Order: Falcons

Female American Kestrel, She-ra at the National Aviary

A small raptor (weighing between 3 to 6 ounces) with a widespread distribution throughout much of the Americas, the American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. It is one of few dimorphic raptors, with the male and female being very differently colored. The best way to tell the difference? Males have blue-gray wings…

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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…

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Lanner Falcon side profile

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 look the same, but females are slightly larger. Lanner Falcons have been used in the sport of falconry for centuries, and are prized for their…

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In The News

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BRAND-NEW FOREST FUN: It’s finally time to meet the new stinkin’ cute Striped Skunks (and help name them!), and other woodland creatures this fall ONLY at the National Aviary | National Aviary

During the Aviary’s latest seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples, find yourself wandering along tree-covered pathways, with cascading pumpkins around colorful photo opportunities for families and friends alike!

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Striped skunk sisters arrive at National Aviary | Observer-Reporter

The National Aviary is welcoming two new furry animal ambassadors to its collection of 500 birds and mammals -: striped skunk sisters.

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Is It OK to Befriend a Crow? We Asked Bird Experts | Martha Stewart

Here in the real world, these super-smart birds are unexpected stars of social media, where users on CrowTok show off the ways they connect with their local corvids.

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Little Stinkers: The Aviary Welcomes Baby Skunks, and You Can Help Name Them | Pittsburgh Magazine

The striped sisters will follow in their mother’s footsteps to become animal ambassadors.

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You can name National Aviary’s new skunks, but there’s a deadline | USA Today

The pair of striped skunks, born in the spring, arrived at the aviary in Pittsburgh over the summer. The skunks are nearly identical, though the white stripes along the top of their heads are unique, with one reaching a narrow point while the other curves toward one side of her nose.

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