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

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Notice: Most birds can see UV light, which provides an array of evolutionary advantages, including enhanced foraging and hunting abilities. With that in mind, we use avian-safe UV lighting in the Wetlands to maximize individual birds’ health and well-being.

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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Striped skunk sisters arrive at National Aviary | Observer-Reporter

The National Aviary is welcoming two new furry animal ambassadors to its collection of 500 birds and mammals -: striped skunk sisters.

Is It OK to Befriend a Crow? We Asked Bird Experts | Martha Stewart

Here in the real world, these super-smart birds are unexpected stars of social media, where users on CrowTok show off the ways they connect with their local corvids.

Little Stinkers: The Aviary Welcomes Baby Skunks, and You Can Help Name Them | Pittsburgh Magazine

The striped sisters will follow in their mother’s footsteps to become animal ambassadors.

You can name National Aviary’s new skunks, but there’s a deadline | USA Today

The pair of striped skunks, born in the spring, arrived at the aviary in Pittsburgh over the summer. The skunks are nearly identical, though the white stripes along the top of their heads are unique, with one reaching a narrow point while the other curves toward one side of her nose.

The National Aviary Welcomes Two Striped Skunk Sisters—And You Can Name Them! | Table Magazine

Two striped skunks have joined the Aviary’s menagerie, added to the North Side institution’s roster of non-avian species. While birds are the main attraction at the National Aviary, adding other animals helps develop biodiversity and more natural habitats.