The search for a bird that resembles the iconic Blue Jay but appears nearly black often leads to a close relative sharing the same genus. The Eastern Blue Jay, with its striking mix of bright blue, white, and black, is a familiar sight across eastern and central North America. In the continent’s western forests, however, a similar crested bird exists whose dark plumage often causes observers to question their initial identification. This bird is a member of the intelligent corvid family, but its coloration shifts dramatically toward black, especially on its head and chest.
The Closest Match: The Steller’s Jay
The bird most frequently mistaken for a black Blue Jay is the Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), a species native to Western North America. From a distance or in the deep shade of its preferred coniferous forest habitat, the Steller’s Jay can appear almost entirely black.
The dark appearance comes from its glossy black or sooty-blue head, neck, and upper chest, which form a distinct hood. This dark coloration transitions sharply to a deep, vibrant blue on its lower body, wings, and tail. The extent of the black hood varies geographically, with birds on the Pacific Coast being the darkest, while those in the Rocky Mountains often display subtle white streaks above the eye. The Steller’s Jay is the only crested jay found west of the Great Plains, making it the definitive answer for a dark, crested blue bird in that region.
This species is slightly larger than the Blue Jay, measuring 12 to 13 inches with a more robust build. They are a common sight in evergreen forests from Alaska down to Nicaragua, thriving particularly well in mountainous terrain and parklands. Their preference for dense conifer woods, which cast significant shadow, further contributes to the impression of a mostly black bird.
Key Differences Between Blue Jays and Steller’s Jays
The differences between the Steller’s Jay and the Eastern Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) offer clear distinctions for identification. The Eastern species is easily recognized by the prominent white and black markings on its wings and tail, along with a distinct black “necklace” on its white chest. In contrast, the Steller’s Jay lacks this white underbelly and the bold black necklace; its dark hood simply gives way to the blue body feathers.
Another distinguishing characteristic is the shape of the crest of feathers atop their heads. The Blue Jay’s crest is more rounded and often appears bushier. The Steller’s Jay possesses a more pronounced, pointed, and shaggy crest, which often appears longer, especially in northern populations.
These two species are geographically separated by the Rocky Mountains. Blue Jays are common in the deciduous and mixed forests of the East, while Steller’s Jays are fixtures of the Western coniferous forests. While their ranges generally do not overlap, a small area in the eastern foothills of the Rockies sees occasional interbreeding, resulting in hybrid individuals.
Ruling Out Other Dark Birds
When an observer sees a large, intelligent, and mostly black bird, they might also consider other members of the Corvidae family, such as the American Crow or the Common Raven. These birds are easily distinguished by their complete lack of a crest. American Crows are entirely black and significantly larger than a Blue Jay, averaging 17 to 21 inches in length compared to the jay’s 10 inches. Common Ravens are even more massive, with a shaggy throat and a long, wedge-shaped tail visible in flight.
Another potential misidentification is the Black-billed Magpie, a western bird with a striking black and white pattern. Although it is slightly larger than a jay, its exceptionally long, diamond-shaped tail and large white wing patches make it instantly recognizable.
Finally, a truly all-black Blue Jay is an extremely rare occurrence, typically resulting from a genetic mutation called melanism, where the bird produces an excess of dark pigment. The natural blue color of jays is not a pigment but a structural color, an optical illusion caused by light scattering off the feather barbs. This means only the dark melanin pigment in the feathers would be intensified in a melanistic bird.