Florida Scrub-Jay
The Florida Scrub-Jay is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as threatened throughout its range in Florida. Like many other Florida wildlife species, the scrub-jay has declined as its habitat has succumbed to development. Remaining habitat has been fragmented and degraded, and existing populations are small and isolated. This makes them vulnerable to any change to their environment, as an entire population can be wiped out at once. In some areas the rate of mortality appears to exceed the rate at which the population is reproducing.

The Florida Scrub-Jay is separated from its closest relative, the Western Scrub-Jay, by a distance of 1,000 miles. Like all jays, this species may be secretive and silent around its nest or while perching in a treetop in early morning but is frequently noisy and conspicuous. Its song is a series of trills and high warbles while its call is a loud harsh shreep. Scrub-jays often eat the eggs or young of other birds, but in summer they are mainly insectivorous. They also eat acorns and bury many more acorns than they consume, helping regenerate oak forests that have been destroyed by fire or drought.

The Florida Scrub-Jay is a year-round resident in peninsular Florida south to northern edge of the Everglades. It prefers scrub oak, pine scrub and sandhills.
Florida Scrub-Jay Range Map

Visit Shaw Creek Bird Supply and see our selection of Bird Houses, Bird Feeders, Hummingbird Feeders & Heated Bird Baths .

Copyright © 2004 Shaw Creek Bird Supply