Physical Description: 

The Eurasian eagle owls are one of the largest most powerful owls in the world. They have distinct ear tufts, orange eyes, and mottled brown and white plumage. They can weigh between 3-9 lbs, are about 2-2.5 feet tall, and have a wingspan up to 6 feet in length. 

Predators: 

They are considered apex predators and therefore do not have natural predators, however, golden eagles can occasionally prey on them.  

Lifespan: 

Eurasian eagle owls in the wild can live about 10-20 years of age. Under human care can live up to 60 years of age.  

Reproduction: 

Eurasian eagle owls are solitary but will form monogamous pairs during mating season. These owls are quite territorial but become even more so during mating season. Eagle owls pair in the fall and breeding occurs shortly afterward. Males call frequently and build a nest in a shallow depression to attract females. Nests are usually located on cliffs, in cave openings or on the ground. Up to 4 white eggs are laid, with a three-day interval between each. Females incubate eggs for 34-36 days while males bring food to the nest. Owlets are white and fluffy after hatching but develop quickly, feeding themselves at the nest after only three weeks. Young are able to fly by seven weeks and owlets are independent at 20-24 weeks. They mature at 2-3 years of age. 

Fun Facts: 

Eurasian eagle owls are among the largest owl species.  

They can rotate their heads 270 degrees due to the 14 vertebrae in their neck. 

They have special comb like edges on their flight feathers making them silent hunters.  

Their talons have a grip strength of 700-1000 lbs per square inch. 

Their loud hoots can carry up to 2 miles away. 

 Conservation Messaging: 

Together with Nature 

Although the Eurasian eagle owl is not a native bird, it shares many of the same threats as its North American relatives. Often times birds of prey fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming and can unfortunately end up getting hit. Eurasian eagle owls have also been seen as pests in the past. Humans hunted and poisoned them causing populations to decline. Happily, local governments have begun to increase their protection of these owls, and some reintroduction programs have taken place. One simple way we can help all birds of prey is to dispose of all our trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels. 

Physical Description: 

The Crevecoeur chicken is known for their black plumage, large chest, and a split V-shaped comb. Crevecoeur chickens are distinct from other chickens due to their chest and beards. Their beards are tri-lobbed, which means they’re split into two muffs and a beard (some chicks may be born without beards). They also have unusual V combs, also called horn combs or devil’s combs, although some may have “leaf” or “stag” combs. They can weigh between 6.5-8 lbs depending on their sex.  

Predators: 

Common predators are weasels, coyotes, foxes, hawks, owls, raccoons, and stray dogs. 

Lifespan: 

Crevecoeur chickens on average can live about 5-10 years of age. 

Reproduction: 

Crevecoeur chicken are social. Hens will start to lay eggs when they are 6-7 months old and will lay well into the winter. Hens can lay around 150 medium to large, white eggs per year. Hens don’t typically get broody, but there are some sources that say they can get moderately broody at times. A fertile egg with proper incubation takes about 21 days to develop into a chick. 

Fun Facts: 

Crevecoeur chickens are the oldest breed in France.  

Although chickens have hollow bones, their bodies are too heavy for long-distance flight. They can jump fairly high and are able to fly for very short distances. 

The breed was first imported to America in the mid-1800s. 

The name Creve-coeur translates to “broken heart” which refers to the town of Crevecoeur en Ange in Normandy. 

Conservation Messaging: 

Purposeful Pet Ownership 

Chickens are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat. For instance, chickens are flock animals so having one is not an acceptable option. So, you must be prepared to have multiple chickens, or multiple barnyard animals. You also need to have the time to dedicate to your chickens. They require a lot of work. Cleaning the coop, keeping their water and food clean and full, and regularly checking for mites are just a few of the tasks you’ll need to do in order to care for your chickens. Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think a chicken would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare. 

Physical Description

Blue-faced honeyeaters are brightly colored birds named for the vibrant blue skin around their yellow to white eyes. The crown of their head as well as their neck is black, and they have a black “bib” on their upper breast. Blue-faced honey eaters have a white stomach with golden olive-green wings and back. They have a white band across the back of their neck as well as a white strip on either side of the face that connects to a white belly. The upper parts of the wings and the back are a golden olive-green color. Juveniles are similar in color, but their facial skin is a yellow-green and their bib is a lighter grey. They average about a 1ft long and have a wingspan of about 17in.

