National Aviary | Pittsburgh

National Aviary – Detailed Guide

1. Overview and History

Established: 1952 as the first and only indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States dedicated solely to birds.

Location: Situated on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, within Allegheny Commons Park, near the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers.

Mission: To inspire appreciation and understanding of birds and the natural world through education, conservation, and immersive experiences.

Size and Scope: Over 500 birds representing more than 150 species from around the world. The facility spans roughly 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space designed to mimic natural habitats.

2. Architecture and Facility Layout

The Aviary combines modern glass-and-steel construction with naturalistic landscape design, featuring large free-flight aviaries and specialized habitat zones.

Its design allows visitors to walk through habitats that replicate ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas.

Incorporates cutting-edge veterinary and husbandry facilities visible to visitors, emphasizing transparency in animal care.

3. Major Exhibits and Habitats

Tropical Rainforest

Environment: High humidity (around 80%), lush vegetation including tropical plants, waterfall features, and large banyan trees.

Notable Species:

Hyacinth Macaw (largest flying parrot species)

Victoria Crowned Pigeon (largest pigeon species)

White-cheeked Turaco

Blue-crowned Motmot

The exhibit simulates dense forest canopy layers, offering birds space for natural behaviors such as flying, foraging, and nesting.

Wetlands

A large walk-through lagoon surrounded by mangroves and aquatic plants, mimicking subtropical and tropical wetland ecosystems.

Key birds include:

American Flamingos, notable for their brilliant pink plumage and social behaviors.

Roseate Spoonbills with their distinctive spoon-shaped bills.

Boat-billed Herons, which are nocturnal and rarely seen in the wild.

Visitors observe birds wading and feeding in shallow waters, with interpretive signage about wetland conservation.

Grasslands

Mimics African savanna light cycles with vaulted glass ceilings allowing natural sunlight.

Birds here include:

Southern Bald Ibis

Blue-bellied Roller

Burrowing Owls, whose nest burrows are visible through plexiglass flooring to showcase their underground homes.

This space educates about open habitats and grassland ecosystem threats.

Birds of Prey Center

Outdoor aviary with a dedicated “SkyDeck” for free-flight demonstrations, weather permitting.

Features iconic raptors:

Bald Eagles, symbol of the United States.

Stellar’s Sea Eagles, known for their massive size.

Lanner Falcons and Hooded Vultures.

The center offers educational programs about raptor biology, hunting adaptations, and conservation challenges.

Penguin Point

A 25,000-gallon saltwater pool replicating the rocky South African coast.

Home to endangered African Penguins (also called Jackass Penguins due to their braying calls).

Visitors can watch penguins swimming underwater through large glass windows, offering a unique, immersive experience.

The penguin colony is part of an international breeding program to preserve the species threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

4. Conservation and Research Initiatives

The National Aviary actively participates in numerous Species Survival Plans (SSP) for endangered birds such as the Guam Kingfisher and Andean Condor.

They collaborate internationally on field research projects monitoring migratory shorebirds and reintroducing captive-bred birds to the wild.

Their veterinary hospital is a fully equipped facility offering specialized avian medical care, including surgeries, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. The hospital is visible to visitors via observation windows, providing educational insight into avian health care.

The Aviary emphasizes sustainable practices in operations and educates the public on the importance of habitat preservation and biodiversity.

5. Educational and Interactive Experiences

Feedings

Scheduled opportunities for visitors to hand-feed birds such as rainbow lorikeets (nectar feeders) and pelicans (fish toss).

Feedings require a small additional fee and are highly popular, encouraging direct engagement and learning.

Animal Encounters

Small group sessions (about 30 minutes) allowing close-up experiences with specific birds such as owls, toucans, penguins, and even sloths (the honorary “bird”).

Sessions include keeper talks explaining behavior, diet, and conservation status, plus photo opportunities.

Flight Demonstrations

“Soar!” is an indoor theatrical show that highlights bird flight mechanics, natural behaviors, and conservation messages.

The outdoor “SkyDeck” flight shows feature raptors flying at high speeds and interacting with their environment, showcasing their agility and hunting prowess.

Junior Aviculturist Program

A specialized program for teenagers interested in careers with birds, involving behind-the-scenes access, diet preparation, and habitat maintenance under staff supervision.

6. Public Programs and Events

Seasonal celebrations like “Hummingbird Week,” “Penguin Palooza,” and “Owl-O-Ween” lantern walks combine education with family fun.

Adult-only events such as “Flights & Bites” offer after-hours habitat access paired with craft beverages and live music.

Workshops and classes target all ages, including Scout merit badge courses, homeschool days, summer camps, and professional teacher development.

7. Visitor Information

Hours:

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Admission (as of 2025):

Adults: $21.95

Children (2-12): $17.95

Children under 2: Free

Timed tickets recommended for busy weekends and holidays.

Accessibility:

Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide pathways.

Tactile maps and sensory-friendly mornings on the first Sunday of each month for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Amenities:

Atria’s Café, offering soups, salads, and kid-friendly options with views of the Wetlands exhibit.

Gift shop with bird-themed merchandise, eco-friendly products, and conservation-supporting items.

Parking:

On-site parking lot with discounts for visitors; public transportation options and bike racks nearby.

8. Interesting Facts

The National Aviary was the first zoo or aviary in the U.S. to successfully hatch a Palm Cockatoo in captivity (1985).

Its flamingo flock is one of the few all-female groups known to lay eggs via hormone-induced cycles without males present.

Uses natural pest control by maintaining a small colony of Indian Runner Ducks in outdoor gardens.

The National Aviary offers a rich blend of immersive habitats, hands-on learning, and active conservation, making it a premier destination for bird lovers, families, and educators alike.