Order: Kingfishers & Kookaburras

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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A Blue-bellied Roller perched on a branch

Blue-bellied Rollers are a colorful species native to central Africa. Males and females look identical, and have a brilliant royal blue abdomen, dark and light blue feathers on their wings,…

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In The News

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National Aviary to take over Shady Side Academy middle school | TribeLIVE

A Shady Side Academy alumnus is helping the National Aviary find a nest for its next breeding and conservation center, teaching hospital and educational space.

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National Aviary welcomes 10 new animal ambassadors | WPXI

The National Aviary is welcoming 10 animal ambassadors into its family.

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National Aviary gets 7 new species | MSN

The aviary says it's already home to more than 500 animals, and the new species highlight the importance of biodiversity in shared ecosystems. 

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National Aviary gets 7 new species | CBS News

Seven new species are getting a home at the National Aviary, and most of them aren't birds.

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National Aviary getting new avian conservation center | CBS News

The aviary is getting a new property, Shady Side Academy Middle School and it will create a first-of-its-kind conservancy. KDKA's Jessica Guay spoke with National Aviary executive director Cheryl Tracy about the new facility.

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