Wetlands

The Wetlands is an expansive, indoor habitat where more than 30 different bird species fly freely. The largest habitat at the National Aviary, the Wetlands underwent a total renovation, reopening in 2022. Today, this space includes hundreds of plants and trees with ample natural light filtering through more than 1,200 panels of bird-friendly glass. Every element of the habitat’s design was planned to encourage the natural behaviors, like nesting and preening, of the more than 100 birds that call the Wetlands home.

An impressive custom coastal-inspired tree provides space for birds to perch in the branches up high and built-in benches where guests can relax and take in this dynamic habitat. Watch as new species like the Blue-billed Curassow strut along the new walkway, and American Flamingos wade into a pond from the pebbly beach and listen as the brilliant Hadada Ibises call out from high up in the treetops.

The habitat, which was originally built in 1969, received a number of energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades in the renovation. The Wetlands features 20,000-square-feet of bird-friendly glass from Vitro Architectural Glass, the National Aviary’s exclusive glass partner. The new glass comes in two designs and was designed to prevent collisions by birds and maximize ultraviolet (UV) transmittance to help sustain wildlife and plant life throughout the year.

Thank you to our sponsors and funders:

Exclusive Glass Partner:

Vitro Architectural Glass Logo
RAD works here logo

The Buhl Foundation
Caroline Fredricka Holdship Charitable Trust through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust 
Walker Glass Company Ltd.

Support American Flamingos with a symbolic adoption! The Adopt-A-Bird program makes a great gift, and helps us care for our flock!

In The News

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New African penguin arrives at National Aviary | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A new African penguin is waddling around the National Aviary.

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National Aviary welcomes new penguin to its flock | CBS News

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The National Aviary welcomed a new African penguin to its flock.

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The National Aviary Announces a New Member of their Flock | Association of Zoos & Aquariums

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pa., has announced the arrival of its newest resident—a female Steller’s sea eagle.

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Contest to name new eagle at National Aviary underway | WPXI

If you’ve ever wanted to name an eagle, the National Aviary is giving you your chance.

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Romance in the air at the National Aviary as new Steller’s Sea Eagle arrives | CBS News

She's big, she's beautiful and she's the newest resident at Pittsburgh's National Aviary.

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