Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Education Programs: Fur, Feathers & Scales

World Bird Sanctuary is dedicated to interactive, entertaining environmental education. Each year, WBS' Education Department reaches over two million people with an important message of survival. With amazing animals and professional Naturalists, WBS programs are second-to-none.

Our Fur, Feathers & Scales program for children ages pre-school through third grade, includes a visit with some of our friendly critters. Children can see and touch a live bird, mammal and reptile to help them learn the basics of what makes certain animals different from others. This program is great for daycare centers and organizations with active youngsters. It accommodates a maximum of 30 children. The following photographs were taken at one of our Fur, Feathers & Scales programs:

Talking about the different kind of eggs


Meeting one of our Guinea Pigs and talking about what kind of animals
are appropriate as pets


Meeting one of our Cochin chickens


Learning that contrary to popular belief, snakes are not slimy

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Vlad (Loggerhead Shrike)

Vlad's Story

Vlad arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary on September 9, 1997 from a Panama City Beach, Florida rehabilitation center. He joined several other shrikes of the same species at WBS as part of a breeding and behavioral studies program. Loggerhead Shrikes are endangered in Missouri, mostly due to habitat loss. Unfortunately, our program did not meet with great success, even after teaming up with another shrike researcher from Canada. Like some other animals, shrikes just do not breed well in captivity.

Having lived well past the normal life expectancy for this species, Vlad is a permanent resident of our Education building where visitors can learn about the unusual storing habit of this species.

Vlad takes his name from Prince Vlad III Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler, who, in 1290, was a prince of Walachia. However, legend suggests he was born in Transylvania, which at that time was ruled by Hungary. Can you guess how Vlad the shrike got his name? Read the natural history below to find out!

Feel free to visit Vlad anytime. We are thrilled to be able to introduce people to him and tell them the importance of a species like shrikes!

To adopt Vlad, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $50 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: VLAD. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:
  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal
Natural History

loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus

Description gray, black and white bird with an oversize head; heavy hooked bill equipped with a tomial tooth for dispatching prey; distinctive black mask; body is gray above and white below; wings are black, marked with a white patch; narrow black tail with white outer feathers

Sex: both sexes similar in appearance; female plumage somewhat darker; juveniles brownish-white beneath with breast and sides transversely barred with dark grey

Age: unknown in the wild; one study in Illinois recorded a banded bird of 6 years

Length: 8-10”

Wingspan: 13’

Weight: slightly smaller than a robin; 44-61.10 grams

Habitat: semi-open country with lookout posts, wires, trees and scrub

Status: extinct in 2 states; endangered in 11 states; threatened in 2 others; 3.5% decline per year decline nationwide; 6.3% per year decline in Missouri

Range: southern Canada to southern Mexico; migratory in the northern half of it’s range

Behavior: they nest in a thick shrub or low tree, usually between 3-15 feet above ground; nest is a bulky cup of long twigs, weed stems and rootlets, lined with plant down, bark, hair and feathers; 4-5 greenish-white eggs are laid; incubation is 14-16 days; young fledge at 14-21 days and generally become independent 15 days later; best known for it’s unique behavior of impaling prey on thorns, barbed wire and similar projections

Diet: insects, mice, small birds and other vertebrates, such as frogs and snakes

Vocalization: no song; utters a shrill, clear, creaking prolonged note, similar to the grating of a rusty hinge moved to and fro; heard only in the spring when the hen is sitting

√ It’s habit of impaling prey on thorns and barbed wire fences has earned it the common name of “Butcher Bird”

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Spring field studies...

The World Bird Sanctuary's Field Studies Staff are dedicated individuals with biology, wildlife management or related degrees. Each individual is well educated in the visual and auditory identification of avian species in the field.

WBS' Three Phase Program to Wildlife Area Enhancement:

Habitat Assessment: The first step of any project generally includes the evaluation of the property in question.

WBS field staff are able to provide an overall assessment of biodiversity, habitat quality, critical habitat identification and the presence or absence of federally or state identified endangered or threatened species as well as species of special concern.

Conservation Consultation: After a thorough assessment of the property has been completed, senior WBS field staff will develop various comprehensive habitat management plans taking into account the current and proposed land use. The identification of habitat restoration and/or enhancement opportunities can be made at this time.

