Our Birds
- Birds & Habitats
- Our Birds
FUN FACT
Adult Mariana Fruit-Doves are very bright and colorful, but they don’t start out that way. Juvenile Mariana Fruit-Doves are entirely green!
The Mariana Fruit-Dove is a beautiful bird from the Pacific islands. This species is found in various types of forested habitat, but prefers mature native forest where it typically feeds on fruits in the canopy, but may descend to feed in bushes, or even on the ground. They are a secretive species, rarely spotted, and nearly always solitary. The Mariana Fruit-dove has been extirpated (locally no longer present) from Guam and is threatened on Saipan by the introduced brown tree-snake.
In 2020, the National Aviary welcomed its first ever Mariana Fruit-Dove fledgling! The hatching of this beautiful little chick is an important step for securing a brighter future for Mariana Fruit-Doves.
Habitat
Various types of forested habitat, but prefers mature native forest; uses heavily grazed forest on Agiguan; openings in scrubland of introduced Leucaena trees on Tinian; formerly (Guam) in mangroves
Diet
Frugivorous; typically feeds on fruits in the canopy, but may descend to feed in bushes, or even on the ground
Status
Endangered
Breeding
Mariana Fruit-Doves build a flat platform nest of small twigs in the fork of a tree branch. They lay a single egg, which is incubated for 17-18 days.
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FUN FACT
The Martial Eagle is sometimes called the “leopard of the air,” both for its spotted pattern and its ferocious efficiency as a predator. They are one of the strongest eagle species in Africa, able to knock an adult man off his feet!
A large and powerful eagle of Africa, the Martial Eagle is found in sparse woodlands and other open habitats such as steppes, savannas, and shrublands. Martial Eagles are extremely powerful predators, feeding on medium-sized vertebrates which they catch after stooping from a high soar. Martial Eagles build large stick nests in the fork of a tree, and their young often stay with their parents for an entire year. Despite generally avoiding settled areas, this species is rapidly declining due to poisoning and shooting, habitat loss, and pollution, as well as collisions and electrocution associated with power lines.
Habitat
Prefers sparse woodlands and woodland edges; also other open habitats such as deserts, steppes, savannas, grasslands, and shrublands; generally avoids settled areas.
Diet
Mainly medium-sized vertebrates, such as gamebirds, waterfowl, and hornbills; also monitor lizards, hares, hyraxes, mongooses, monkeys, and small antelopes, depending on the foraging habitat
Status
Vulnerable
Breeding
Martial Eagles build large stick nests (c. 2m across and 5-70 m above ground) in the main fork of a tree; in open areas they will nest on power pylons, cliffs, or boulders. Active nests, visible from a great distance, are lined with fresh green leaves. One egg (rarely 2) is incubated for 47–53 days; young fledges in 96–104 days and may remain with the parents for up to a year after fledging.
FUN FACT
Masked Bobwhites that hatch in human care are provided with a “foster parent,” usually an adult male Northern Bobwhite, which helps the juveniles learn skills needed to successfully adapt to life in the wild when they are released.
The Masked Bobwhite is a member of the New World quail family. A subspecies of the Northern Bobwhite, the Masked Bobwhite is distinguished primarily by the male’s striking appearance—it has a mostly un-patterned black head and throat and rich cinnamon-colored underparts. Female Masked Bobwhites are very similar to females of the other subspecies. Masked Bobwhites have a very restricted range including only a few locations in extreme southern Arizona and central Sonora, Mexico. These populations were historically very vulnerable to overgrazing, habitat fragmentation, and drought. Today, only about 200 Masked Bobwhites live in the wild, but an active captive breeding and release program is helping Masked Bobwhites raised in human care to begin to repopulate their scrubby grassland habitat. Masked Bobwhites have a very short nesting season because they will breed only when humidity is high, and this occurs naturally only in association with the seasonal monsoon rains.
Habitat
Semi-desert, subtropical grassland regions of southern Arizona and central Sonora, Mexico
Diet
Seeds, leaves, and insects
Status
Endangered
Breeding
Both male and female Masked Bobwhites help to build the nest, which is a shallow depression lined with leaves and well-hidden from view. A clutch of 10-20 eggs is incubated over a period of 21-23 days.
