Archives: Bird Species

The Green-winged Macaw (also called the Red-and-green Macaw) is a large parrot, second only to the Hyacinth Macaw in size. This species range is also large, spanning eastern Panama to…

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Blue-fronted Amazon perched on a branch

Blue-fronted Amazon parrots, also called Turquoise-fronted Amazons, are loud, social, and intelligent birds that live in family groups in their native South American habitats. They are cavity nesters, and rely…

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Two African Grey Parrots

African Grey Parrots, a medium-sized parrot native to the forests of central Africa, are some of the best mimics in the bird world. In the wild, this species often copies…

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Spectacled Owl

Adult Spectacled Owls are distinctive for their brown upperparts and head with whitish face markings resembling a pair of glasses. As juveniles, their facial markings are the complete opposite—pure white…

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A Eurasian Eagle Owl

Eurasian Eagle-Owls have the largest wingspan of any owl species, reaching a whopping 6.5 feet! This species is widely distributed across Europe and Asia, and frequents a variety of habitats,…

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An Eastern Screech-Owl on a glove

Eastern Screech-Owls are a very common owl species throughout North America, and they have gotten very used to living near humans. These pint-sized owls can be gray or a reddish-brown….

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Burrowing Owls are a small, long-legged species of owl that spends the majority of its time on the ground. They are native to open grassland, prairie, and desert habitats and…

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Headshot of a Barred Owl

A relatively common Nearctic owl, the Barred Owl inhabits mature mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, often near streams or wooded swamps. This owl nests primarily in cavities, with both parents helping to…

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White-throated Bee-eater perched on a branch

White-throated Bee-eaters are colorful, social birds, named for their ability to pluck honeybees (and other insects) from the air with amazing agility using their long, curved bills. Found throughout central…

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Headshot of a Laughing Kookaburra

You may not think you’ve heard the rollicking call of the Laughing Kookaburra, but you almost certainly have. The Kookaburra’s loud “laugh” — that echoing koo-koo-koo-koo-KA-KA-KA! in the background of…

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Female Guam Kingfisher perched on a branch

The Guam Kingfisher is small by kingfisher standards. Males average only about 58g (two ounces) and 24 cm (9 inches) long, making them less than half the size of North…

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A Blue-crowned Motmot

Both the male and female Blue-crowned Motmot have green and blue plumage with a chestnut chest. They have a large head with a blue crown, black eye mask around red…

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In The News

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New Andean condor arrives at National Aviary | CBS News

A new Andean condor has arrived at the National Aviary, with the hope that he'll play a role in conserving the species.

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Your Weekend Guide for Apr. 11-13: From a Bunny Trolley to an Eggstravaganza, spring has sprung in Pittsburgh! | Kidsburgh

Kids at the Aviary's spring-themed Eggstravaganza will participate in a scavenger hunt, story time, and receive prizes to take home, meet a skink and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. 

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Allegheny County, Pittsburgh library card holders can get free admission to several attractions | WPXI

The Allegheny Regional Asset District is bringing back its RAD Summer Staycation free-admission program for a second year.

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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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