Habitat Management: WBS is experienced in the development of long term habitat management programs designed to maintain an increased overall habitat quality. Based on goals and objectives developed during consultations, a detailed management plan can be put together including design, construction oversight and long term monitoring and maintenance regimes. When properly implemented, such a plan is integral to the success of any project and may bring other benefits such as increased aesthetic value and potential reductions in maintenance costs.

WBS is internationally recognized as a first-class conservation organization and has consulted on many projects for zoological institutions including international entities such as the Ecuador Zoological Park and the Guyana Zoological Park. WBS' environmental consultants have experience working with numerous government organizations including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, United States Air Force, Conservation on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and many others.

Spring is an exciting time for our field studies team. The pictures below show our staff and volunteers mist netting, weighing, and banding spring birds.

Checking the Mist nets


Carefully freeing the birds from the net


Almost free of the net


Placing the bird in a "Safe Bag"


Applying a band


Checking for feather condition and parasites


Measuring the length of the primary feathers


Weighing the bird


Explaining to visitors what we are doing

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Eagle owl walkabout!

Here is a video of one of our two Eurasian eagle owl chicks taking a stroll. Doesn't he look like a muppet?



The Eurasian eagle owl is one of the largest owls in the world, standing 24-28 inches tall with a wingspan in excess of 5 feet! In England, these owls were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. The oldest recorded eagle owl lived to be 68 years old. An eagle owl weighing 6.5 - 8.5 pounds can take prey as large as a roe deer weighing 28-30 pounds.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Adopt A Bird Spotlight: Shadow (Bateleur Eagle)

Shadow's Story

Species: Bateleur Eagle
Hatch Date: Unknown

Shadow arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary on on January 18, 1987, as a young bird, from a program in Florida. He was quick to learn the routine for birds in our education program. Bateleur eagles are very striking animals, and Shadow has become a great favorite with his audiences. Since he is an exotic species, and not adapted to Missouri's cold weather, he enjoys the comfort of a heat lamp during the winter.

Bateleur eagles are known for their spectacular courtship flights, the male often performing 360 rolls while the female flies on her back. Some African tribes revere this eagle. They believe that they will be victorious in battle if the eagle flies over the enemy! Even though it is fairly common throughout most of its range, it has become quite rare in the southern part of its range due to habitat loss and persecution by humans.

Since Shadow is not always on display at the Nature Center, and often spends his summers at our zoo shows, adoptive parents should call WBS Adopt A Bird Coordinator at 636-861-3225 to arrange a good time for their visit.

To adopt Shadow, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: SHADOW. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:
  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal
Natural History


bateleur eagle
Terathopius ecaudatus

Description adult male—head and neck black; back, upper-tail coverts and tail chestnut; median and lesser-wing coverts brown with whitish tips; greater coverts black; primaries black above, pure white below with a black tip; body below black, under-tail coverts chestnut; under-wing coverts white; bare skin of face, cere, and legs—bright red; eyes brown; very short tails and long wings; develop adult plumage at 5-6 years

Sex: female—similar to male, but whole of upper-wing coverts brown with grey secondaries, with white on inner web; black tips on white underside of wing quills—narrower than those of the male

Age: 20-25 years

Length: 24 in.

Wingspan: 5-1/2 – 6 ft.

Weight: 4 – 6-1/2 lbs.

Habitat: open woodlands and tree savannas

Status: Threatened

Range: throughout Africa south of the Sahara, occasionally wandering to South Arabia

Behavior: monogamous; build large stick nests in trees or on top of nests built by other birds; female lays 1 egg; incubation is 52-59 days; young fledges in 3-4 months, but may spend up to 4 more months with parents; best kown for their spectacular aerial displays

Diet: mainly carrion; also reptiles, mammals and small birds

Vocalization: generally silent, but capable of making loud screams

√ The Bateleur’s feet and facial color can vary from a pale color to brilliant red, depending on the mood of the bird

√ Native name for this bird is Chapungu. They believe it is good luck if the bird flies over their house or village

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.



Friday, April 25, 2008

The show's on the road!

