Habits of Scrub Jays

Three main species of scrub jays inhabit the United States: the western scrub jay, the Florida scrub jay, and the island scrub jay. While all three of these scrub jays inhabit different parts of the country, they possess similar habits and traits. They are part of the Corvidae family of birds,which also contains blue jays, crows and ravens. Scrub jays are highly intelligent birds with blue and gray feathers and long tails.

  1. Nesting Habits

    • Nestlings are usually fed insects by both parents.

      All three species of scrub jay are monogamous, staying with the same mate for life. Both the male and female build cup-shaped nests of twigs and grasses. The nests are usually located in shrubs or trees at a height of 3 to 9 feet. A typical scrub jay egg clutch has three or four eggs, but they can have as many as six, according to the Seattle Audubon Society. Both parents help in rearing their young, including feeding them.

    Social Habits

    • Acorns are stored in large caches by the scrub jay.

      Scrub jays are extremely territorial. To compliment this trait, they are very vocal. Scrub jay families commonly keep a lookout posted nearby to warn others of impending danger. When the lookout makes its cry, the other scrub jays have time to take cover to avoid predators and other threats.

    Habitat Preferences

    • All three species of scrub jay live in different parts of the country, but there are similarities in the environmental factors they like. All three prefer open habitat and do not migrate. They prefer a dry climate in low lying areas with plenty of oak trees and shrubs.

    Feeding Habits

    • Scrub jays are omnivorous and feeds on insects, nuts, berries and seeds. They forage for food and also store it in buried caches. Scrub jays frequently store acorns. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that one bird can collect as many as 6,000 to 8,000 acorns in a single year. Scrub jays store most of the acorns they collect to eat when food supplies may be short. They are usually buried in shallow holes in sandy soils.