FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The Florida scrub jay, as the name suggests, is endemic to Florida (mostly central Florida). They are found in sandy oak scrub and scrubby flatwoods.
These North American birds are social and territorial. During the nesting period, young birds help protect the nest and feed the babies, and they do this until they get their own territory. They are omnivores, and acorns form an important part of their diet. They hop on the ground to find acorns and bury them in the ground to eat later.
These birds are unique for a number of reasons, but mainly because they don't live anywhere other than Florida. Their striking blue feathers are similar to those of a blue jay. However, scrub jays do not have a crest or any black marking like the blue jay does. The back, neck, head, and underside of the bird are gray or white in color. Keep on reading to learn more fun facts about the Florida scrub jay.
If you like reading animal facts, do check out more facts about blue jays and cockatiels.
A Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is a type of bird.
A Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) belongs to the Aves class (order: Passeriformes, family: Corvidae).
The exact number is unknown.
Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) live in Florida's subtropical forest eco-regions, usually nesting in low-level scrub regions.
This bird is restricted to the state of Florida in the USA, in particular its oak scrub and flatwoods. These North American birds do not live in forests and are mostly found in sandy territories such as sand pine, burn sites, oak scrub, and shore-dune thickets.
These birds are both territorial and social. They look out for their family members in the nest. Female birds use a distinct hiccup sound to communicate. They live in groups of their own and work together in territorial groups.
This species typically lives for four to five years. In the wild, they can live for 11 years.
These birds attain sexual maturity and start breeding after one year. Male birds use posturing and vocalizations to attract their female counterparts during the breeding season (March to June). Eggs are generally pale green in color with distinct markings and these eggs hatch after about 17 days. Scrub jays use cooperative breeding, where young helper birds who belong to the same group provide food for the baby bird and constantly watch the nest for threats from predators.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List), the conservation status of the Florida scrub jay is Vulnerable. It is a low-growing population, therefore it is a threatened species.
Florida scrub jays are blue and gray in color. They have a blue head, wings, and tail, a gray back and underparts, and a whitish forehead and neck. Males and females look similar, the only difference being that the male is slightly larger.
These adult birds are beautiful to look at, but juveniles are dull and dark brown in some areas and are not as cute.
Florida scrub jays use visual cues to communicate. They also use vocal methods, like the female bird's hiccup noise to communicate or warn against predators.
This bird is about 9.1-11.0 in (23-28 cm) long and 2.3-3.2 oz (66-92 g) in weight. Their tail is particularly long. This is much smaller than the size of a barn owl.
Their speed is unknown but they hop on the ground and can even run if the need arises.
An average adult bird weighs about 2.3-3.2 oz (66-92 g).
Male and female birds do not have distinct names.
A baby scrub jay is a chick. This name is common for most baby birds.
This species of bird is omnivorous. They search for food on the ground by hopping around. They love to eat acorns and often bury them in the ground for later use. Along with acorns they also eat nuts, fruits, seeds, snakes, lizards, tree frogs, insects, and mice.
These birds are not considered to be dangerous to human beings. However, small insects and animals are a part of their diet. They are not an aggressive species either.
As with many wild birds of North America, they are not generally meant to be kept as pets. They are endemic to Florida and prefer the state's scrub habitat, so moving them to another climate or environment might not work for them.
Different members of family groups take turns to watch for hawks or any other threats whilst the rest of the family go to find food. In case they spot a hawk or feel otherwise threatened, they give out a warning alarm call and everyone returns to the nest.
These birds do not migrate or move to areas that do not have scrub oak habitats.
The oldest bird of this species of scrub jays was recorded to be 15 years old!
Florida scrub jays are a species of scrub jay. Out of 15 endemic species in the United States, it is the only one in Florida
A loss of habitat is one of the key problems that has threatened this species. About 90% of the population has been lost in the last 100 years. The primary threats these birds face are related to the destruction of their territory and habitats, mainly due to rapid urbanization, fire suppression, and growth in agriculture.
These birds are endemic, therefore their need for a suitable habitat is of utmost importance. When people feed them near the road, these birds often accidentally collide with vehicles. They are beautiful, bold, live with family, and do not travel too far from where they were born. They are also considered to be great birds to be photographed. As curious birds, they may also approach people and are very friendly. Because of this, it is important to protect them.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including these pileated woodpecker facts and great green macaw facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable boho birds coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.