Conservation

Conservation

The National Aviary works to save birds and protect habitats around the world. The Department of Conservation and Field Research studies human impacts on birds and the environment and develops targeted programs to protect biodiversity. Our national and international conservation and field research projects span a range of topics and perspectives, from classical ecological research, to applied conservation, to more traditional zoo-based reintroduction activities. Our projects are founded on the belief that field research, conservation, and education are linked, and are best done in concert.

  • Conservation Projects

    The National Aviary conducts conservation research programs in the United States, Mariana Islands, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean Basin. Learn more about our work to save birds and protect habitats at home and abroad.

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  • Conservation Stories

    Meet the birds we work to save, and the people who are making an impact on avian conservation worldwide.

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  • Saving Species

    Through collaborative Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) and Species Survival Plans®, we can help ensure healthy populations for threatened species.

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  • Lights Out

    This fall, you can help protect birds during their migratory journey!

    Find Out How!
  • Community Science

    Community science projects bring conservation and scientific inquiry to the backyards of people around southwestern Pennsylvania, and beyond.

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  • FlightPaths

    Read news from the National Aviary's Department of Conservation and Field Research.

    FlightPaths
  • Meet Our Research Team

    The National Aviary is committed to educating, training, and mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders, and oversees a team of Research Associates and Student Researchers.

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  • Green Team

    The National Aviary’s Green Team is a committee that furthers these efforts through the community education via various programming that reaches students, families, and animal lovers alike.

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In The News

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What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird in Your Yard—and the Mistake You Should Never Make (ft. Insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Yahoo News

Picture this: you step outside your front door to enjoy another summer's day, when, suddenly, you hear a faint peeping coming from somewhere in your bushes nearby. You crouch down to take a closer look and discover a small, flightless little bird on the ground, seemingly alone and away from its nest.

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Future looks brighter for some endangered birds | Kingsport Times News

Everyone, including birders, enjoys reading some good news. There have been some recent success stories involving some of the world’s most endangered birds, including hopeful stories about the Hawaiian stilt and Guam kingfisher.

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How 4 chicks at the National Aviary are helping bring nearly extinct birds back to the wild | CBS News

A fourth Guam kingfisher has hatched at the National Aviary this year, bringing the species one step closer to someday returning to its native habitat, where it's been extinct for 40 years.

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The Flower Colors Hummingbirds Can’t Resist, According to Ornithologists (ft. Insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Real Simple

If you’re hoping to welcome more hummingbird families to your yard this season, the flowers you plant can make a huge difference.

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