Randuwa II: Smithsonian National Zoo: Aviary

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Smithsonian National Zoo: Aviary

This is my first visit to the Smithsonian National Zoo's Aviary since its multi-million dollar, multi-year renovation. A redo long overdue. The Aviary is one of the historic Romanesque structures who architecture is also a thing of beauty. Another unique aspect of this Aviary--it's completely interactive. At no time do you encounter a bird that is also not in a cage less space with you! To make this work, the spaces are generous and because the building is not enormous, there are a limited number of multi-species habitats. True to form, they are each free fly and fully integrated with amazing water features and aquatic life. To make it work--to bring cohesion to the experience--the story is one of migration between the America's and pretty exclusively the species are all negative to North America at some point in the year. What this limits in terms of breadth, is more than made up for in depth. Walking through was like visiting the most exciting fireworks display! I loved it.

To get to the Aviary, you have to cross a pedestrian bridge that spans the upper end of the third Asian Elephant Yard. It's easy to no realize it's even there.

The new entrance has the appearance of a house of worship.

The original entrance is lovingly preserved inside the new lobby.

Architect's rendering of the original 1928 facade. You can see how the entrance fits into the old building.

The original plan pretty much matches the finished product. The Historic Portal is in the red circle. To the left is the exhibition room, and we are about to enter the first Aviary dedicated to coastal birds and some of the little song birds who migrate along the edges of the continents.

The walls are festooned with informative narration to guide you along your journey

A large room sets the stage and allows for groups to be addressed prior to entering the first of the aviary rooms. It is called the Exhibition Room.

The attention to detail is stunning. The water in the tidal inlets depicted in this room sways. SWAYS! like the lazy motion of the ocean swishing, ebbing and flowing against the shoreline. Meanwhile inside these huge aquariums are native fish and a thriving little colony of horseshoe crabs.

Pumpkinseed Fish

Lepomis gibbosus

Horseshoe Crab

Limulus polyphemus

Guests are welcome to explore bronze models perched on the railing nearby. Of course, we're here for the birds!

Americans Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

[L]: one light gray bird

Sanderling

Calidris alba

[R]: Pair facing back and front

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria verins

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

Parting shot the Southwestern side.

The opposite Northeastern side.

Aviary 2 was referred to as the duck room.

The peninsula pool had pairs of Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads.

The Buffleheads were happy to show off their diving skills, too.

Across in a generous alcove with stream were other species of ducks like this pair of Red Heads.

Nearby a stately male Canvasback was chilling.

The room was also home to several species of songbirds like this Song Sparrow. The key is simple. The quieter you are, the longer to watch, the more you discover.

The third aviary is located in the center of the Bird House. It not only the largest, but also the most active. A flurry of feathers, and flits and flashes of commotion and color. The aforementioned rule was never truer, too.