Archives: Bird Species

Guam Rail walking on the ground

The Guam Rail is a small, ground-dwelling bird, inhabiting forests, mixed woodland and scrub, fern thickets, and grasslands. They move quickly through thickets and grasses. It is most active at dawn and dusk. In the late 1980s, the presence of an invasive species, the brown tree-snake threatened the survival of bird species on the island…

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Gray crowned crane

Native to East Africa, the Gray Crowned-Crane is featured on Uganda’s coat of arms and flag and is the country’s national bird; this bird also is a sacred symbol for Kenya, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. The Gray Crowned-Crane is unique among the cranes in being one of only two species capable of perching in…

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A Black Crake walking on the ground

The Black Crake is a water bird found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. With its bright yellow bill, red legs, and sleek black body, this bird is among the most common and least secretive of Africa’s rail species. They are well-suited for life in a wetland habitat: their long toes help them move easily along floating vegetation,…

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Male Lesser Bird-Of-Paradise perched on a branch

The spectacular Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise is found in lowland forest, hill forest and lower montane forest, secondary growth, forest edges and patches, and even gardens in New Guinea. Eating primarily fruits and arthropods, the species is an important dispereser of mahogany and nutmeg seeds. The male Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise’s tail has two long tail wires and cinnamon-colored…

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Malayan Flying Foxes hanging upside down from a branch

Malayan Flying Foxes are the largest member of Pteropus! With their striking red or russet heads that turn deep orange during breeding season, these bats are a true wonder of nature. They have large, well-developed eyes for flight navigation and form feeding groups of up to 50 and roosting colonies of up to 20,000 individuals….

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Willy walking through straw and pebbles that mimic his natural habitat

Southern Three-banded Armadillos are one of the mammal species living at the National Aviary. They are among the smaller of the armadillo species, and are native to grassy areas and forests throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. Armadillos have very acute senses of hearing and smell, which helps them to find termites and ants and…

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In The News

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Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Closes Out Third Annual Outdoors for All Celebration in Pittsburgh | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

More than 25 Pittsburgh-area outdoor recreation and conservation organizations came together to offer hands-on activities, opportunities to get out on the water, education, and community connection at the event.

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Sloth birthday party draws hundreds to the National Aviary | Pittsburgh City Paper

Pittsburgh’s National Aviary hosted a birthday party for its resident sloths, Wookiee and Vivien, last week. Over 500 visitors stopped in to wish the animal ambassadors a happy birthday and sign an oversized card in their honor.

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National Aviary hospital to secure leadership in conservation and research with $500K boost | TribLive

Aviary officials are eyeing a pioneering facility that will elevate animal wellness and train future avian care professionals. Renovations will be done to the facility on the North Side campus.

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How to Stop Birds From Flying Into Your Window, According to an Expert (ft. insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Pet News

Learn why birds keep flying into windows and the expert-approved solutions that actually work

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How to start birding in Western Pennsylvania | TribLive

From quiet walks through Frick Park and day hikes in the Laurel Highlands to trips far afield to site-specific species, the birders of Southwestern Pennsylvania are constantly on the lookout for their next find.

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