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…

Read More
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…

Read More

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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More

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…

Read More

In The News

See All News

Two peregrine falcon chicks hatch atop Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning | 90.5 WESA

The peregrine falcons nesting on the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning welcomed two new hatchlings Thursday.

Read More »

First peregrine falcon chick hatches in Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning nest | KDKA News

It's Take Your Kid to Work Day, and the peregrine falcons nesting on Pitt's Cathedral of Learning apparently got the memo. 

Read More »

Newly Released Guam Kingfishers Produce Eggs in the Wild for the First Time in 40 Years!! | National Aviary

The Nine Birds released last fall (including three that hatched at the Aviary) continue to thrive in their new home on Palmyra Atoll

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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. 

Read More »