1995 range map texas indigo snake9/28/2023 ![]() Sea turtles are air breathing reptiles that live in marine waters. There are currently seven recognized species of sea turtles: The turtles, or Testudines, are one of only four orders that have evolved in such away that they flourish in present time. Scientists have classified sixteen different orders of reptiles that have evolved in the last 310 million years. Dating back to the early ages of the dinosaurs, turtles have followed a unique and successful evolutionary path that has allowed them to thrive on our planet. Turtles have inhabited our planet for over 200 million years. Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida.Nest predation is generally higher in suburban areas than in more isolated areas. Predators including raccoons, cats, snakes, blue jays, and crows eat the eggs and hatchlings. ![]() Both parents and helpers bring food to the nestlings that remain in the nest for 16 to 21 days after hatching. The female incubates the eggs for 17 days until hatching. The nests are constructed in shrubby oaks 3 to 7 feet from the ground. Nesting occurs from March to June when 3 to 4 eggs are laid in cup-shaped nests. Most Florida scrub-jays breed for the first time when they are between 2 and 4 years of age. Reproductionįlorida scrub-jay pairs are monogamous. Scrub-jays forage on the ground, rarely pursuing insects in the air. Each scrub-jay harvests and buries 6000 to 8000 acorns during August to November for use throughout the year. In the winter, when insects are scarce, acorns from several species of oaks comprise the majority of their diet. Insects compose the majority of the scrub-jay’s diet in the spring and summer. The Florida scrub-jay is an omnivore, commonly eating insects, tree frogs, reptiles, berries, seeds, and acorns. Territories increase in size as the family group grows and when the habitat is not optimal. Scrub-jays are non-migratory birds that defend permanent territories averaging 23 acres in size, depending on the quality of the vegetation community and the size of the family group. ![]() The three dominant tree species in Charlotte County scrub include sand live oak, Chapman oak, and myrtle oak. In Charlotte County, scrub-jays live in scrub, scrubby flatwoods and even suburban areas that are adjacent to scrub. Scrub-jays will also use scrubby flatwoods (a mixture of scrub vegetation and pine trees), if the pine canopy is open. Optimal scrub-jay habitat occurs when the oaks are between 3 to 10 feet tall and there are un-vegetated, sandy openings. Scrub is characterized by several species of oaks and pines. Scrub vegetation is dependent on periodic wildfire and is able to withstand high seasonal rainfall and periods of extended drought. Scrub is a unique vegetation community composed of plants that are adapted to well-drained, sandy, nutrient poor soil. The Florida scrub-jay is entirely dependent on scrub. Juveniles are similar to the adults, but lack the blue on the crown and nape. Males and females are similar in appearance. They are similar in appearance to the more common blue jay, but lack the crest, white tipped feathers, and black bars. The head, neck, nape, and tail are pale blue while the back and belly are pale gray. The Florida scrub-jay is a gray and blue bird about the size of a mockingbird, usually measuring 10-12 inches in length and weighing 2½ ounces.
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