Small Parrots
Parrots are a broad order of more than 350 species of birds. The Zoo Sanctuary is home to Green Cheeked Amazons, a Southern Mealy Amazon, and a Goffin's cockatoo - all species of parrots. These birds have a voice box called a syrinx that allows them to 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
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. Blue-and-gold macaws like Zoo Sanctuary residents Rocky and Bingo can live up to 50 years in human care.
Owls
Several species of owls 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, the small but mighty Doug, the western screech owl, and Grayson, the barn owl, with his unique heart-shaped face and striking plumage, 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.
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.
Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are more widely distributed than any other eagle. In addition to North America, golden eagles can be found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Golden eagles are protected in the US through the US Department of Fish & Wildlife. Possession of an eagle’s feather or other body part is a felony with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or 10 years in prison.
Peregrine Falcon
Found globally, except for New Zealand and Antarctica, the peregrine falcon is the most widely distributed raptor species in the world. Some stay in one territory, but many migrate. The peregrine falcon’s diving speed during a stoop can reach between 99 and 273 miles per hour, making it not only the world’s fastest bird, but also the world’s fastest animal.
Turkey Vultures
Vultures are found in open and semi-open areas including foothills, deserts, shrublands, wetlands, and subtropical forests. They have a keen sense of smell and are one of the few species of birds worldwide that makes extensive use of this sense to locate their food.
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.
