Measuring roughly 12 inches in length, Jackson’s Three-horned Chameleons live amongst tree canopies. Their prehensile tail – or a tail adapted to grasp or hold objects – allows them to grip tree branches.

They are a dimorphic species – meaning it’s easy to tell males from females. Males are bright green-yellow and feature three, distinct horns that make them look like modern-day mini Triceratops. These horns are sometimes used to defend territories. Females notably lack these horns.

Jackson’s Three-horned Chameleons help keep insect populations in check – serving as natural pest control which benefits plants and wildlife, including birds. They also help with the propagation of forests as their movements across tree branches help seed dispersal.

This species is endemic to East Africa, however, a subspecies was accidentally introduced in Hawaii in the early 1970s and has since established a small (invasive) population on all main islands.

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 while females are slightly larger with brown wings. 

This species occurs in open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands hayfields, and crop fields, as well as early old-field successional habitats. The kestrel has also become adapted to both suburban and urban settings in many areas. This species feeds on small mammals, insects, and small birds, and is an obligate secondary cavity nester; the kestrel uses natural cavities in trees or cavities previously excavated by woodpeckers for nesting. It will also make use of artificial nest boxes.

The primary conservation challenge for the American Kestrel is the loss of open grassland habitat due to urbanization; however, the species has shown an ability to adapt to some anthropogenic habitats.

Striped Skunks are nocturnal mammals found across North America, known for their distinctive black and white fur pattern and bushy tail (which is about half the length of its body!). They are typically active at night, foraging for food such as insects, small mammals, and plants.

Infamous for their strong, musky odor, skunks can spray as a defense mechanism when threatened. This pungent spray is produced by glands near the tail and serves as a potent deterrent to potential predators. But don’t worry – you won’t smell that at the National Aviary. As this defense mechanism is not needed for skunks in expert care, our resident Striped Skunks were “de-scented” before their arrival to the Aviary – meaning their scent glands were safely removed. 

Often misunderstood, skunks play a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling insect and rodent populations. In turn, this is beneficial to agriculture as it reduces pest damage to crops. This behavior also helps maintain a balance in the food chain, which can benefit ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Additionally, skunks’ foraging activities can expose critical food sources – such as the dispersal of various seeds – that attract bird species.

Measuring between 18 – 20 inches long, Pied Crows are found throughout Africa, from Senegal to Sudan. They reside in most environments except for rainforests and very hot desert regions. They have a hefty, robust bill that allows them to eat various foods from small vertebrates to fruit, and carrion. Because of its expansive diet, Pied Crow’s are an important member of the environmental clean-up crew as they consume carrion and help stop the spread of diseases (just like vultures!). They also keep prey populations stable as well as contribute to the distribution of seeds.  

Crows are an extremely smart species and have been observed using tools to get food – like dropping stones on an egg to crack the shell open. 

Pied Crows look like American Crows, except Pied Crows wear stylish white “sweater vests!”

This small, endearing species found primarily in North Africa, is known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a rounded body covered in tiny spines. Unlike their larger European counterparts, these hedgehogs are small and have four toes on each foot instead of five, hence the name!

They are nocturnal and active at night, foraging for various small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Their spines offer them protection from predators, especially when searching in underbrush for food. During the day, they are most likely sleeping in burrows.

Four-toed Hedgehogs keep insect populations in check – serving as natural pest control which benefits plants and wildlife, including birds. Many bird species, particularly ground-nesting birds, benefit from a natural reduction in the number of insects that can harm their nests or threaten their young.

Native to northern and eastern Australia, as well as parts of New Guinea, New Guinea Blue-tongued Skinks are one of the largest skink species (measuring up to 24 inches long!). They have robust, stocky bodies, a triangular head, and sturdy limbs that are adapted for both climbing and burrowing. They are adorned with a mix of brown, gray, and orange scales that provide camouflage in their natural habitat.

In the wild, they are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and night. During colder months, these skinks may enter a state of brumation, a hibernation-like period where their metabolism slows down significantly.

These skinks are omnivorous, feeding on various plants, insects, and even small animals.  

