Archives: Bird Species

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcons are one of the most widely distributed land animals in the world, having been observed on every content in the world except for Antarctica. Highly regarded as a noble bird by biologists and licensed falconers, Peregrines have darker, striped plumage and tapered wings for aerodynamic flight. Although currently classified as Least Concern, Peregrine…

Read More

Baer’s Pochards have sleek dark gray and sometimes black head with hues of brown, red, and white on their sides. They have a distinctive white band on their wings which can only be seen when they have their wings open. It’s estimated that this species can reach depths of more than six feet under the…

Read More
Northern White-faced Owl

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…

Read More

The Straw-Necked Ibis is a unique bird species that is known for its distinct features and vocalizations. With its iridescent wings and backs, and straw-like plumage on their necks, these birds are a sight to behold. Interestingly, males have longer bills while females have a dark band across their chest. The Straw-Necked Ibis also has…

Read More
Female Red-crested Finch

In many species, such as Red-crested Finches, males have a distinct appearance compared to females. They have a dark red coloration with a narrow white eye ring and a black-bordered bright red crown. Males can partly conceal or show off their crown coloration according to the situation. On the other hand, females have a white…

Read More
Male White-headed Duck

These birds are unique in that the females look different than the males, showcasing the beauty of dimorphism. But that’s not all – their prominent bills and gorgeous plumage make them a sight to behold. White-headed Ducks are also impressive divers! They engage in extensive feeding at night, feasting on mideg larvae, and can remain…

Read More
A Green Woodhoopoe sitting on a small tree branch.

Green Woodhoopoes are very social and extremely curious about their environment – known to probe their long, curved, bright red bill into cracks and crevices in search of insects. They use their bill to pry apart bark and buds, gaining access to the food within.  Woodhoopoes all have striking iridescent green, blue, and purple plumage,…

Read More
Loggerhead Shrike on a branch

The National Aviary is home to Loggerhead Shrikes behind-the-scenes. They are hawk-like songbirds that create “food pantries.”

Read More
Yellow-rumped Cacique sitting in a tree

Yellow-rumped Caciques are named after the bright yellow plumage on their rump, which is brighter in males than females.

Read More

Speckled Mousebirds are very social, often living in flocks of twenty or more birds. See these fascinating birds at the National Aviary.

Read More
Puna Teal

Puna Teal are dabbling ducks that feed by tipping up and reaching down into shallow water and are commonly found on bogs, lakes, and wetlands in the high Andes Mountains. Male and female Puna Teal look alike and sport a blue bill and a crisp, black cap, though males tend to be slightly brighter.

Read More
Scarlet-faced Liocichla

The striking Scarlet-faced Liocichla is found in the dense, hilly forests in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. These birds are typically furtive, spending much of their time foraging in the forest undergrowth. Scarlet-faced Liocichlas are known for being very vocal and musical like other members of the bird family that contains laughinghthrushes and babblers. As…

Read More

In The News

See All News

These Plants Can Turn Your Yard into a Hummingbird Haven (Featuring Insight from National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

According to Bob Mulvihill, a Lead Ornithologist at The National Aviary, hummingbirds and flowers have spent millennia shaping each other.

Read More »

Peregrine falcons start incubating clutch of 4 eggs in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The National Aviary says Carla started incubating her eggs after laying a third one on Sunday afternoon.

Read More »

Peregrine falcon clutch of eggs growing in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The clutch of peregrine falcon eggs is growing up high on the Cathedral of Learning.

Read More »

Peregrine falcons on Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning lay first egg of season | CBS News

The National Aviary, which runs a livestream of the nest, said Carla laid the first egg around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. It's the first of up to six, though the average peregrine falcon clutch is four. 

Read More »