Predators

Predators of the blue-faced honeyeater are mostly birds of prey.

Lifespan

Blue-faced honeyeaters can live, on average, up to 10 years.

Reproduction

Breeding season typically occurs between June and January, with one or two broods raised during this time. Blue-faced honeyeaters will form breeding pairs, but may sometimes be cooperative breeders, where a younger bird will help the main breeding pair feed hatchlings. Females will lay 2-3 eggs in a cup-shapes nest made of sticks and bark. They will often use the nests of other bird species but will reline the nest for their eggs. Both parents will help take care of the young.

Fun Facts

• The blue-faced honeyeater is a social bird and will typically live in flocks of 4-10 birds.
• The blue-faced honeyeater’s tongue has a brush-like tip for collecting nectar.
• Blue-faced honeyeaters are also known as “banana birds” in tropical areas due to their habit of feeding on banana fruit and flowers.
• Early risers, the blue-faced honeyeater is one of the first birds to be heard calling in the morning, often calling 30 minutes before sunrise.

Conservation Messaging

Conservation of the Natural World
Blue-faced honeyeaters are currently listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, just like many other Australian species, they face many threats to their habitats. One major issue is logging and clearing land for agriculture and property development. More than 50% of Australia’s land mass is used for agricultural purposes!
One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified such as Bird Friendly Coffee, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitat around the world.

Physical Description

Cochin chickens have a stocky body, enhanced by their feathers, and a short tail. Both the legs and feet are feathered as well. Cochins come in a variety of colors including: white, black, blue, and shades of brownish-gold. The average weight of the cochin chicken is 7-9 pounds, but males can grow up to 12 pounds. They have short wings that are not well adapted for flying.

Predators

Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, and snakes.

Lifespan

Chickens can live up to 10 years.

Reproduction

Chickens are diurnal, social animals, with one rooster and several hens making up a flock. Nests are made on the ground and females incubate using a bare patch of skin on her chest that develops when brooding. Each clutch can yield up to a dozen egg. These eggs can incubate for up to a month before hatching.

Fun Facts

• While only the males have a comb and waddle, both males and females can grow sharp spurs on the inside of legs.
• Compared to other chickens Cochin are quiet, rarely heard crowing or clucking.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Physical Description

Tawny frogmouths are nocturnal or crepuscular birds with long wings, short legs, and stout bills. They average 8-21 inches tall with a 25-38 inch wingspan. They have wide, frog-like mouths and are typically gray with some black stripes.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include carpet pythons, foxes, and domestic cats and dogs.

Lifespan

In human care, they live an average of 10 years.

Reproduction

This species is monogamous and stay together for life. Breeding season runs from August-December, and pairs typically return to the same nest site each year. Females lay 1-3 eggs which will be incubated by both parents and hatch in 30 days. Parents will care for the chicks until they fledge 25-35 days after hatching.

Fun Facts

• Tawny frogmouths are not owls even though they look very similar; they are actually part of the nightjar family.
• When threatened, they will “stump,” which means that they will freeze their head craned upward, flatten their feathers, and reduce their eyes to slits in order to look like a broken branch.

Conservation Messaging

Tawny frogmouths face many threats from humans. Many of these birds are killed or injured each year by cars when they are chasing after insects illuminated by car headlights. They are also threatened by poisoning from insecticides and rodent poisons introduced to their environment by humans. Ecosystems have a natural balance so it’s important for us as humans to leave no trace! Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important. To learn more about the Leave no Trace initiative and their 7 principles for minimum impact practices, visit www.lnt.org.

Physical Description

Domestic chickens vary greatly in appearance due to breed, though they share common traits: squat stature, rounded bodies, dense feathers, and wattles of flesh around the face. Adult roosters (males) have distinct combs of red flesh and striking plumage including flowing tails and shiny, pointed feathers. They also tend to be larger than females. Roosters may also have spurs on their legs, which they employ in battles with other males.

Predators

Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, and snakes.

Lifespan

Chickens can live up to 10 years.

Reproduction

Chickens are diurnal, social animals, with one rooster and several hens making up a flock. Nests are made on the ground and females incubate using a bare patch of skin on her chest that develops when brooding. Each clutch can yield up to a dozen eggs. These eggs can incubate for up to a month before hatching.

