Often times in Florida, we focus our attention on the shorelines and surrounding waters, but we are blessed with some fantastic wildlife that sometimes can be overlooked. Case in point is the Florida Scrub Jay. This brilliantly gray and blue colored bird is one of the most endangered bird species in the United States.
They make their homes in upland scrub habitats, living in family groups consisting of a pair of breeding male and female and their offspring. The younger birds in the group help collect food and alert the others to potential threats.
They live in and are very specifically found in upland scrub habitat, which is dwindling in Florida due to development. The scrub becomes fragmented and this often makes it difficult for individuals to interact with or find mates from other family groups. One of the best parks to view the jays is Oscar Scherer State Park near Venice. The Park has large areas of sandy, scrub habitat providing food such as insects, acorns, and small amphibians/reptiles for the birds. They’re often seen perched on the tops of scrub oaks or in pine trees overlooking their “kingdom.” Sometimes, the best way to locate them is to listen for their harsh calls as they forage at or near the ground in the thick brush.
Let’s all get out and experience this very rare and beautiful bird species found only in our backyard!