FUN FACT
Masked Lapwings sometimes use a distraction display, hopping awkwardly on one leg, to attract the attention of predators away from their nest.
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 keep predators away from nests and chicks. Masked Lapwings are common throughout Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, where they inhabit marshes, mudflats, beaches, and grasslands. Within a few hours of hatching, Masked Lapwing chicks are able to leave the nest, swim, and feed themselves. Chicks may stay with their parents for 1-2 years, however, and may even assist with future nesting attempts. The nests of Masked Lapwings fail frequently due to destruction by cattle, human disturbance, mowing, predation, and flooding.
Habitat
Wide range of open short-grass habitats, both natural or cultivated, such as pastures, fallow fields, airfields and margins of ponds and lakes. Common within urban areas, in parks, sports fields, and grassy roadsides.
Diet
Mainly insects, worms, spiders; also mollusks, crustaceans, tree frogs, seeds and leaves. Usually forages in short grass; sometimes feeds at night.
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
The Masked Lapwing usually nests in short grass, often near water. The nest is a depression in ground, unlined or lined with some plant material, pebbles, and other debris. A clutch of four eggs is incubated by both sexes for 28-30 days. Chicks can swim from an early age and fledge after 6-7 weeks.
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FUN FACT
The largest populations of this species are found in the famous Okavango Delta region of Botswana.
The Meyer’s Parrot (also called the Brown Parrot), is a species native to tropical Africa, found throughout scrub, savanna, palm grove, and subtropical woodland habitats. This species relies on old-growth areas with large trees, because it nests in the excavated cavities left by woodpeckers. While the Meyer’s Parrot is similar to other parrots in its diet of fruit and seeds, it has also been observed eating the flowers of some trees and shrubs. This parrot is considered an agricultural pest because of the damage it can do to ripening food crops. Meyer’s Parrot populations are stable, given their large population and their wide range.
Habitat
Wide range of open woodland and riparian habitats, such as gallery forest, and bushlands near watercourses
Diet
Native fruits of large riverine trees, figs, cultivated oranges, seed pods, and occasionally caterpillars and other insects
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
The Meyer’s Parrot commonly uses old woodpecker holes for nesting, laying 2–4 eggs which are incubated for 29-31 day. Young fledge after 60-48 days.
FUN FACT
Carl Linnaeus, who named the Military Macaw, thought the bird’s bright red forehead and contrasting green plumage bore a resemblance to the dress uniforms of the 18th century Prussian infantrymen known as jägers.
The Military Macaw, a parrot species with a fragmented range running from Mexico to northwest Argentina, is a playful and inquisitive bird. Each Military Macaw has a unique pattern of feathers on its face, similar to a human fingerprint. They also have incredible vision and are able to see colors on the ultraviolet spectrum that humans cannot. They can fly distances of 15 miles each day to feed on a variety of palm nuts, seeds, and figs. Like Hyacinth Macaws, Military Macaws will lick clay to detoxify poisonous substances in their diets. Despite the extensive range of this macaw, their populations are isolated by fragmented habitat, and local losses of populations are likely due to the illegal pet trade. Habitat loss continues to impact populations of the Military Macaw.
Habitat
Relatively dry montane evergreen and tropical deciduous forest, gallery woodland and pine-oak formations; seasonally in some places penetrating humid forest, thorn forest and other habitats in lowland areas. Nearby cliffs important for nesting and roosting.
Diet
Palm nuts, figs, various seeds, leaves, and even latex from the stems of certain plants
Status
Vulnerable
Breeding
Military Macaws nest in cavities excavated by woodpeckers, as well as cliffs, for nesting. They lay 2-3 eggs. Nesting trees sometimes contain multiple nesting pairs.
FUN FACT
Genetically, the Nicobar Pigeon is the closest living relative to the extinct Dodo.
The closest living relative to the now extinct Dodo, the Nicobar Pigeon occurs only on small wooded, often uninhabited islands of the Indo-Malayan region, where it favors lowland habitats such as mangroves, scrub, and lowland and foothill forests. It may also occur in some forests which have been selectively logged. This species nests colonially, with sometimes several nests being placed in a single tree. Like other pigeons, the Nicobar feeds primarily on fallen fruits and seeds on the ground. A gizzard stone that is contained in the Nicobar Pigeon’s stomach helps the bird to grind up hard food items. When Nicobar pigeons drink they submerge their beak and suck up water, instead of sipping as other birds do.
