Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens)

Photo courtesy of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Florida scrub jay is mostly blue and gray, with a light-gray forehead and white throat. They usually grow to about one-foot long.

Florida scrub jays live in scrubs and scrubby flatwoods of Florida. They prefer scrubs with scrub oak trees and bare or sparsely-vegetated ground. Due to mainly habitat loss, the Florida scrub jay is a state and federally listed threatened species.

Unlike other Florida songbirds, Florida scrub jays remain near their parents' nest for several years after they have matured instead of leaving to establish their own territory. The young help to defend the territory and the nest, which is why they are referred to as "helpers". "Helpers" also help to protect and feed new broods.

Scrub jays eat a variety of plant and animal materials. Foods they may eat include acorns, insects, spiders, lizards, berries and seeds.

Go to the Florida scrub jay Coloring Page

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal Geology
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Last updated: 11 October, 2002 @ 09:43 PM (KP)