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Aphelocoma coerulescens
The only bird endemic to Florida. The size of a Blue-Jay (9-11 inches). Lovely blue and grey pattern.... blue head, wings, and feathers on legs. There is a lovely blue "collar" around the upper breast. Body is grey, and a grey "bib" as well. Heavy brow, with blacking "shadowing" around the eyes... to protect against the harsh scrub sun?
ONLY in Florida Scrub. They are very particular about what scrub they will live in; only those without a dense canopy of sand pines. They like the more open oak scrub, or, like these two individuals, Rosemary scrub. Because Florida Scrub is one of the most-rapidly-disappearing habitats in the world, the Florida Scrub Jay's future is uncertain. It is currently listed as "threatened" in Florida.
They are very intelligent, and very VERY inquisitive. These two... a pair, came right down and gave us a thorough inspection, even landing on several of us in the group. What a thrill from such an amazingly gorgeous bird.
Spotted on Oct 4, 2013
Submitted on Oct 5, 2013
10 Comments
Karen. I was at Silver Springs State Park this year. Beautiful place. I will be back next year and will look you up. Thanks!
great expression! When i went to the scrubjay habitat in Meritt island,I saw one which seemed fearless. it was not banded though.
Mary: they are very picky about their habitat. next time you are here, let me know...I will take you to see some. :) I work at Silver Springs State Park.
I looked for this bird when I was in Florida and never saw one. thanks for sharing your pictures. they are great.
Beautiful!
Brilliant images
I like the expression captured in the first photo
She's probably angry because people keep cutting their previous scrub down!
He looks so mad! Great pics.
lovely ,Karen !!