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 species like Sunbittern strut along the walkway and American Flamingoes wade into a pond from the pebbly beach. Listen as the brilliant Hadada Ibises call out from high up in the treetops and see if you can spot our Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise lek.

The habitat, which was originally built in 1969, received several 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.

The Importance of Saving Wetlands!

Much like rainforests, wetlands are critically important ecosystems, home to biodiverse flora and fauna. However, they are facing threats, such as habitat destruction. YOU can help protect them, thanks to tips and tricks from the National Aviary Green Team.

Learn More

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Funders:

Exclusive Glass Partner:

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.

In The News

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Why Animals in Cold Climates Are Bigger: The Science Behind Bergmann’s Rule (featuring an interview with Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

“Large animals can conserve heat more efficiently than smaller animals in cold climates,” explains Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist for the National Aviary.

Penguins To Hold ‘Penguins Pledge Night’ Presented by U. S. Steel | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins Pledge will also raise funds and call attention to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and their conservation leadership with African Penguins.

Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County | National Today

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

Why Are There No Birds in My Birdhouse? I Asked Expert Bob Mulvihill Who Told Me How to Attract Birds to Any Birdhouse | Gardening Know How

To help ensure your birdhouses are as appealing to birds as possible, [we] asked a National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for the most common reasons why houses remain vacant and how to make houses more attractive to garden birds.

Peregrine falcons to be protected during Tarentum Bridge construction project | TribLive

Peregrine falcons that nest under the Tarentum Bridge will be protected as best they can during an upcoming, long-term construction project along the span.