National Aviary

If birds of a feather flock together, then the National Aviary in Pittsburgh is the best place for birding enthusiasts and those new to birding to experience hundreds of species in flight. Over 500 birds, many unique and endangered, live in this expansive aviary in downtown Pittsburgh where parents and children alike can find enjoyment.

As the only independent, indoor zoo dedicated to birds in the nation, visitors can be immersed in the world of flight, regardless of the weather outside. The National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest habitat is a colorful environment brimming with birds from around the world that fly among towering palms. Originally built in 1952, the newly remodeled rainforest wows with a 15-foot tiered waterfall that meanders into pools for wading waterfowl.

Penguins are a family favorite at the aviary. Pop your head into a plastic bubble for an up-close, comedic encounter with the dapper birds. Wheelchair-accessible acrylic tubes allow Penguin Point visitors to see swimming African Penguins whiz by or hear the sounds as they chat in their colony.

Newly renovated in 2022, the Wetlands is the largest habitat at the National Aviary. The expansive space is covered from the outside by 20,000 square feet of glass and includes a pond with hundreds of plants and trees that these free-flight birds call home. More than 100 birds inhabit the Wetlands, including American flamingos and the blue-billed curassow.

The National Aviary provides additional up-close animal encounters, classes, feedings and shows. These special programs are worth looking into before planning your visit. The National Aviary plays a pivotal role in contributing to the preservation of the endangered bird population, and appreciating these winged wonders is part of the aviary’s mission along with conservation.

Whether feeling the wind from a falcon flapping overhead or listening to Hyacinth Macaws calling from their roost, this natural paradise promises a day filled with discovery. 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, 412/323-7235, aviary.org