WBS has programs at two zoos this summer, the Stone Zoo in Boston and the Milwaukee Zoo. Our Boston birds hit the road on Wednesday and I thought I'd post some pictures from last summer's show. Here are some pictures of Shadow, our Bateleur Eagle.

Flying in a program


Sunning between shows

Still sunning!

The Boston programs begin on May 24th, so if you are around the area, stop by to meet our birds! Here's the description from Stone Zoo:

Lord of the Wings: Birds of Prey
Show Opening May 24

The birds will swoop back to Stone Zoo for a return engagement of the memorable and educational Lord of the Wings: Birds of Prey live, free-flight bird show. Birds from around the world will demonstrate natural behaviors including unique survival techniques and food foraging, as well as specialized physical adaptations that make them some of the most formidable birds on the planet. This is an experience not to be missed! Lord of the Wings opens May 24 and runs through Labor Day. Daily show times are 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. All shows are free with paid admission.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

How they grow…Virginia Opossum

When they were about 10 weeks old, Moose and Joey survived a car accident that killed their mother. With lots of love and care, the boys survived and grew up at the World Bird Sanctuary. They can be seen at our Visitor Center and are a popular attraction at programs. These photographs, taken by Gay Schroer, show Moose and Joey as they grew from tiny babies to adults.

84 days old

112 days old

2 years old

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Harriet oh Harriet...

This is Harriet, our black vulture. To the untrained eye, Harriet may appear to be unbeautiful, but she has an inner beauty that transcends looks. She also likes to play with fish bones after she's stripped off the meat. Trust me, vulture charm is beyond description. Look at her long beautiful toes!



Black vultures are native to the United States. Perhaps you've seen them dining on roadkill? It's a pretty useful service when you think about it. They are just over 2 feet tall, with a wingspan of 4.5 feet. Although like other vultures they eat mostly carrion, large groups have been known to kill skunks and opossums. They will also use turkey vultures for their better sense of smell by following them to a carcass and then chasing the turkey vultures off the meal.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Julie (Golden Eagle)


Julie's Story

Species: Golden Eagle
Hatched: Unknown
Update: Julie has already laid an egg this spring! I’ll keep you posted on the developing story!

Julie was found in a field in Abilene, Texas, suffering from a gunshot wound. We are not sure of the particulars of her rescue. She ended up at the Albequerque Zoo, where it was determined that she was unreleasable due to wing damage sustained from the gunshot. She was received at the World Bird Sanctuary in May of 1977.

In 1996, after several unsuccessful attempts to pair Julie with different males, she was placed in a breeding mew with Denali, a handsome male Golden Eagle. Apparently she had finally found her perfect mate! They have been a couple ever since, producing eggs and chicks on a regular basis.

Although not normally on public display, Julie & Denali can be viewed by visitors during our Open House weekend. They are available for a private visit with adoptive parents by appointment during non-breeding season. Please call to schedule your visit.

To adopt Julie, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150 ($300 if you'd like to adopt the pair), and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: JULIE. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal

Natural History


Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos

Description dark brown feathers covering the body in both adults and juveniles; adults have copper-gold feathers on the back of the neck; immature birds have white patches under the wings and a white band on the tail, which gradually disappears as the birds mature; the legs are feathered all the way to their talons

Sex: females usually larger than males, as in most raptors

Age: up to 38 years in the wild; up to 50 years in zoos

Length: 30 – 40 in.

Wingspan: 6-1/2 – 7-1/2 ft.

Weight: 7 – 13 lbs.

Habitat: mountainous regions, open lands, hardwood forests, deserts

Range: mid-Canada south into Mexico; west from Colorado to the Pacific Ocean; also found in extreme Northeast—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia; winter range may extend as far south as Tennessee and east to the Atlantic; also found on many other continents

Behavior: pairs may successfully nest together for as long as twenty years; nests are built on cliff sides and in trees; constructed of large sticks, nests are lined with grasses, twigs and evergreen; same nest may be used every year with repairs and additions; normally, two eggs laid between March and May which are incubated for 41-45 days; eggs are white with brown or purple splotches; eaglets fledge 9-11 weeks later, but do not reach adulthood for about 5 years

Diet: rabbits, groundhogs, prairie dogs, turkey, grouse, waterfowl, smaller raptors, carrion