Named after their iconic, vibrant, blue tongue, the Blue-tongued Skink is a multi-faceted reptile. As an omnivore, Blue-tongued Skinks eat both plants and animals. While they aren’t poisonous or venomous, they trick predators into believing they are! In the wild, bright colors tend to indicate that an animal is toxic or venomous. As a defense mechanism, when threatened they stick their bright tongue out which indicates to potential predators that they are “poisonous.”

But their tricks don’t stop there! Because of their distinct, banded pattern, and ability to tuck in their legs, these skinks can mimic snakes as they hide in tall grasses and thick forests.

If neither of these tricks works to protect the skink, they will drop their tail and run in a different direction. Once detached, their tail continues to move around – distracting the predator’s attention allowing the reptile to seek safety.

They are a larger lizard species, reaching up to two feet in length.

The Wood Thrush is a medium-sized songbird found primarily in forests across eastern North America. Recognizable by its rich, flutelike song, it has a distinctive appearance with a reddish-brown back and spotted breast. These thrushes are primarily migratory, spending their winters in Central America and returning to North America to breed.

One of the most notable features of the Wood Thrush is its haunting, melodious song, which is often considered one of the most beautiful among North American songbirds. They prefer dense, mature forests with a mix of tree species, where they build their nests in low branches.

Unfortunately, the Wood Thrush has been experiencing a decline in population due to habitat loss, especially from logging and the destruction of forests. Fragmentation of their forest habitat makes it harder for them to find suitable nesting areas. Climate change and the increasing presence of predators like raccoons and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds also contribute to their struggles. As a result, the Wood Thrush conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring forest habitats to help stabilize their numbers.

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 Falcon populations weren’t always stable. Peregrines essentially disappeared from the east coast in the 1960s, and were on the brink of extinction in the United States (U.S.) due to harmful pesticide effects, particularly DDT. Conservation measures for the species have been very successful, and the U.S. Peregrine Falcon population quickly recovered. The species was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999, just 29 years after being placed on the list. 

To further the study of wild Peregrine Falcon populations, particularly in urban areas, the National Aviary hosts a live stream of the Peregrine family living high atop the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning: The National Aviary’s Peregrine FalconCam. Tune in every spring and summer to see the current happenings of a wild pair – who knows, they might even raise a few chicks!  

Northern White-faced Owls stand at about ten inches tall, comparable in size to Eastern Screech-Owls. They are distinguished by their prominent ear tufts and a striking white facial disc outlined by a thick black border. The body of the Northern White-Faced Owl is predominantly light gray-brown, adorned with delicate streaks and vermiculation’s – or markings resembling the tracks of worms. Their eyes, a mesmerizing feature, range from deep amber-yellow to a deep orange hue and have a “wuh-wuuuu” call; the first note is short while the second is drawn out and repeated every few seconds. 

When faced with a threat, these owls can either flare open its wings and puff up to appear larger, or it can compress its feathers, elongate its body, and narrow its eyes to thin slits, making it appear inanimate. This behavior is why the White-fronted Scops Owl is sometimes referred to as the “Transformer” Owl. It is an interesting adaptation that allows the owl to blend into its surroundings and avoid being detected by predators.

In many species, such as Red-crested Finches, males have a distinct appearance compared to females. They have a dark red coloration with a narrow white eye ring and a black-bordered bright red crown. Males can partly conceal or show off their crown coloration according to the situation. On the other hand, females have a white eye ring but lack any black and bright red on their crown. They are much duller above and paler below than the male and only have bright red coloration on the rump. 

Green Woodhoopoes are very social and extremely curious about their environment – known to probe their long, curved, bright red bill into cracks and crevices in search of insects. They use their bill to pry apart bark and buds, gaining access to the food within. 

Woodhoopoes all have striking iridescent green, blue, and purple plumage, long curved bills, and long tailfeathers. When they fly, they have two or three bright white stripes on their wings. 

In total, there are four species of Woodpoes, and an additional four species of closely-related Scimtarbills, all in the “Phoeniculidae” family.