Memphis Zoo: The Tropical Bird House

 More disclosure, after Herpetariums, I like a really well designed Aviary.  I find myself returning to the Toledo Zoo as an example of a really nice one.  Honorable mentions go to the Denver Zoo and Woodland Parks Zoo in Seattle.  The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has the nicest clement weather outdoor Aviaries, when they are open.  And honestly, the National Aquarium in Baltimore also has an immersive space with lots of tropical songbirds to walk among and enjoy.

The Tropical Bird House was lovely.  Certainly a cut above its Herpetarium.  Lots of beautiful birds, not crowded so it was possible to do what one must to catch good views: Be quiet and be patient.  

Here are images of nineteen of the many species we saw.  Enjoy!

BLUE-CROWNED HANGING PARROT (three views)

One of two hallways lined with double wide habitats.

AFRICAN PYGMY FALCON

GREEN HONEYCREEPER

POMPADOUR COTINGA

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER

YELLOW CASQUED HORNBILL (two views)

GREY-WINGED TRUMPETER

LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (two views)

The middle of the building holds a tropical rain forest.

With water features and mature live vegetation it is home to 23 species on its own.

PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON

GREEN-WINGED DOVE

MAGPIE SHRIKE

MARBLED TEAL (photo-bombed by an African Pygmy Goose!)

AFRICAN PYGMY GOOSE

GUAM KINGFISHER

RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (two views)

PLUSH-CRESTED JAY

GREEN ARACARI (two views)

BURROWING OWL