Vocalization: a series of low, hoarse “kaks”; a moderately loud series of sharp, rapid “chips”

√ Golden Eagles have been persecuted by man, in the belief that the birds prey on livestock. In reality, they remove the dead and the dying from the herds, or are seen feeding on carrion which they are mistakenly believed to have killed.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Bird's Eye View

Family Gruidae, Grus canadensis

Sandhill Cranes are tall, grey birds that are typically found in meadows, wetlands, and open grasslands. They stand anywhere between 3-5 feet, can weigh between 6-14 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 5-6 feet long. In the summer months, Sandhills migrate north to their breeding grounds throughout Alaska and Canada, and then return south to northern Mexico and the southern United States with their young. Young Sandhill Cranes, called colts, are able to walk shortly after hatching, and can feed themselves within their first day. Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, and their diet is made up of mostly grains, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, and small invertebrates.

These Sandhill Cranes came to us from Florida after they were injured and deemed non-releasable. They will be ambassadors for their species, and help educate many people about Sandhill Cranes. The two Sandhill cranes are currently on display at the World Bird Sanctuary.




Bird's Eye View
is written and photographed by our volunteer Daniel.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Who's the best King Vulture in the whole wide world?

However you feel personally about snacking on dead mice, the answer to this question is always "Baton Rouge." If you don't believe me, check out this video of our King Vulture being weighed. Good bird!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

How they grow…American Barn Owls

Family Tytonidae, Tyto alba

The barn owl is known by many nicknames, including sweetheart owl, ghost owl, and monkey-faced owl. They stand 16 inches tall and have a wingspan of 2.5 feet.

Owls are silent flyers because they have fringes on the front edge of their wings which quiet the passing air. Barn owls do not build a nest; instead they will nest in cavities or barns. The American Barn Owl is endangered in 7 midwestern states.

True, barn owls have their awkward phases, but the end result is dazzling! These pictures chart barn owlets from 14 to 63 days. They were taken by our photographer, Gay Schroer.

14 days


21 days


29 days


33 days


42 days


63 days

Friday, April 18, 2008

Mind altering baby barn owls...

Sometimes when I watch the barn owl chicks' heads in perpetual motion, I start to feel a little dizzy...



Hey, it's cheaper than Six Flags!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Hello Othello!

This is another video from our bi-monthly weigh-day. Othello the African pied crow says hello just before Einstein grabs the spotlight.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

If you find an injured bird...

Now that it is spring, determining whether or not a bird is injured or just a normal fledgling is difficult. If you find a bird that is clearly young on or near the ground and not apparently injured, it is best to let them be. The parents will care for their young themselves. However, if the bird is injured or in immediate danger, intervention is required. Here are some tips for making this decision and for what to do next using owls as an example along with pictures of our rehab team treating a barred owl with a broken wing. Getting this owl to the World Bird Sanctuary saved its life.

Owlet found on Ground:
In the case of an owlet found on the ground in March, April or May, it is almost certain that this will be a recently fledged owl. If the owlet is within a safe area, away from traffic, passers-by, dogs and cats and is not being harassed by crows, the bird should be left alone. The parents will be close by and tending to its needs once darkness falls.

Owl hit by a car/injured:
Keep the bird quiet, warm and in darkness. No attempt should be made to feed or give it water. Contact your local wildlife rescue organization or wildlife hospital. If you are close to the World Bird Sanctuary please call the office on 636-861-1392 and arrange to bring the owl in to our fully equipped wildlife hospital. It is essential to take the bird to an experienced vet for a prognosis and treatment.

In the case of severe weather, with the youngster being in danger of chilling, please contact the World Bird Sanctuary at 636-861-1392 between 9 am - 5pm.

Owls get used to humans very quickly and then cannot be returned to the wild. Please make sure that you have minimum contact with the bird while it is in your care.



treating an injured barred owl


splinting a broken wing


checking for other injuries


administering fluids and medication

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Quasimodo

Quasimodo's Story

Species: Thick Billed Parrot
Hatched: 1998

When Quasi was hatched it became apparent that he had wing and foot deformities. He was not able to join our flock of free flying Thick Bills, however he could become an education ambassador for this endangered species. Quasi has become a very popular AND VOCAL member of our Education Department.

