Location: Behind the Scenes

Lanner Falcon side profile

Lanner Falcons are strong, stocky birds with long wings and a relatively short tail, very similar to the North American Peregrine Falcon. Males and females of this species tend to look the same, but females are slightly larger. Lanner Falcons have been used in the sport of falconry for centuries, and are prized for their…

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A Martial Eagle flying

A large and powerful eagle of Africa, the Martial Eagle is found in sparse woodlands and other open habitats such as steppes, savannas, and shrublands. Martial Eagles are extremely powerful predators, feeding on medium-sized vertebrates which they catch after stooping from a high soar. Martial Eagles build large stick nests in the fork of a…

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Bald Eagle perched on a branch

The Bald Eagle is one of the most readily recognizable birds in North America. They are also one of the largest, with the biggest females reaching 13 pounds or more. And, since 1782, the Bald Eagle has been the national bird of the United States. Bald Eagles are also one of the most well known…

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Gray crowned crane

Native to East Africa, the Gray Crowned-Crane is featured on Uganda’s coat of arms and flag and is the country’s national bird; this bird also is a sacred symbol for Kenya, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. The Gray Crowned-Crane is unique among the cranes in being one of only two species capable of perching in…

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Willy walking through straw and pebbles that mimic his natural habitat

Southern Three-banded Armadillos are one of the mammal species living at the National Aviary. They are among the smaller of the armadillo species, and are native to grassy areas and forests throughout Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. Armadillos have very acute senses of hearing and smell, which helps them to find termites and ants and…

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In The News

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Falcon from Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning nest recovering after collision and lead exposure | MSN

The National Aviary, which runs a livestream camera of the nest, says Red was admitted to the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's Wildlife Center for treatment, where he was also diagnosed with elevated lead levels.

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Young falcon from Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning nest recovering after collision and lead exposure | CBS News

Red, a young peregrine falcon that hatched in the nest on top of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning this spring, is in the care of humans after he apparently suffered a collision and then tested positive for lead exposure.

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The first Andean condor in Ecuador is born in Cuenca under artificial incubation | Expreso

The Amaru Biopark announced the birth of Ecuador's first Andean condor through artificial incubation, a step forward for conservation.

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Forget the plane. Your tropical vacation can be found in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Today Live

The National Aviary is bringing the island vibes to Pittsburgh, with music, cocktails, and plenty of birds.

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