Florida scrub jay

bird

Also known as: Aphelocoma coerulescens

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is a unique bird species found exclusively in Florida's scrublands and shrubby flatwoods. It is distinguished by its blue head, tail, and wings, a whitish forehead, and a grayish back, and it lacks the crest common to blue jays.1

These birds are highly sedentary, typically remaining within a few miles of their birthplace throughout their lives, which can exceed ten years. The Florida scrub jay is the only bird species entirely confined to the state of Florida.1

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jay
…are now classified as the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), found in Florida; the western scrub jay (A. californica), found throughout western North America; and the island scrub jay (A. insularis), found only on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of California. They are locally called “blue jays,” but they…
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…are now classified as the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), found in Florida; the western scrub jay (A. californica), found throughout western North America; and the island scrub jay (A. insularis), found only on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of California. They are locally called “blue jays,” but they…
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