Book Review - The Florida Scrub Jay: Demography of a Cooperative-Breeding Bird - Princeton University Press

      This book was published in 1984, and forty-one years later, it remains the gold standard for works of this nature. It is the twentieth work in the "Monographs in Population Biology" series, universally renowned for their excellence. Ernst Mayr called the book an "instant classic." I am deeply indebted to PUP for providing me with a copy. 

     I must backtrack a little at this juncture, and reflect on the impact Alexander Skutch's revelations about helpers at the nest had on me. It was at the time an extraordinary assertion, revolutionary in nature, verging on heretical, and scarcely believed by some. Any allusion, real or perceived, to altruism was terra interdicta. Scrub Jay, a common bird in appropriate western landscapes, with a disjunct population in Florida, was not recognized as anything but a conventional breeder. In an elegant study of the most meticulous kind, spanning many years, with thousands of hours of observation, it was proven beyond doubt by Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick that non-breeding helpers assisted breeding pairs at the nest.

     In fact, as early as page 25 the bold statement is made, "In view of numerous morphological, behavioral and social differences between the Florida form and its western relatives, a strong case can be made for elevating the Florida population to full species status."  The American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) formalized the split in 1995, based largely on Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick's work. In the meantime, in 1985, the AOU awarded  the Brewster Medal to Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick for their long-term study of the Florida Scrub Jay.

     In turns out that those alarmed at the prospect of altruism as a force in avian behaviour had little to worry about. A study of population biology and behaviour indicated that restrictions imposed by scarce habitat are the driving force behind Florida Scrub Jay behaviour. Kin selection (hence altruistic motivation or intent) had little to do with it. The goal of increasing the number of close relatives was of minor importance, if important at all, in co-operative breeding behaviour.

     Florida Scrub Jay expansion is limited by scarce habitat with no chance of dispersal to unused or less-than-optimally used habitat.

     The Florida Scrub Jay is an obligate resident of Florida oak scrub. All acceptable habitat is constantly occupied by breeders, assisted each year by several nonbreeding helpers, some of whom are not related.

     This unique habitat, little more than a mere scrap of land, is under constant threat due to habitat loss, urbanization, agriculture and fire suppression. The Florida Scrub Jay is a threatened species on the Federal Endangered Species list. This study reveals, and present day reality confirms, that there is little hope that its status will improve, and could easily spill over to endangered, or even critically endangered.  There seems to be no end to the expropriation of land for human activity in Florida.

     Due to their long association with humans Florida Scrub Jays have become very tame, associating two-legged mammals with food. Young birds quickly learn to land on human heads and shoulders in anticipation of receiving a peanut or other treat. This confiding behaviour has often worked to their detriment. Well-meaning tourists feed the birds from the roadside and birds are struck by cars.

    Paradoxically, their confiding nature has been vital in carrying out long term observations, culminating with the data presented in this book, on fecundity, relatedness, survivorship and dispersal.

     Wolfenden, Fitzpatrick and their numerous helpers and graduate students literally knew every bird!

     Let me end this review of a thoroughly remarkable monograph with an endearing anecdote. Lead authorship in academia is highly valued and is pursued with vigour, sometimes bordering on aggression. Wolfenden and Fitzpatrick determined the order of authorship with a coin toss.

     Perhaps that level of friendship, collegiality, and mutual respect factored in no small way to producing this truly remarkable work - an ornithological gem if ever there was one. May it be cherished forever!

The Florida Scrub Jay: Demography of a Cooperative-breeding Bird - Princeton University Press (Monographs in Population Biology)

Glen E. Woolfenden and John. W. Fitzpatrick

Paperback - US$88.00 - ISBN:  9780691083674

426 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

Publishing date: 21 January, 1985