Quasi has been part of our Clarksville, MO, and Milwaukee Zoo education team, and now entertains visitors to our Nature Center with his happy-go-lucky personality and surprising vocabulary. Even though he is a special needs bird (can't crack large nuts, has special needs when on the glove or perching, can't fly), no one would ever know it because of his engaging nature.

He loves shows, rooms that echo, people, baths in a shallow bowl, grapes, sunflower seeds, apples; however, he's not to crazy about spray baths.

Your adoption donation would help defray the expenses of caring for this captivating little urchin for the coming year.

To adopt Quasimodo, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: QUASI. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal
Natural History


Thick-billed parrot
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

Description: pigeon sized; bright green overall; red forehead, eye stripe, and bend of wing, with red splotching on the thighs; a small patch of yellow on under wing coverts seen when in flight; adults have amber eyes surrounded by a yellow eye ring and black beak with dark grey legs and feet; wings and long green tail are both pointed

Sex: so similar as to be virtually indistinguishable

Age: juveniles have brown eyes and a flesh colored bill which turns black by the end of the first year; individuals may live 35-40 years

Length: 15-17”

Weight: 11-13 oz.

Habitat: high country pine and conifer forests;

Status: once inhabited the mountains of southern Arizona and south through the Sierra Madre mountains in western Mexico; extirpated from the U.S. by about 1920 through hunting activity; logging of large stands of old-growth forests in Mexico has taken a further toll on the remaining Mexican population; it is estimated that there now remains only 1000-4000 Thick-billed parrots in the wild; status is ENDANGERED; attempts to reestablish a population in Arizona during the 1980s was unsuccessful due to the birds’ inability to elude a well established population of predator species

Range: high mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental in western Mexico, migrating to their winter breeding range south of Durango to Colima and Michoacan, Mexico

Behavior: social birds that live in large flocks; an adult pair may stay together for life; nesting pairs have been known to share trees with up to three nests in one tree; breeding occurs in mid-summer to mid-fall to coincide with the peak of pine seed production; one clutch of 1-4 eggs is laid in a cavity next in a large conifer (old woodpecker holes are preferred); incubation is 28 days; hatchlings attempt their first flights at approximately 2 months, but remain dependent on parents until about 7 months

Diet: primarily pine seeds from various pine species are the preferred food; will also eat acorns, conifer buds and other food

Vocalization: large repertoire of calls; screech that can be heard up to 2 miles

√ The Thick-billed parrot is one of only two parrots formerly native to the U.S. The other (the Carolina Parakeet) is extinct

Adopt A Bird spotlights are written and photographed by Gay Schroer

Monday, April 14, 2008

Bird's Eye View


The rarest species of parrot in the United States is the Thick-billed
parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). Thick-billed parrots are
currently only found in the highland and pine forests of New Mexico
and Mexico. Although they lived in parts of Arizona at one time,
they are no longer found there due to pine forests being cleared out for the mining industry. They live in large flocks of up to 1000 birds. In the morning they separate into smaller flocks to look for food, coming together at night in large pine trees to sleep. The diet of the Thick-billeds is made up primarily of pine seeds, fruits, acorns, and other plant materials. In the summer months these birds travel north, and then return south again in the winter. It is thought that they go where the pine seed production is higher.

Nesting in the wild occurs from July to September in large, dead pine trees, abandoned woodpecker holes, or other tree cavities. The clutches of each pair in the flocks can range anywhere from 1-4 eggs, and are then incubated up to 30 days. By late October or early November, these birds are ready to fledge.


Currently, Thick-billed parrots are endangered due to logging and the pet trade. The World Bird Sanctuary is working with several other organizations to breed them in captivity, and then reintroduce them into Arizona. The World Bird Sanctuary has a small breeding flock on display.

Nicknamed “The Christmas Parrot," Thick-billed parrots are extremely colorful birds! I took these pictures of a small flock we have at our Education Training Center. Even though they’re cute and look harmless, parrots can apply 1000 pounds of pressure, and it only takes 7 pounds of pressure to break a human finger! Strong beaks like that come in handy when they’re trying to break open hard nutshells.


