Florida Scrub-Jay

Endemic to central Florida, the Florida scrub-jay is threatened by habitat loss. Once considered the same species as other scrub-jays (all were lumped as a single species), today this bird is highly sought after by birders visiting Florida.

Common Name:

Florida Scrub-Jay

Scientific Name:

Aphelocoma coerulescens

• Bill: Stout, black
• Size: 11 inches long with 16-inch wingspan, long tail
• Colors: Blue, gray, white, black, tan
• Markings: Genders are similar with bright blue head, rump, tail and wings. The head shows a white eyebrow and forehead. Back and underparts are a light grayish-tan, and the throat and breast show white streaks framed by a blue necklace. Flanks are a darker grayish-tan, and legs and feet are black. Species is monotypic.

Nuts, eggs, small mammals, fruit, insects (See: Omnivorous)

Habitat and Migration:

These distinctive jays are endemic to central Florida and do not migrate. Their preferred habitat is moist scrub and thickets with small oaks and palmettos, though they will visit backyards with appropriate brushy cover.

Florida scrub-jays are relatively quiet for jays, but their raspy, single note call is distinctive. Each call lasts approximately one second and may be a solitary call or repeated in quick succession. More repetitions are common when the birds feel threatened or agitated.

These are curious, intelligent birds that can become bold and used to humans, even taking nuts and scraps from patient hands. They will cache seeds, nuts and shiny objects, returning to their caches to feed when fresh food sources become scarce, and untended caches are a major source of reseeding the Florida scrub-jay's habitat. They feed in small family groups with a designated sentinel, and when an alarm is sounded they may mob intruders, including snakes.

These are monogamous birds and the female parent will incubate a brood of 1-6 eggs for 15-17 days. Both parents feed the altricial young for an additional 18-19 days after hatching, and juvenile birds will stay with their family group for a full year or longer, often helping to care for successive broods. One brood per year is the most common, but Florida scrub-jays will occasionally raise two broods in one year.

These jays will readily visit backyards that provide bird-friendly habitat that includes oak trees, pines and scrub brush. They will visit feeders for peanuts, suet and sunflower seeds, either in the shell or hulled.

• Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
• Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis)
• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Photo – Florida Scrub-Jay © leppyone