Fun Facts

• Roosters are known for their characteristic crow. This shrill call is used to assertively communicate territory to other males. Hens will not crow, but may cluck to communicate with chicks or after laying an egg.
• Chickens have very sophisticated social behavior with a dominance hierarchy where higher individuals dominate subordinate individuals. This is where the term “pecking order” comes from!

Conservation Messaging

Chickens as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Physical Description

Bald eagles can reach up to 3ft in height, have a wingspan of 8ft, and can weigh up to 15lbs. They have a white head, white tail markings, and a brown body. Bald eagles are not actually bald; the feathers on their head are short and white. Eagles have extremely good vision but can’t move their eyes from side to side. Instead, they have to turn their whole head in order to look around.

Predators

Adults have no natural predators, but chicks are preyed upon by bobcats, wolverines, black bears, foxes, raccoons, and large birds.

Lifespan

Bald eagles live 16.5 years on average.

Reproduction

Courtship usually begins in April with both males and females performing special aerial dances in the sky where they lock onto each other’s talons and tumble/twist in the air. Bald eagles will make their nest near water and will return to their original nest. Females lay 1-3 eggs several days apart, once a year. Both parents will help take care of the chicks, but the female will be the primary caregiver while the male is the primary hunter. The chicks will remain in the nest until they are about 12 weeks old.

Fun Facts

• The bald eagle’s grip strength is 10 times that of the average human.
• When a bald eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will lose a matching one on the other. This way it doesn’t lose its balance.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Habitat/Range: Domestic turkeys are raised throughout the temperate parts of the world. Their wild counterparts prefer hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forest with varied clearings such as pastures, fields, orchards and marshes. Turkeys are native to North America and were taken to Europe by the Spanish in the 1500’s.

Life Cycle/ Social Structure

Males are polygamous and mate with as many hens as are available. Male turkeys display for females by puffing out their feathers, spreading out their tails and dragging their wings, known as strutting. Males may be seen courting in groups, with the dominant male strutting and gobbling.

Physical Description

The Black Swan has dark, black body plumage with white feather tips on its wings. They have an average wingspan of 5-6.5 feet and will weigh around 13-20 lbs. Black Swans have the longest neck to body ratio of any swan species. Their beak is deep red with white band at the tip, and they have black, webbed feet.

Predators

Black Swans have no natural predators, but they may be preyed on by introduced species such as cats, dogs, and foxes.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 12 years, but in human care, they have been known to live up to 40 years.

Reproduction

Adults will typically mate for life. Their breeding season lasts from February to September. Both parents will help build the nest where the female will lay 5-8 eggs. The pair will alternate incubating the eggs for a period of 35-40 days.

Fun Facts

• Swans molt once a year during which time they are flightless.
• Although they are only native only to Australia, black swans have been introduced all over the world, including in Europe, North America, and New Zealand.

Conservation Messaging

Here at our duck pond, we welcome all species of native migratory birds. You can see different species of ducks and waterfowl as they migrate with the seasons. Our resident waterfowl have learned to coexist and share their habitat with these birds because they serve them a purpose. As with most birds, these migratory species are excellent at seed dispersal allowing a diverse plant community to form within their habitat as well as many other habitats.

Physical Description

White Cockatoos, also called the Umbrella Cockatoos, are known for their distinct white feathers and their broad, backward-bending crest, which opens like an umbrella and fans out. They can use these crest feathers to communicate with each other. Their average wingspan is 9-12 inches.

Predators

They can be preyed on by birds of prey, snakes, and cats.

Lifespan

Cockatoos can live 60 years or more, but some in human care have been known to live over 100 years!

Reproduction

Both parents will help incubate the eggs. Once hatched, the parents will typically only care for the healthier chick. Chicks will learn to fly by the time they are 3 months old, but they will still be dependent on their parents for another 2-3 weeks after that.

Fun Facts

• Cockatoos are known to be intelligent and have even been seen using branches as tools!
• They have a beak that is strong enough to break a human finger!

Conservation Messaging

Lorikeets and Cockatoos are often viewed as these beautiful and intelligent birds. While many people will fall in love with exotic birds for that reason, most of these birds are considered vulnerable, threatened, or endangered out in the wild.

By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. What we see is vibrant colors of a parrot or the incredible ability to mimic sound but what we don’t see is how these animals were first illegally poached from the wild. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.