The round-headed, blue and gray Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida, where it occurs in patches of low-growing scrub oak in sandy soils. It perches tall with its long tail hanging down or boldly hops on the ground burying acorns.

The Florida scrub jay is found only in Florida scrub habitat, an ecosystem that exists only in central Florida and in limited areas along the Atlantic coast, and is characterized by nutrient-poor soil, occasional drought, and frequent wildfires.

The Florida scrub-jay is a blue and gray bird about the size of a blue jay. Scrub-jays have blue wings, head, and tail, and gray back and underparts, and a whitish forehead and neck. Unlike blue jays, this species does not have black markings or a crest.

Florida scrublands. Its name is appropriate, for it lives only in Florida scrub, areas of short scrubby oaks growing on sandy soil. This habitat occurs mostly as isolated pockets, and the jays rarely wander away from their own little patch of scrub, making them extremely sedentary.

The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay. It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining.

The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird species endemic to Florida and is a habitat specialist, found only in scrubby, sandy oak woodlands and ancient dunes in coastal and central areas of the state.

Florida Scrub-jay. Photo: RJ Wiley . Relic Florida sand dunes left over from a time when sea levels were much higher are the only place in the world where you can find Florida scrub habitat. This extreme habitat born of the sea and maintained by fire is …

Bold, blue-and-gray jay of oak scrub in central Florida. Juveniles have browner head and back than adults. Lacks crest and patterning on the wings and tail seen on Blue Jay.

Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the best places on the west coast to find scrub jays, particularly in the scrub northwest of Lake Osprey. From the town of Osprey, go two miles south on U.S. 41; for more information, call 813/483-5956.

Jul 21, 2023 · The Florida scrub jay is a beautiful blue and silver bird that inhabits the unique scrub habitat of Florida’s ancient dunes— and is found nowhere else in the world. Read on to learn more about the lifestyle of this endangered bird , how it is important for the ecosystem, and what you can do to help it flourish.