Bird's Eye View is a regular column, written and photographed by our volunteer Daniel.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Edgar (Peregrine Falcon)


Edgar's Story

Species: Peregrine Falcon
Hatched: 1999

Edgar was a wild hatched peregrine falcon. His grandfather was the first wild hatched chick in Missouri in over 100 years. Edgar was injured on one of his fledgling flights from the nest atop the Chase Park Plaza Building, and suffered a broken coricoid (similar to a human collar bone). Once his injuries were repaired it was hoped that he could again be released into the wild. However, it was soon apparent that even though he could fly, his banking and diving abilities were limited by his injury and he would probably not be able to catch enough prey to survive on his own.

Generally, Edgar is a very quiet bird, however, in the morning he shakes with excitement when he knows it is time to go to his station in the weathering area. One of his favorite activities is taking a bath--especially in the rain. After many years of travelling and performing in education programs, he is now a member of the Office of Wildlife Learning and can usually be seen in the weathering area behind the Visitor Information Center. Edgar is the darker of the two Peregrine Falcons on display.

To adopt Edgar, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $100, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: EDGAR. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

  • *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
  • your personal visit.
  • * Certificate of Adoption
  • * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
  • * Sponsorship Card
  • * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
  • * Life History and Natural History of the bird
  • * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
  • * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
  • * Discounts on WBS Special Events
  • * WBS Decal


Natural History

peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus

Description: large falcon; short tail; pointed wing tips; slate-gray above; black helmet on head; whitish neck; buff beneath; lightly barred breast; wing tips almost reach tail tip when perched; regional variations exist (very dark in the northwest to pale in the north

Sex: females have more brown than males

Age: juveniles are a dark buff color with heavy streaking underneath

Length: 16-20”

Wingspan: 3-3.7’

Weight: 1.6 lbs.

Habitat: open country, cliffs, cities

Status: once found across all of North America until pesticides such as DDT eliminated eastern populations, almost to extinction; pesticide banning and captive-breeding programs have helped with their recovery; seen year-round in the US, but uncommon to rare in the winter

Behavior: don’t build nests; lay 2-4 reddish, darker flecked eggs in cliff hollows; bare rocky outcrops, bridges or tall building ledges; 28 day incubation period by both parents; chicks leave the nest at 5-6 weeks; hunts by flying very fast and making dramatic swoops to catch prey in midair

Diet: small birds, large insects, small mammals

Vocalization: rapid “kek kek kek kek”, repeated “we chew” at nest

√ World Bird Sanctuary’s reintroduction program put over 300 peregrines back into Missouri’s wild

√ Peregrines are the fastest animals on earth and have been clocked diving at 287 mph

√ Three subspecies exist: pacific (Peale’s), tundra and the interior west

Friday, April 11, 2008

Bird's Eye View

Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are the fastest animals in the
world, reaching speeds up to 300 miles per hour. They reach these
high speeds by doing what is called a “tear drop” dive, which is
when they are high above their prey, then tuck their wings in close
to their body and drop straight at their next meal. Since Peregrines
use the impact at high speeds to kill their prey, they can only catch
their next victim if it is in the air. If there is a pigeon or duck
that is lying on the ground, Peregrines will fly by and hit it, until
it attempts to fly away. Pigeons make up most of their diet,
although they also have been known to hunt starlings, swifts, ducks, quail, and several other different species of songbirds and waterfowl.

Peregrine falcon pairs mate for life, and return to the same nesting
site annually. The most common nesting locations are on the edges of cliffs, on top of tall buildings, or on bridges. In most clutches,
three to four eggs are laid and are then incubated for 29-33 days.
After hatching, these chicks fledge at around 42-46 days, but remain dependent on their parents for about two months.

This is a young Peregrine that was hatched in 2006, at Labadie Power Plant. He was brought to our Rehabilitation Center after he had been in a collision with a vehicle in downtown St. Louis. He is now almost fully healed, but we continue to work with him on flying back and forth between our staff members to see if his
shoulder is now completely healed. As you can see in the pictures, he holds his left shoulder differently than he holds his right one. Once he is fully healed, we will release him back downtown in pigeon paradise.






Bird's Eye View is a regular column written and photographed by our volunteer Daniel.

