4 Types of Corvids Found in Alaska (Crows, jays)

What kinds of corvids can you find in Alaska?

Corvids, which include crows and jays, are a family of birds known to be some of the SMARTEST birds that have ever been studied. For example, certain corvid species have demonstrated self-awareness in mirror tests and the ability to use tools while foraging for food. Both of these skills are INCREDIBLY rare in the wild kingdom.

And believe it or not, their brain-to-body mass ratio is about the same as great apes and whales and is only slightly lower than humans!

Today, you will learn about the types of corvids found in Alaska!

If you’re interested, you may be able to see some of the species listed below at my bird-feeding station right now! I have a LIVE high-definition camera watching my feeders 24/7. 🙂

#1. Common Raven

Corvus corax

Identifying Characteristics:

Large bird that is completely black, including its eyes and bill.
The bill is hefty and thick.
In flight, look for their wedge-shaped tail.

Ravens are one of the SMARTEST birds in Alaska!

For example, one study has shown that these corvids are drawn to gunshots during hunting season to investigate the carcass but ignore other loud noises that don’t lead to food, such as air horns or car alarms.

Their intelligence makes them efficient predators, and it’s common for ravens to team up to get food, such as stealing eggs from nests or attacking larger prey like newly born lambs.

Common Raven Range Map

Since they are so smart and adaptable, Common Ravens are found in many habitats in Alaska. Look for them living near the edges of towns, especially in landfills that supply an endless amount of food. But ravens also have no problem living far away from civilization.

Common Ravens are impressive vocalists that make many different types of calls, from harsh grating calls to shrill alarm sounds. But the most common sound you will hear in the wild is a gurgling croak that rises in pitch.

Interestingly, they can mimic the sounds of many other bird species and even humans if raised in captivity.

#2. Black-billed Magpie

Pica hudsonia

Identifying Characteristics:

A large black and white bird with a long tail.
In the right light, you can see beautiful blue iridescent feathers on the wings and tail.

It’s hard to miss these bold corvids in Alaska!

Black-billed Magpies demand your attention. They are very social, noisy, and comfortable living amongst people and are commonly seen in smaller towns. Naturally, they live in open grasslands and plains and tend to avoid dense forests.

Black-billed Magpie Range Map

Being part of the Corvid family, Black-billed Magpies are incredibly intelligent. One interesting behavior is that they seem to have funerals when they discover a deceased magpie. Individual birds will begin calling loudly to attract more magpies, eventually having as many as 40 birds gathered for 10-15 minutes before flying away silently.

#3. Steller’s Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

Identifying Characteristics:

Larger bird with a black head, rounded wings, and a long tail.
A tall black crest on the crown of the head helps identify them.
Both sexes are half black and half blue on their wings, belly, and tail.

You will find this bold corvid in evergreen forests in Alaska. Steller’s Jays often visit parks, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Steller’s Jay Range Map

This jay species is very intelligent, bold, and noisy. You can attract them to your feeders by providing peanuts, larger seeds, and suet.

Steller’s Jays are often nest robbers. They have even been known to attack or kill small adult birds like nuthatches or juncos.

Males and sometimes females have calls that sound like “shaack, shaack, shaack,” shooka, shooka.” Listen below.

#4. Canada Jay / Gray Jay

Perisoreus canadensis

Identifying Characteristics:

Paler grey on the belly. Darker gray on the backs.
White cheeks, throat, and forehead.
Short beak and a long tail.

It’s hard to describe a Canada Jay other than “cute.” These grey birds are smart and adapt easily to their surroundings, which allows them to consume almost anything.

Seriously, they have been observed eating the following weird things: ticks off the back of a moose, baby bats, amphibians, and baby birds, in addition to more normal foods like invertebrates, seeds, and berries.

Canada Jay Range Map

Another fascinating fact about this corvid is that they raise their babies during late winter! And because they live so far north in the boreal forests, their chicks grow up in almost complete darkness. Interestingly, they don’t attempt to raise a second brood of babies in May or June, which is when most other bird species have babies, and conditions seem more favorable.

So do you call this bird a Canada Jay or a Gray Jay?

Well, the correct name is now Canada Jay, as the name was changed in 2018 by the American Ornithological Society from the Gray Jay. But old habits die hard, and many birders in Alaska still refer to this bold corvid as a Gray Jay.