jays also feed on other bird eggs and their young ones. They are likely to eat hummingbirds. Steller jays also eat suet and carrions. 

Steller jays are smart birds and they can store their food in their expandable pouches present in their esophagus. This is a temporary place to hold their food.

Fruits and vegetables

Steller jays are more likely to eat plants and vegetables. About two-thirds of a steller’s diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Steller jays eat fruits like bananas, grapes, berries, cherries, melons, apples, peaches, elderberries and they also feed on dried fruits. Steller jays eat seeds like acorns, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts. 

Steller jays also eat cultivated corn, grass seeds, almonds, walnuts, and pine seeds. In captivity, Steller jays mostly eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and arthropods like beetles, grasshoppers, and worms. 

What steller jays don’t eat?

Steller jays don’t eat large adult birds and fishes.