Avian

Birds

Anywhere you look at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, you’re bound to see one of our feathered friends – in the wild, perched on a fence, or under human care in one of the Zoo Sanctuary exhibits. The zoo sanctuary is home to parrots, ravens, owls, and eagles. Guests can also observe many wild and free-roaming birds in the are such as turkeys and peafowl.

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Parrot

Parrots

Parrots are a broad order of more than 350 species of birds. The Zoo Sanctuary is home to Amazon parrots, macaws, and a cockatoo - all species of parrots. These birds have a voice box called a syrinx, so they can mimic sounds. All parrots have curved beaks and all are zygodactyls, meaning they have four toes on each foot, two pointing forward and two projecting backward.

If you are considering a parrot as a pet, be aware that parrots are extremely long lived and if not taken care of properly in human care, can be loud, destructive, and aggressive towards members of their human family. Blue-and-gold macaws like Zoo Sanctuary residents Rocky and Bingo can live for 50 years in human care.

Macaws

Colorful macaws are the largest member of the parrot family. Macaws live in large flocks in South American forests, are long lived and intelligent. Macaws use their large, strong, curved beaks to crush nuts and seeds. Their loud, screeching and squawking voices help make their presence known in dense rain forests.

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Raptors

Many species of raptors are native to Northern California.  Local wildlife rehabilitation organizations as well as state and federal agencies help to find homes like the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for birds of prey that are injured in the wild and cannot be released.

The Zoo Sanctuary's owls such as the impressive great horned owl Virginia and the small be mighty Doug, the Western Screech Owl, are favorites among visitors.  Like all birds of prey, owls are characterized by a hooked beak, strong feet with sharp talons, keen eyesight and are meat eaters. Sitting on their high perches, they have a watchful eye on the visitors passing by.

Other raptors called the Zoo Sanctuary home include pairs of golden eagles, turkey vultures, and a speedy peregrine falcon named Frank.  Their keen vision allows them to detect prey during flight and powerful talons and beaks are used to capture their prey.  These raptors sustained injuries in the wild and were unable to be released back into the wild.

Ravens

Ravens are a part of the Corvid family of birds that also includes crows, magpies, and jays. Ravens, like all species of Corvids are known for their intelligence. Ravens are even known to mimic the calls of other bird species and use tools.  These native birds easily adapt and thrive in both rural and urban settings.

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Turkey

Free-Roaming Birds

In addition to the animals who have found their forever home at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, visitors can see free-roaming and native birds.  Peacocks, chickens, and turkeys can often be found navigating the Zoo Sanctuary's walkways.

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