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 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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In The News

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Guam kingfishers hatched at National Aviary among first released into wild in nearly 40 years | CBS News

Three Guam kingfishers that hatched at the National Aviary have been released on an island in the Pacific, marking the first time their species has been in the wild in nearly 40 years.

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Guam Sihek Released to the Wild | National Aviary

Nine Guam Kingfishers have been released to the wild on Palmyra Atoll, making them the first of their kind to reside in the wild since the 1980s.  

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Take an Enchanting Journey through Forests this fall at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Explore the Aviary’s new fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples; learn more about the creatures who inhabit these woodland areas during TWO new daily activities, and say “hello again!” to the adorable Eurasian Eagle-Owl making her Animal Ambassador debut!

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  Extinct in the Wild birds head to new home ahead of first wild release | National Aviary

Precious Guam Kingfishers arrived on the Pacific Island as part of a project to re-establish a wild population 

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National Aviary works to bring back bird that’s extinct in the wild | CBS News

The National Aviary may be based in Pittsburgh but the important work they do spans the globe - playing an instrumental part in saving a bird that's been extinct in the wild for 40 years.

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