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This European Starling is a permanent resident at the Sawgrass Nature Center due to their Exotic status in South Florida. This Starling was surrendered to the SNC after a previous owner was no longer able to care for them. Come visit our starling in our walk-through aviary, located between our Wildlife Hospital and our Admin building.
“ First brought to North America by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the nineteenth century, European Starlings are now among the continent’s most numerous songbirds. They are stocky black birds with short tails, triangular wings, and long, pointed bills. Though they’re sometimes resented for their abundance and aggressiveness, they’re still dazzling birds when you get a good look. Covered in white spots during winter, they turn dark and glossy in summer. For much of the year, they wheel through the sky and mob lawns in big, noisy flocks. “ -The Cornell Lab https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview
This is one of our resident parrots, Fred. Fred and his partner in crime, Alice, were surrendered upon the death of their owner to the Sawgrass Nature Center. In captivity, this particular species of parrot can live up to 80 years.
Our resident vulture is a very curious bird. Vultures are one of Florida’s natural scavengers. That means they feast on the remains of dead animals. These guys are an important part of the life cycle and without them, Florida would be a much grosser place.