The Bird House is a complex that houses the majority of the zoo’s exotic avian species. As guests approach the building, they have the choice of either entering the lower level of the Tropical Forest Aviary, a large domed exhibit simulating a rainforest environment filled with over twenty species of tropical birds, or heading uphill in either direction to enter the bird house itself. Rows of smaller indoor wire aviaries with skylights and interpretive signage display the natural history, conservation, and cultural significance of birds. Guests can also enter the upper level of the aviary from within the Bird House and follow the pathway as it winds down to the lower level entrance.
Nice selection of birds in exhibits 1 - 20! I like the overall layout a lot! In the tropical forest aviary I'd be a little concerned about aggression between the rollers and some of the smaller birds, and the potential for nest depredation by the Madagascar Ibises (Madagascar Crested Ibis?) and the Hadada Ibis, but the species grouping is otherwise great! I'm happy to see Elegant Crested Tinamou, Mariana Fruit-Dove, Helmeted Curassow, Golden White-eye, Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, Jambu Fruit-Dove, Red-capped Cardinal, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, White-eared Catbird, Crested Coua, Fairy Bluebird, Palawan Peacock-Pheasant and Crested Woodpartridge in the mix! Great job!
@Summer Tanager Thanks! I based much of the aviary off the NC Zoo's aviary before it closed. Both Hadada and Madagascar (yes, Madagascar-crested) as well as Blue-bellied rollers were mixed in with smaller birds without much issue as far as I knew. I'm glad anyway that you think the species grouping is good otherwise.
I think that these are great species groupings, and I think that a lot of these species could use more exposure in zoos to help maintain the North American captive populations. You've done a great job of choosing species that are in need of more conservation attention, represent a diversity of avian families, and are established in American aviculture to some degree!
After some consideration, I've decided to replace the Silver Pheasant with Vulturine Guineafowl. The Chinese Hwamei is moved in with the Temminck's Tragopan.
