The threatened Florida scrub-jay lives in a “scrub” community with scrub oaks, rosemary shrubs, rusty lyonia shrubs, sand pine trees, saw palmettos and prickly pear cactuses. This species only lives in Florida and does not migrate like other birds. Rather, the Florida scrub-jay typically stays within a four- to six-mile territory throughout its life.
The effects of increased development and agriculture have reduced the population of scrub-jays. However, multiple state agencies have been restoring this habitat and maintaining protection for these birds. In fact, the District’s Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve in Marion County was restored for this purpose, and as a result, there has been an increase in the species here. The preserve lies within the Withlacoochee River watershed.