DeMay, J. S. 1942 Cyanocitta stelleri Steller Jay June 1. Cedar Grove, S. Fork Kings R., 4600 ft., Fresno D., Calif. (cont.) tail are bright blue. The Jays frequently fly down to the ground, where they hop along sideways, looking for crumbs or oatmeal. They seize the food in their bills and fly to the branches of the trees to eat it. The Jays have a characteristic, sliding method of moving from branch to branch in the trees and from one tree to another nearby.