Archives: Bird Species

A Boat-billed Heron perched on a branch

Boat-billed Herons have shorter legs and squatter bodies than most herons, but their distinguishing feature is their very large and broad bill and huge, dark eyes. The eyes are an…

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A Harris's Hawk perched on a branch

Harris’s Hawks are a deep chestnut brown with yellow markings that make them stand out. They are a very social species, and have been observed raising young and hunting—an unusual…

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The Black Kite is a medium-sized, primarily brown raptor. Kites are characterized by their long wings and tails, buoyant and acrobatic flight, and ability to catch food in mid-air. Black…

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An Augur Buzzard standing on leaves

Augur Buzzards are one of the most numerous types of hawks in Africa. In the Americas, the term “buzzard” generally refers to vultures, but in the Old World, the word’s…

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Silver Gull standing on a rock

The Silver Gull is the most common gull found in Australia. It is most common in coastal areas but can be found throughout the continent. They use a variety of…

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A Masked Lapwing in the water

The Masked Lapwing is also known as the Spur-winged Plover because of a unique feature: each of its wings has a yellow spur at the “elbow” (carpal joint) used to…

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Inca Tern

This dark tern with its reddish-orange beak and feat, and striking white moustache, is a resident of the coasts of Peru and Chile where it catches fish in the Humboldt…

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Tawny Frogmouth perched on a branch

Tawny Frogmouths are comical looking birds with large eyes and wide mouths. They are found throughout Australia in a wide variety of habitats, from Eucalyptus forests to city parks. They…

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American Flamingo preening itself

American Flamingos have brilliant feathers that range from pale pink to a deep scarlet red, and get their coloring from the microscopic shrimp and algae in their diet. The depth…

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Lanner Falcon flying in the sky

Lanner Falcons are strong, stocky birds with long wings and a relatively short tail, very similar to the North American Peregrine Falcon. Males and females of this species tend to…

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Headshot of a European Kestrel

Widespread across parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the Eurasian Kestrel, or Common Kestrel, is a small, adaptable raptor, found in a great variety of habitats, including open or moderately…

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The Steller’s Sea Eagle is a fierce, impressive raptor with chocolate-brown plumage and striking white shoulders and tail. With its deep, strongly arched bill and massive yellow feet, it’s no…

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In The News

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6 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend | Pittsburgh Magazine

Up-close encounters can be found throughout the National Aviary, but there may be no better way to get an introduction to some remarkable species than the Aviary’s free-flight bird shows.

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Autism Awareness Month: Autism Resources, Events, and More | Positively Pittsburgh

April is Autism Awareness Month. There are many resources in the Pittsburgh area for families and people with autism including the National Aviary's Sensory Friendly Time!

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National Aviary to debut new immersive show ‘Passport to Parks’ | TribLive

It’s billed as the Aviary’s most immersive free-flight bird show ever, with colorful lights, music, stunning video of parks from around the world and — most exciting of all — some live animal visitors.

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Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcon pair lays first egg of season | Yahoo! News

Carla laid the egg on Sunday afternoon. She will likely lay at least three more.

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Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcon pair lays first egg of season | WPXI

The National Aviary says the peregrine falcons living high up on the side of the Cathedral of Learning have welcomed their first egg of the season.

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