Habitat
Occurs only on small wooded, often uninhabited islands; found in mangroves, scrub, lowland and foothill forests, including selectively logged forests, up to at least 700 meters
Diet
Feeds on fallen fruits and seeds in forests
Status
Near Threatened
Breeding
Nicobar Pigeons nest colonially, sometimes in mixed colonies with imperial pigeons. The nest is a crude platform of twigs containing a single white egg. Several nests may sometimes be placed in a single tree. Both parents perform incubation and chick-rearing.
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Owls that have ear tufts can use them as a means of communication. Ear tufts can be raised or lowered to show mood, and also to help camouflage the owl – making it look more like a broken off branch in silhouette!
Northern White-faced Owls stand at about ten inches tall, comparable in size to Eastern Screech-Owls. They are distinguished by their prominent ear tufts and a striking white facial disc outlined by a thick black border. The body of the Northern White-Faced Owl is predominantly light gray-brown, adorned with delicate streaks and vermiculation’s – or markings resembling the tracks of worms. Their eyes, a mesmerizing feature, range from deep amber-yellow to a deep orange hue and have a “wuh-wuuuu” call; the first note is short while the second is drawn out and repeated every few seconds.
When faced with a threat, these owls can either flare open its wings and puff up to appear larger, or it can compress its feathers, elongate its body, and narrow its eyes to thin slits, making it appear inanimate. This behavior is why the White-fronted Scops Owl is sometimes referred to as the “Transformer” Owl. It is an interesting adaptation that allows the owl to blend into its surroundings and avoid being detected by predators.
Hold an owl on your gloved-hand while a National Aviary expert teaches you about their species!
Book TodayHabitat
Inhabits a belt of deciduous dry woodlands and adjacent thorny savannah from Southern Senegal in the west to Western Ethiopia in the east.
Diet
Mostly small mammals, but also birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
Nest is a small to large stick platform of another bird, such as pigeon, turaco, eagle, or hawk; sometimes in a tree cavity or crevice, usually 2 - 8 m above ground. Clutch is usually 2–3 eggs; and hatch in about 30 days; fledge in another 30 days, and remain with parents for at least an additional two weeks post-fledging.
FUN FACT
The Owl Finch, or Double-barred Finch, has a white face bordered by a thin black line; viewed head on it is somewhat heart-shaped and reminiscent of a miniature Barn Owl’s face.
The Owl Finch, or Double-barred Finch, is a handsome bird from northern and eastern Australia, where it is found in open grassy woodlands, scrublands, forest edge, and grassy vegetation along larger watercourses, as well as more anthropogenic habitats such as cane fields, roadsides, and parks and gardens. Like similar finches, the Owl Finch feeds of grasses and forbs on the ground, but will take more insects during the breeding season. The nest of this finch is a ball with a side entrance, made from grass, lined with soft grasses or feathers, and placed in a bush or small tree. Despite its popularity as a cage bird, the Owl Finch is not threatened.
Habitat
Open grassy woodlands, scrublands, forest edge, grassy vegetation along larger watercourses, cane fields, roadsides, and parks and gardens
Diet
Seeds of grasses and forbs; occasionally insects and their larvae, mainly in breeding season. Takes seeds from ground; also will jump up to pull seed heads down. Forages singly, in pairs and in small flocks; occasionally in larger flocks of 50 or more.
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
Owl Finches build a round nest with a side entrance from grass in a bush, small tree, palm, or canegrass, or sometimes in a hole in a tree or under a roof. Nests, which are lined with soft grasses or feathers, are often near paper wasp nests. A clutch of 3-6 eggs is incubated for 11-2 days. Young fledge after 19 days, and are independent 21 days after fledging.
FUN FACT
The male Palawan Peacock-pheasant’s courtship display is extraordinary. He fans his tail, showing concentric rows of eyespots, called ocelli, and, at the same time, he flattens his body bilaterally, fans his iridescent blue wings, bends his crest forward, and struts around the plain-colored female. He vibrates his plumage so that his tail feathers stridulate, making sound in a way similar to crickets.
