FLORIDA'S RIGHTFUL STATE BIRD
The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird endemic to Florida. This means the FSJ resides exclusively within our state and isn’t found anywhere else in the world. These birds rarely move more than a few miles from where they hatch and spend their entire life within our state border. I don’t blame them, it's a great place to live!
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Currently, the Florida state bird is the Northern Mockingbird. This is also a great bird and is very common in our state. The Mockingbird has been a successful representative for us since 1927. However, I feel it is time for us to embrace the FSJ as a symbol of our state for several reasons. These reasons include that the Northern Mockingbird is recognized as the state bird in several other states and is not unique to Florida (Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi). While the Mockingbird is a lovely bird and a talented mimic, it does not specifically represent Florida in the way that the Florida Scrub-Jay does.
Photo: Dan Casper/NASA
Photo: Nate Swick
Photo: Ann Foster/Great Backyard Bird Count.
CONSERVATION
STATUS
Endangered
As of the early 1990s, the total population was estimated at about 4,000 pairs, probably a reduction of more than 90% from original numbers. Loss of habitat has been the main problem. Prime Florida oak scrub is maintained by occasional fires, so fire prevention has added to the effect of ongoing development in squeezing out the jay's habitat.
Photo: Ann Foster/Great Backyard Bird Count.
HABITAT
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.
Photo: Alan Foster/Great Backyard Bird Count
Family
Crows, Magpies, Jays
