Visitors may have noticed that CuriOdyssey’s Walk-Through Aviary has been closed at various times for the past month. This is because our cattle egrets recently reached sexually maturity and have been displaying behaviors that indicate territoriality. Because of this, the aviary must be staffed when open; otherwise, it is closed for safety purposes.

Above: A few of CuriOdyssey’s birds in the Walk-Through Aviary

Territoriality is more frequent in animals during breeding season; although our keepers suspect this behavior in our cattle egrets is seasonal, it may also be associated with general maturity. Rather than roosting or feeding in the aviary, some birds may be more interested in establishing territory during this time. Territory does not always have to be a nesting site; it can simply be an area that the bird wants to claim as his or her own.

Above: CuriOdyssey’s great blue heron, “John”

Some birds, like our great blue heron “John,” find territory in non-public spaces. John has been seen collecting nesting material and sitting under our large redwood tree in the aviary. Our band-tailed pigeons enjoy sitting in the trees near their feeding platform at the aviary entrance. The cattle egrets, however, have been seen defending the Walk-Through Aviary benches from visitors. Territorial displays such as hunkering down, raising the feathers on their backs to appear larger, and opening their beaks mean, “Keep away!” When the aviary is staffed, Animal Keepers and Aviary Aides have been diligently diffusing these interactions between the egrets and guests before they escalate further.

Some bird breeding behaviors have a “sweeter” side. The follow video shows the courtship between the greater roadrunners “Dean” and “Sage.” Interestingly enough, the roadrunner that is displaying and offering a mealworm to its partner is the female. The male roadrunner is the one that is receiving the attention!

In the video you will notice that Sage is displaying some very interesting behaviors. She presents Dean with a mealworm by bowing and frequently “fanning” her tail. It may look like Dean is declining her advances, but chasing a partner around is actually still part of the greater roadrunner courtship process. Some mornings, keepers observed Dean displaying to Sage as well. Like all greater roadrunners, the sexes take turns courting each other.

Above: CuriOdyssey’s snowy egret

During this time, we’d like to remind visitors that it is always best observe wild animals from a safe distance and not approach them- even in a free-flighted Walk-Through Aviary. We apologize for any inconvenience the aviary closures have created, but we want to keep our guests safe! It’s the number one priority for our guests and animals.

post and photos by Rachael Rufino, Animal Keeper