National Aviary
Park Large bird zoo and conservation center in Pittsburgh
Located in Pittsburgh’s North Side, the National Aviary houses hundreds of bird species in recreated habitats, offers flight demonstrations and runs conservation education.
The National Aviary is an independent nonprofit bird zoo located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the city’s North Side. It is one of the larger U.S. aviaries and is known for live bird presentations and species-focused exhibits.
The facility cares for roughly 500 individual birds representing more than 150 species, with habitats that range from indoor tropical aviaries to outdoor enclosures. Exhibits highlight conservation, breeding programs, and interactive educational experiences.
The institution traces its history to mid-20th-century aviary activities in Pittsburgh and was chartered as the National Aviary in the early 1990s. Since then it has expanded its collection and public programs.
The aviary sits adjacent to Allegheny Commons Park in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood, within easy distance of downtown Pittsburgh and other riverfront attractions.
- Setting: Housed in a converted urban park facility on Pittsburgh's North Side, with both indoor aviaries and outdoor exhibits.
- Mission: Operates as an independent nonprofit and emphasizes conservation, education, and species propagation programs.
How to Get to National Aviary #
The National Aviary is located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, near the Allegheny River. It’s a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh and accessible by local bus routes and rideshare; limited on-site parking is available and nearby municipal lots provide additional spaces.
Tips for Visiting National Aviary #
- Arrive early morning for feeding times and keeper talks-birds are most active and exhibit areas are quieter.
- Don't skip the flight demonstrations in the outdoor aviary-these give a sense of the birds' scale and behavior that exhibits alone can't convey.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for the best wildlife shots; many species have protected enclosures that keep distance.
Best Time to Visit National Aviary #
Spring and summer for active birds and demonstrations; indoor exhibits keep the aviary visit worthwhile year-round.
Weather & Climate near National Aviary #
National Aviary's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (956 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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