The Palawan Peacock-pheasant is a gorgeous bird with vibrant plumage; males have bright blue accents while females have striking markings and less colorful plumage. The spots on their feathers resemble eyes and may help scare away predators. Males use their remarkable plumage in an elaborate courtship display. Palawan Peacock-pheasants are strictly monogamous, and both males and females help with the rearing of young. Like many related pheasants, this species is threatened by loss of habitat and hunting.
Habitat
Primary and secondary forest in rolling terrain, coastal lowland forest (which has now mostly been logged); occasionally occurs in Casuarina-dominated dwarf forest on serpentine rock; primary montane forest with dense patches of bamboo
Diet
Invertebrates, but also takes fruits seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates such as frogs
Status
Vulnerable
Breeding
Palawan Peacock-pheasant females lay two eggs in a nest on the ground and incubates them for 19-20 days. Males defend the nest site, and both sexes care for young for an extended period of time.
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FUN FACT
Male and female Palm Cockatoos sometimes put on a spectacular drumming display at the nest-hollow, using specially prepared stick or Grevillea glauca nut as a tool. They hold this “drumstick” in their feet and beat it against the hollow tree trunk to produce a fantastic percussive display.
The Palm Cockatoo has the largest bill of any parrot (except for the Hyacinth Macaw), and it uses its powerful bill to eat very hard seeds and nuts that other species can’t access, like palm nuts. They are also among the loudest of all parrots, and communicate by whistling contact calls, stomping noisily on their perches, and drumming loudly against trees with a stick. This drumming display can be used to signify their territory to other Palm Cockatoos, but is also performed at the nest site as a courtship display! Before breeding season begins, a pair of Palm Cockatoos may construct multiple nests. Some are used exclusively for display purposes.
Habitat
Rainforest, gallery forest, tall secondary forest, forest edges dense savanna
Diet
Seeds, fruits, nuts (especially palm nuts), berries, and buds from a wide variety of plants
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
Pairs nest in hollows high up in the trunk of dead or living trees, lining the hollow with twigs and wood chips. The female incubates a single egg for 30-35 days, and is fed by her mate while she is on the nest. The chick stays in the nest for 100 days and remains with the parents until the next breeding season.
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FUN FACT
Also called vulturine fish-eagle, or simply fishing vulture, this species is sufficiently unique to be classified in a monotypic (only one species) genus of its own.
A striking black and white vulture of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Palm-nut Vulture is found along the edges of tropical forests, large rivers, lakes, and seashores, especially where oil palms abound. Unlike other vultures, the Palm-nut Vulture feeds only occasionally on smaller carrion – and rarely at large animal carcasses – and instead specializes its feeding on the fleshy fruit and husks of the oil palm, and on the palm-fruits of Raffia palm. These fruits make up more than 60% of an adult bird’s diet and more than 90% of a juvenile bird’s diet. Unlike the situation with many vultures in the Old World, the Palm-nut Vulture’s population is stable or even increasing.
Habitat
Edges of tropical forests, large rivers, lakes, mangroves, estuaries and seashore, and cultivated areas where oil palms abound
Diet
Mainly the fleshy fruit-husks of the oil palm and on the palm-fruits of Raffia palm; insects, crabs, mollusks, frogs, fish, small mammals, and reptile eggs and hatchlings; occasionally smaller carrion, but, unlike other vultures, rarely at large animal carcasses
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
A Palm-nut Vulture pair performs acrobatic aerial courtship displays and are highly territorial around their nest, which both sexes build out of sticks in the open fork or crown of a tall tree 6–60 meters above ground. They use the same nest year after year, laying a single egg that is incubated by both sexes for 35–50 days. The nestling is cared for by both adults and fledges in about 90 days.
The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing 150 species; some of which live in behind-the-scenes habitats. To enhance our guests’ educational experience, and with regard to individual bird preferences, different species may spend time in various public-facing habitats.
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The National Aivary's Avian Medicine program is providing cutting-edge care to our feathered friends, including Red the Macaw. She was here with Dr. Pilar Fish, the senior director of advancement in avian medicine at the National Aviary.
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