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Sara and Gomez


Sara's Story
Sara was hatched and reared by her parents at the Woodland Park Zoological Gardens in Seattle. She arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary on June 10, 1993. After a settling in period, the staff at our Education Training Center began training Sara to participate in our educational programs.

One of the highlights of the Seriema performance is a demonstration of how this species hunts in the wild by snatching up their prey and slamming it on the ground to stun and kill it. Lizards and snakes are a favorite food. This behavior has earned them a favorable status among the indigenous people of their native South America.

In 2004 Sara was paired with Gomez in the hope that they would be compatible. After some initial bickering, they settled in and have since produced four eggs in two years. The photo above shows them performing the yelping call for which these birds are famous. It sounds like a cross between a dog yelping and a turkey gobbling and can be heard over a mile away Sara is the bird on the log.



Gomez's Story
Gomez was hatched and reared at the Woodland Park Zoological Gardens in Seattle in 1991. He arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary in 1992 and began his training to participate in educational programs. Like Sara, his specialty was to demonstrate how his species hunts in the wild by catching prey and slamming it against the ground to kill it. According to the director of our training department, he was our best and most reliable "slammer."

In 2004 he was retired from performing and paired with Sara in our breeding program. However, as you can see from the photo above, he has not forgotten how to "slam." He is pictured with a tree frog that he found and caught in his enclosure, and of which he was very proud. The morning this photo was taken, he was showing his prize off to anyone who would pay attention!


To adopt Sara or Gomez, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $100, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: SARA or enter GOMEZ. If you'd like to adopt the pair, make your donation for $175 and specify: SARA AND GOMEZ. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

*A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time
for your personal visit.
* Certificate of Adoption
* Color photo of the bird you've adopted
* Sponsorship Card
* One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
* Life History and Natural History of the bird
* 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
* Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
* Discounts on WBS Special Events
* WBS Decal

Thursday, April 10, 2008

To each their own...at least when it comes to personal hygiene!

I thought I'd continue with the seriema theme this week and post a video of Lee taking a dust bath in her shavings. Lee, like all red legged seriemas, likes to take a nice dust bath (who doesn't?). We normally give her a sandbox for this purpose, but on cleaning day she decided to experiment a little. This doesn't really help with the sweeping, nor is it as effective as sand, but we were all very impressed.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Seriema supermodels!

Today's post is a natural history of the Red Legged Seriema, featuring Sara and Gomez.

red-legged seriema
Cariama cristata

Description tall, long-legged birds; loose plumage, especially on the neck and underparts; mainly gray, with shades of brown, except the abdomen, which is white; wing and tail feathers are banded black and white; blue skin surrounding the eye; crest comprised of tufts of permanently raised slightly stiff feathers at the base of the bill which can reach 4 inches in length; bill and legs both red; raptor-like hooked beak; feet have three short, very sharp front toes, and a raised smaller hind toe

Sex: both sexes look alike, with the male slightly larger than females

Age: 10-20 years in captivity Length: (Height) 35-36”

Weight: 5-7 lbs.

Habitat: lightly wooded to open savanna areas; known to hunt recently burned areas where insects and small vertebrates are easily found; recently cleared forest areas

Status: not threatened although traditional habitat is changing due to human interference; seem to have adapted to these changes; breed fairly well in captivity

Range: South America from central and eastern Brazil through eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and central Argentina

Behavior: mostly ground dwelling; can run upwards of 43 mph; fly only when necessary to evade predators or to reach a perch; most often seen alone or in pairs; groups of three or more birds most likely parents and offspring; diurnal species; monogamous; courtship involves male showing off flight feathers by stretching them to one side, strutting with head down and crest raised; both sexes build nest of twigs and branches lined with mud and leaves; two white, slightly spotted eggs are laid and incubated by both sexes for 27-28 days; chicks covered in long light brown feathers and are fed by both parents; chicks leave the nest and follow parents at 12-15 days; chicks fledge at one month;

Diet: insects, small rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, and snakes, as well as seeds, fruits and cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and grains

Vocalization: very loud, yelping call, which can be heard from over a mile away

√ No wild caught red-legged seriemas have been imported since 1981

√ seriemas like to sunbathe, lying on their sides, sometimes appearing to be dead