Order: Passerines & Songbirds

Scarlet-Headed Blackbird standing on a leaf

The Scarlet-headed Blackbird is a striking bird found in wetlands in South America. This insectivore particularly favors tropical or warm temperate marshes with tall emergent vegetation such as sedges and cattails. This bird will also sometimes use adjacent grasslands or agricultural fields. The nest is a sturdy cup-shaped structure built mostly from interlaced strips of…

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Two Saipan White-eyes sitting next to each other a branch

Like the Golden White-eye, the Saipan White-eye, also known as the Bridled White-eye, is a small, understory specialist. Restricted to the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, this species occurs in a wide variety of wooded and semi-wooded habitats, including native limestone forest, scrubby secondary growth of disturbed habitats, and even urban areas….

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Red-legged Honeycreeper perched on a branch

One look at the Red-legged Honeycreeper and it’s easy to see where it gets its name. Largest of the Cyanerpes honeycreepers at about 12 centimeters long, both male and female Red-legged Honeycreepers sport bright, candy-red legs and a long, sharp bill that’s almost as recognizable as their legs. Males in breeding plumage are a brilliant…

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The Red Siskin is an Endangered species owing to its popularity as a cage bird. The Red Siskin is a vibrantly colored finch that was once plentiful in Venezuela and so recognizable that their image is printed on Venezuelan banknotes, written into poetry, and appears in works of art. Native to the northern regions of…

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Red Bishop perched on a rock

The Northern Red Bishop, sometimes called the Orange Bishop, is a small songbird found in the grasslands and wetlands of Africa. Some populations have become established in other areas, as well. This species forages in small flocks, primarily eating seeds. Males are a stunning orange. Females are less colorful but have beautiful streaking. Their song…

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Red-billed Leiothrix perched on a branch.

Native to southern China and the Himalayas, the Red-billed Leiothrix inhabits the thick undergrowth of more open broadleaf evergreen, pine, and mixed forests, as well as scrub and forest edges. The Red-billed Leiothrix forages low in vegetation for fruit and arthropods. Outside the breeding season this species may occur in large flocks of up to…

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Owl Finch perched on a branch

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…

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Western Hooded Pitta

A very colorful and terrestrial bird of the forest understory, the Western Hooded Pitta occurs in a wide range of habitats in Southeast Asia, including primary riverine forests, secondary forests with heavy understory or scrub, and wet or dry forests. This species can also be found in commercial plantations such as overgrown rubber or coffee…

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A Grosbeak Starling perched on a branch

The Grosbeak Starling, also known as the Finch-billed Myna, is endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia where it inhabits forest edge and open woodlands. It is also very common in modified habitats such as plantations. The Grosbeak Starling often forages in large groups with other Grosbeak Starlings high in the canopy where it consumes…

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A Green Singing Finch perched on a branch

The Green Singing Finch is native to the diverse landscapes of Africa (south of the Sahara Desert). These birds thrive in various habitats, from lowland open woodlands to savannas, gardens, and farmyards – showcasing their adaptability in wild and human-altered environments. Their diet is just as varied, primarily consisting of seeds, buds, flowers, and leaves….

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Golden-crested Myna perched on a wooden stump

A native of lowland evergreen forest, deciduous and mixed woodland, open forest, and cleared areas with scattered tall trees of India and Indochina, the striking Golden-crested Myna forages for fruit and insects high in the canopy. A cavity nester, this species most frequently utilizes natural holes in trees. Although Golden-crested Mynas are often captured for…

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A Golden-breasted Starling perched on a branch

The Golden-breasted Starling is a beautifully colored bird, unmistakable and hard to miss! It inhabits the dry bush and savanna of the arid and semi-arid regions of northeastern Africa. This starling forages mainly on the ground for a variety of insects and some fruits, but termites are a favorite food. This species is a cooperative…

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In The News

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Three Andean condor chicks hatch in Colombia as species nears local extinction | Mongabay

Since July 2024, three Andean condor chicks have hatched at an artificial incubation program located near Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city.

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Discover Unique Nests and Meet the Bird Species who Craft them during Nesting in Nature this Winter and Spring, ONLY at the National Aviary!  | National Aviary

Brand-new Daily Activities included with admission will bring you face to face with intricately designed nests and the breath-taking “artists” behind them.  

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National Aviary is a leader in helping African penguins starving to death in South Africa | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh’s National Aviary has ramped up its efforts to save the critically endangered African penguin, a charismatic species that is a popular draw atthe North Side destination.

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National Aviary’s ‘Jingle Bell Flock’ show brings high-flying holiday cheer | TribLive

The National Aviary on the North Side is getting into the festive spirit, starting the day after Thanksgiving with its new “Jingle Bell Flock” immersive show.

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55-plus holiday season events for kids in the Pittsburgh area | Kidsburgh

Glowing light shows, magical theatrical productions and the best music of the season are just a small part of the lineup.

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