Florida Scrub-Jay look-alikes
Aphelocoma coerulescens
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Florida Scrub-Jay. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Western Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma californica
Key differences
The Florida Scrub-Jay was formerly considered a subspecies of the Western Scrub-Jay. However, the Florida Scrub-Jay has a distinct grayish-brown back (vs. blue back in Western Scrub-Jay), a more prominent blue-gray breast band, and lacks the white supercilium (eyebrow stripe) found in Western Scrub-Jays. Their ranges do not overlap.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Key differences
Blue Jays are larger, have a prominent crest, a black necklace, and a white face with a black bridle. Their overall blue coloration is brighter, and they have white wing bars and tail tips. Blue Jays are found in a wider range of habitats, including suburban areas and deciduous/coniferous forests, unlike the specialized scrub habitat of the Florida Scrub-Jay.
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