Information
Landmark: National AviaryCity: Pittsburgh
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
National Aviary, Pittsburgh, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
A closer look at the National Aviary in one detailed guide.Founded in 1952, it became the nation’s first-and still only-indoor nonprofit aviary devoted entirely to birds, where bright feathers flicker under warm lights.It sits on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, tucked inside Allegheny Commons Park, just steps from where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers meet.Our mission is to spark a love for birds and the wild places they call home, blending hands-on learning, conservation work, and moments like hearing a meadowlark’s song drift across a quiet field.More than 500 birds-over 150 species from every corner of the globe-fill the space, from tiny hummingbirds to bright, strutting macaws.The facility covers about 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, each crafted to recreate natural habitats-rock ledges, flowing water, even the rustle of leaves overhead.Number two.At the Aviary, sleek glass-and-steel structures meet winding paths and greenery, with vast free‑flight aviaries and carefully crafted habitat zones tucked among the trees.The design lets visitors wander through habitats that mirror real ecosystems-steamy tropical rainforests, quiet wetlands, sunlit grasslands, and breezy coastal shores.Visitors can see modern veterinary and husbandry facilities in action, a glass-walled surgery or feed room showing the zoo’s commitment to open, transparent animal care.Number three.The Tropical Rainforest habitat offers steamy air at about 80% humidity, thick green foliage with vibrant tropical plants, a rushing waterfall, and towering banyan trees.You’ll spot the brilliant blue Hyacinth Macaw-the largest flying parrot-alongside the regal Victoria Crowned Pigeon, the striking White-cheeked Turaco, and the bright Blue-crowned Motmot.The exhibit recreates a thick forest canopy, giving these birds room to soar, hunt for food among leaves, and tuck nests into hidden branches.A large walk-through lagoon stretches under the shade of mangroves and swaying reeds, echoing the sights and sounds of subtropical and tropical wetlands.Among the standout species are American Flamingos, with their vivid pink feathers and the constant chatter of their lively flocks.Roseate spoonbills sweep the shallows with their wide, flat bills, stirring up minnows in the muddy water.Boat-billed herons come out at night, their wide bills catching the moonlight, and they’re seldom spotted in the wild.Visitors watch birds wade through ankle-deep water, dipping their beaks for food, while nearby signs explain how the wetlands are protected.Grasslands recreates the African savanna’s light cycle under soaring glass ceilings, where warm sunlight spills across the space.You’ll spot Southern Bald Ibis, Blue-bellied Rollers, and Burrowing Owls, with their tunnels laid bare beneath clear plexiglass so you can peer into the sandy chambers where they live.Here, you’ll learn about open habitats and the dangers facing grassland ecosystems, from vanishing wildflowers to shrinking bird populations.The Birds of Prey Center’s outdoor aviary features a “SkyDeck” where, when the weather’s clear, you can watch raptors sweep across the sky in free-flight demonstrations.It features the iconic raptor, the Bald Eagle, with its sharp gaze and broad wings-a proud symbol of the United States.Steller’s sea eagles, famous for their enormous wings that can stretch wider than a doorway.Lanner falcons streak across the sky, while hooded vultures wait patiently in the dust.At the center, you can dive into programs on raptor biology, explore how these birds hunt with razor-sharp precision, and learn about the conservation hurdles they face.Penguin Point features a 25,000-gallon saltwater pool that mirrors the craggy coastline of South Africa, with waves lapping against stone ledges.This place is home to endangered African penguins-nicknamed Jackass penguins for the loud, braying calls that echo like donkeys on a dusty road.Through towering glass panels, visitors can watch penguins dart and glide beneath the water, their sleek bodies flashing silver in the light-a rare, up-close view you won’t forget.This penguin colony is part of a global breeding effort to protect the species, now at risk from disappearing ice and vanishing shores.Number four.The National Aviary works hands-on with several Species Survival Plans, helping protect endangered birds like the bright blue Guam Kingfisher and the towering Andean Condor.They work with teams around the world, tracking migratory shorebirds in the field and releasing captive-bred birds back into open, windswept coastlines.Their veterinary hospital has everything needed for specialized bird care, from delicate surgeries to precise diagnostics, even gentle rehabilitation in a quiet recovery room.Visitors can watch the hospital through wide observation windows, catching a clear view of the gentle hands tending to each bird and learning about avian health care.The Aviary runs its operations with sustainability at the forefront and invites visitors to learn why protecting habitats and biodiversity matters, from the rustle of native grasses to the flight of rare birds overhead.Five.Visitors can join scheduled feedings, offering nectar to rainbow lorikeets that flit and chatter around them, or tossing fish to eager pelicans with snapping beaks.Feedings come with a small extra charge, and they’re a hit-kids lean in close, watch the animals chew, and learn as they go.Animal Encounters offers small-group, 30‑minute sessions where you can get up close to owls, toucans, penguins, and even sloths-the honorary “bird” with slow, deliberate movements.You’ll hear keepers share stories about each animal’s habits, diet, and conservation, then get a chance to snap a close-up shot as a tiger pads past.“Soar!” is an indoor theatrical show where birds glide overhead, revealing the mechanics of flight, their natural behaviors, and the importance of conservation.On the open-air SkyDeck, raptors whip through the sky, skimming treetops and darting past rocky ledges, a thrilling display of speed, agility, and hunting skill.The Junior Aviculturist Program lets teens who dream of working with birds step behind the scenes to help prepare diets, maintain habitats, and learn from staff as they go.Number six.Seasonal celebrations such as “Hummingbird Week,” “Penguin Palooza,” and the lantern-lit “Owl-O-Ween” blend hands-on learning with lively family fun.After dark, adults can wander the habitats at events like “Flights & Bites,” enjoying a cold craft beer and the sound of live music drifting through the air.We offer workshops and classes for every age, from Scout merit badge courses and homeschool days to summer camps with bright tents and lively chatter, plus training sessions for teachers.Seven.We’re open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the doors stay shut on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.Starting in 2025, adult tickets are $21.95, kids ages 2–12 are $17.95, and little ones under 2 get in free; for busy weekends or holidays, it’s best to grab timed tickets early-lines can stretch past the front gate.It’s fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth ramps and wide pathways you can navigate with ease.On the first Sunday of every month, visitors with sensory sensitivities can explore tactile maps and enjoy quiet, sensory‑friendly mornings.Atria’s Café serves soups, fresh salads, and kid-friendly dishes, all with a clear view of the shimmering Wetlands exhibit.A cozy gift shop stocked with bird-themed mugs, eco-friendly goods, and treasures that help support conservation.Parking’s easy-there’s an on-site lot with visitor discounts, plus bus stops and sturdy bike racks just a short walk away.Eight.Here’s a fun fact: in 1985, the National Aviary became the first zoo or aviary in the U. S. to hatch a Palm Cockatoo in captivity, its black crest ruffled like a tiny crown.This flock of flamingos is one of the rare all-female groups that lays eggs through hormone-driven cycles, with no males around-just the soft rustle of pink feathers in the breeze.Keeps a small flock of Indian Runner Ducks in the garden, letting them wander through the rows to handle pests naturally.At the National Aviary, you can wander through lush, immersive habitats, join in hands-on learning, and see conservation in action, making it a top spot for bird lovers, families, and educators alike.
