The National Zoo in Washington D.C. is home to over 2,700 animals across 300 different species. Among these many animals are a wide variety of bird species from around the world. In this article, we will explore the different types of birds that can be found at the National Zoo.
Tropical Birds
The National Zoo has several indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring tropical birds from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Some of the tropical bird species at the zoo include:
- Scarlet ibis
- Flamingos
- Turacos
- Toucans
- Hornbills
- Todies
- Tanagers
- Mynas
The bright plumage and unique features of these exotic birds make them a popular exhibit. The scarlet ibis gets its vibrant red color from the shrimps and crabs it eats. Flamingos filter feed upside down in shallow water and get their pink hue from their diet of algae and brine shrimp. The oversized bills of toucans and hornbills are perfectly adapted for reaching fruit high in jungle canopies. The diversity of tropical birds at the National Zoo provides visitors with a slice of avian life in the tropics.
Scarlet Ibis
The scarlet ibis is a medium-sized wading bird that inhabits tropical South America. Their diet consists of small fish, insects, crustaceans, and more. They get their striking red color from carotenoid pigments in the food they eat. At the National Zoo, these bright red long-legged birds can be seen wading and probing for food in their exhibit.
Flamingos
Flamingos are iconic lanky birds that stand on one leg in shallow waters and have a distinctive bend in their neck. Their pink or reddish color comes from carotenoids in the algae and brine shrimp they eat. The National Zoo houses American flamingos in the outdoor Bird House habitat. Visitors can watch them using their beaks upside down to filter feed in the water.
Toucans
Known for their huge colorful bills, toucans use their oversized beaks to reach fruit high up in jungle canopies. The National Zoo has several species including the keel-billed toucan with its rainbow-colored bill. Guests can see them in the outdoor habitats snatching fruit with their long beaks.
Birds of Prey
The Bird House at the National Zoo also features a collection of avian raptors or birds of prey. Some of the raptor species exhibited include:
- Bald eagle
- Golden eagle
- Turkey vulture
- Black vulture
- King vulture
- Andean condor
- Peregrine falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Spectacled owl
- Great horned owl
These hunting birds have powerful talons, sharp hooked beaks, and excellent vision that make them adept aerial predators. At the zoo, visitors can get a close-up look at these impressive avian hunters.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is the national emblem of the United States. Bald eagles at the zoo reside in scenic enclosures with ample flight space, perches, and small pools. This majestic bird of prey has a white head and tail, powerful yellow talons, and a large yellow hooked beak. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the bald eagles taking flight or feasting on fish in their habitats.
Peregrine Falcon
Reaching speeds of nearly 250 mph during dives, the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world. At the National Zoo, these small but mighty falcons can be seen on exhibit in the Bird House. Peregrines have slate-gray plumage on their back and barred markings on their underside. Zoo visitors can observe their swift movements and learn about their incredible diving abilities.
Waterfowl
The National Zoo provides homes to a range of waterfowl in their outdoor habitats. Some of the ducks, geese, swans, and relatives exhibited at the zoo include:
- Mute swan
- Trumpeter swan
- Wood duck
- Mandarin duck
- Egyptian goose
- Ruddy shelduck
- Cape Barren goose
- Canada goose
- Brazilian teal
Guests can walk along the wetland habitats to admire these water-loving birds swimming and on shore. The mixed flocks provide opportunities to compare the different shapes, colors, and behaviors of waterfowl.
Mute Swan
Among the most elegant waterfowl at the National Zoo are the mute swans. These large white birds glide gracefully across the water and often hold their long necks in an S-curve. Native to Europe and Asia, mute swans can sometimes be seen swimming or nesting along the shore in their habitat.
Wood Duck
The male wood duck has some of the most vibrant plumage of all waterfowl. Their feathers feature metallic-colored greens and purples set against a bold white throat. Wood ducks nest in tree cavities near water and put on colorful courtship displays. Visitors may spot them among other water birds in the wetland habitats at the National Zoo.
Other Birds
In addition to the major bird groups covered above, the National Zoo is also home to a variety of songbirds, seabirds, wading birds, and more. Some other avian species that can be found at the zoo include:
- Little blue penguin
- Inca tern
- Puffin
- American flamingo
- Shoebill
- Hammerkop
- Cockatoo
- Macaw
- Thick-billed parrot
- laughing kookaburra
The little penguins can be seen swimming underwater, while guests can observe the puffins and Inca terns from overhead. Long-legged wading birds like the shoebill and hammerkop stalk food in the wetland habitats. And an array of musical songbirds like cockatoos, macaws and parrots reside in indoor tropical exhibits.
Little Blue Penguin
The little blue penguin is the smallest penguin species in the world, reaching just over 10 inches tall. True to their name, they have slate-blue feathers on their back and white undersides. At the National Zoo, these tiny aquatic birds can be spotted swimming and diving underwater in their habitat.
Shoebill
The shoebill is an enormous long-legged wading bird that gets its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill. These prehistoric-looking birds stand over 4 feet tall and can be found stalking prey in the marshy habitats at the National Zoo. Visitors may be able to witness shoebills using their huge bill to catch lungfish, turtles, and other animals.
Conclusion
The National Zoo provides habitats for a diverse collection of avian species from around the world. Tropical birds like toucans and flamingos fill the indoor and outdoor exhibits with bright colors. Birds of prey including bald eagles, peregrine falcons and owls showcase impressive hunting skills. Waterfowl ranging from swans to geese float across wetland habitats. And songbirds, seabirds, and other unique birds fill out the rest of the zoo’s avian residents. Bird enthusiasts of all ages can explore the feathers, bills, songs, and behaviors of these incredible animals during a visit to the National Zoo.