You might be thinking, “Jessica, why should I care about some random little bird you’re obsessed with? It’s just a bird, right?”
Fair. I would’ve thought the same thing 12 years ago—until my first encounter with the Florida scrub jay. My family and I were hiking at Lyonia Preserve. The kids were tiny—a preschooler and a toddler who spent more time asking to be carried than walking. We were winding through the sandy trails when I spotted this little bird perched up in a tree. It looked kind of like a blue jay but smaller, with softer, muted colors.
We stopped to watch it for a moment before moving on. A few minutes later, we rounded a corner, and there was another one, hopping along in the sand like it was curious about us. That’s when I remembered that someone at Lyonia Environmental Center had mentioned that these birds might actually land on you. I thought, Yeah, right. A wild bird? No way. But I held my hand out anyway, just to see.
And guess what? A little Florida scrub jay flew over and landed on my hand! It only happened that one time, but it was enough to completely change the way I saw these birds. I fell in love with their bold, quirky personalities. That one encounter was the beginning of a love story with this special little bird. Later, I learned that they’re a threatened species, and Florida’s scrub habitats are the only places they call home.
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts about Florida Scrub Jays
- Top Places to See Florida Scrub Jays
- Tips for Spotting and Photographing Scrub Jays Responsibly
Quick Facts about Florida Scrub Jays
Florida scrub jays are small birds, about 10 to 12 inches long, with bright blue feathers and a soft gray throat and belly. They might remind you of blue jays but without the crests and with slightly more muted coloring. Their scientific name is Aphelocoma coerulescens. Their size and coloring make them easier to spot in their scrubby natural habitats, where their vibrant blue feathers stand out against the sandy landscape.
How Far Do Scrub Jays Travel?
These birds are non-migratory, meaning they stay in the same area their whole lives, traveling no more than 2 miles from where they hatched. They live in close-knit family groups, which include a breeding pair and their young. Juvenile scrub jays stick around for about a year, helping their parents care for their younger siblings.
One of the coolest things about scrub jays is their acorn-stashing habit. They gather between 6,500 and 8,000 acorns every year to store for food, but they don’t always remember where they put them. Those forgotten acorns often sprout, helping oak trees grow and benefiting the entire ecosystem. Their limited range makes it even more critical to protect the habitats they rely on.
What Kind of Habitats Do Florida Scrub Jays Need?
Scrub jays only live in Florida scrub habitats, which are sadly becoming rare. These areas are typically high and dry, which also makes them desirable for development. Scrub jays thrive in habitats with shrubs that are 3 to 6.5 feet tall, providing enough cover to avoid predators. Fire plays a critical role in keeping these habitats healthy by preventing overgrowth.
Where natural fires aren’t possible, prescribed burns or mechanical methods like mowing and mulching are used to maintain the open conditions scrub jays need to survive. If you’re hiking in Florida, you can often spot scrub habitats by looking for sandy soils, low-growing shrubs, and scattered oak trees—all signs you might be in scrub jay territory.
Besides Florida, Where Else Do Florida Scrub Jays Live?
No other place! Florida is home to many bird species, but the Florida scrub jay is the only one found exclusively in the state. That makes them a true Florida treasure. Sadly, their population has declined to fewer than 10,000 birds, landing them on the threatened species list.
Top Places to See Florida Scrub Jays
If you’re ready to see a Florida scrub jay in the wild, there are plenty of spots across the state where they’ve made themselves at home. From wildlife refuges to state parks, these birds tend to stick to their favorite scrubby neighborhoods. Here are some top places to check out:
Public Parks and Preserves
Some of the best places to see Florida scrub jays include Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where their numbers are strong and sightings are frequent. Closer to Central Florida, Lyonia Preserve is another fantastic spot—this is where I had my first scrub jay encounter! Heading a bit farther south, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, near Jupiter, is known for having one of the largest populations of scrub jays. If you’re exploring North or Central Florida, Ocala National Forest also offers great opportunities to spot these curious little birds.
Central Florida Springs
While scrub jays are closely tied to scrub habitats, they can sometimes be spotted near springs with nearby scrubby areas. Places like Blue Spring State Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve have been known to host the occasional scrub jay. Keep an eye out along the trails near the sandy scrub areas.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Florida scrub jays are non-migratory, so you can spot them year-round, but your experience will definitely be more enjoyable if you avoid the peak summer heat. Like us, these birds tend to lay low during the hottest parts of the day. For the best chance to see them, plan your visit around sunrise or sunset—their activity tends to pick up at the edges of the day.
Once you’re on the trail, look for open, scrubby areas with sandy soil and keep your eyes on the treetops for a sentinel jay keeping watch. If you’re visiting in the cooler months, you’ll likely find them out and about more often.
Tips for Spotting and Photographing Scrub Jays Responsibly
Spotting Tips
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a Florida scrub jay, your best bet is to head out close to sunrise or sunset. During these times, you’re more likely to spot their “sentinels”—jays perched high (well, high for the scrub) on trees or shrubs, keeping watch for potential hazards and warning their family.
While it’s best to stay quiet to avoid startling them, scrub jays are surprisingly tolerant of people. You might even see one while chatting with your hiking buddy. Want to familiarize yourself with their calls? The Merlin app is a fantastic resource for bird sounds, and websites like flascrubjay.com offer helpful descriptions of their behaviors and habitats.
Photographing Tips
Once you’ve spotted a Florida scrub jay, they’re relatively easy to photograph or film—they’re not particularly shy! However, it’s important to use a zoom lens if you’re using a traditional camera or the zoom function on your smartphone. This allows you to capture their details, like those bright blue feathers and curious expressions, without getting too close or disturbing them. Good lighting and a steady hand will help you get a fantastic shot of these small but photogenic birds.
Ethical Birding
Florida scrub jays and their habitats are already under constant threat, so it’s important to be mindful of your impact when visiting areas where they live. Here are a few simple ways to practice ethical birding:
- Stay on trails to avoid trampling fragile plants and disrupting their environment.
- Don’t feed the wildlife. Feeding birds, even something small, can make them reliant on humans and put them in danger.
- Respect their space. Maintaining a respectful distance helps keep them wild. Florida scrub jays are naturally curious and friendly, but it’s important not to encourage behavior that could lead to harm.
Being mindful while watching these amazing little birds not only keeps them safe but makes your experience even better. There’s something so special about seeing a scrub jay just doing its thing in the wild, completely undisturbed by people. It’s a moment you’ll want to remember—and protect.
I hope you learned something new about these quirky little birds and feel excited to see a Florida scrub jay for yourself. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or just out exploring one of Florida’s amazing parks, spotting one is such a fun experience.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Florida’s wildlife and nature? I’ve got plenty of ideas for you—check out some of my other blog posts below!