Endemic Florida jay. Found nowhere else in the world. Federally threatened.

Also called: Florida Jay

Native status: Native; endemic to Florida; federally threatened

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 25–28 cm (9.8–11 in); wingspan 33–36 cm
Weight66–92 g (2.3–3.2 oz)
LifespanWild typically 6 years; oldest documented 15.5
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyCorvidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Florida scrub jay is one of the species of scrub jay native to North America. It is the only species of bird endemic to the U.S. state of Florida and one of only 15 species endemic to the continental United States. Because of this, it is keenly sought by birders. It is known to have been present in Florida as a distinct species for at least 2 million years, and is possibly derived from the ancestors of Woodhouse's scrub jay.

Source: Wikipedia — Florida scrub jay Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Pale blue head, wings, and tail; gray-brown back; pale gray belly. No crest (vs. Blue Jay). Whitish forehead and eye stripe.

Similar species. Western Scrub-Jay species (no range overlap). Pinyon Jay (different shape, no white face).

Voice. Harsh "kweep" and chuckling calls; distinct from other scrub-jays.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Acorns (cached in the thousands each fall — primary winter food), insects, lizards, small snakes, eggs, occasional small mammals.

Behavior. The ONLY bird species endemic to Florida. Cooperative breeder — adult offspring delay their own breeding to help raise younger siblings, defending the family territory and guarding nestlings. Family groups of 2–8 birds. Fire-dependent — requires Florida scrub habitat maintained by periodic fire.

§ Range

Florida (only)

§ Habitat

Florida scrub habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development, fire suppression.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the florida scrub-jay is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support Florida scrub conservation. Donate to USFWS Florida recovery.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Archbold Biological Station
  • USFWS Florida Scrub-Jay Recovery
  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • IUCN Red List 2018