Largest Bird Collections

[Electus Parrot]

What would the top ten largest/most diverse be in The United States?
I have a feeling that San Diego would have the largest and most diverse but what other collections are right up there with San Diego?

 

[jbnbsn99]

Houston and San Antonio have huge collections. SA might have a bigger collection than SD.

 

[Baldur]

I went to both Houston and San Antonio in September so I can confirm that their collections are indeed impressive; although, being a mammal person, they were not my focus. San Diego has a very good collection (was there 7 years ago) but theirs is chiefly in large aviaries if I remember correctly, while Houston and SA have theirs mostly in traditional enclosures if you will. Also, should you find yourself in Texas and wanting to look at birds, don't skip the Dallas World Aquarium!

 

[KCZooFan]

I beleive that St. Louis has a large bird collection, very diverse.

 

[FBBird]

Largest Bird Collection

I've never been to the USA, so have no first hand experience. However, Tracey Aviary in Salt Lake City may be up there, along with the Bronx & Cincinnati

 

[Baldur]

I beleive that St. Louis has a large bird collection, very diverse.

Even if they don't have the largest collection (though I'm sure they go close, I was there in September) they have three of my all time favourite bird facilities: the 1904 World Expo Free Flight Aviary and Bird House (historic reasons) and then Penguin and Puffin Coast; outstanding; penguins and people share the same space so the chill, the noise and smell create as much realism as I think anyone could ever wish for.

 

[siamang27]

San Diego has a huge bird collection. I think SD has a larger collection than San Antonio, but not by much.
San Diego does a much better job of exhibiting their birds though. Houston and San Antonio have awesome collections but a lot of their birds are in rows of aviaries rather than large mixed walk-through ones.
I haven't been but the Bronx Zoo also has a large collection in its bird houses.

Dallas World Aquarium has the largest collections of South American species. Many species kept here can't been seen anywhere else, except maybe in South American collections.
Miami Metrozoo doesn't have the largest general collection of birds, but their Asian collection is impressive.
Denver and Cincinnati also have large bird collections.

 

[sandiegomaster]

From the website, SD Zoo has the largest collection in the U.S.

Zoological Society of San Diego's Bird Collection

At the San Diego Zoo

The Zoo has the largest collection of bird species in the United States, with several species that are rare at zoo facilities, including the great blue turaco, from West Africa, and the Blyth's tragopan, the only breeding pair in captivity in the world. Rare species that are also endangered include the Micronesian kingfisher, Bali mynah, Andean condor, and Congo peafowl, all part of Species Survival Programs (SSPs) administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The San Diego Zoo is also home to species that are rare or extinct in the wild. We have the only breeding pair of harpy eagles in all of North America and Europe and the only Talaud red-and-blue lories in U.S. zoos. The Zoo and Park are the only two facilities in the U.S. to house the endangered kagu, native to New Caledonia. And the Zoo is one of just three facilities in the world used as a quarantine staging area for the eventual return of a bird extinct in the wild, the Guam rail, to its native Guam.

The Park has the largest and most comprehensive collection of hornbills, storks, and pelicans in the zoo world. We are the only facility in North America to have Dalmatian pelicans and to have bred them as well as pink-backed pelicans and great white pelicans. Our hornbill and stork collection, and many other species, are considered irreplaceable. We also have the largest off-exhibit bird-breeding facility—134 aviaries—of any zoo in North America.

 

[condor]

The San Diego collection impress me very much but some of their facts are wrong. There are breeding pairs of Blyth's Tragopan in private collections (not sure but I think World Pheasant Association also have pairs. They keep the studbook) and San Diego's collection of hornbills and pelicans doesn't match Jurong's. San Diego's collection of pelicans and storks was also outmatched by Walsrode but I don't know how much is still in Walsrode. Jurong and Walsrode aren't in USA but San Diego say 'in the zoo world' on their page and for the Blyth's Tragopan they say 'in the world'. Of course San Diego is still an outstanding collection.

 

[siamang27]

When I read that SD had the largest collection of hornbills I was surprised too. I highly doubt that the collection is larger than Jurong's.
I've only ever seen a few species of hornbills at San Diego. They may have more off-exhibit though.

 

[Dicerorhinus]

San Diego say 'in the zoo world' on their page and for the Blyth's Tragopan they say 'in the world'.

Hi Condor,

Im pretty sure that statement is actually correct. It's my understanding that all other Blyth's Tragopans reproduce through A.I.

There are several pairs in Belgium.

San Diego say of their website:
"Blyth's tragopan, the only breeding pair in captivity in the world" which is correct when the point above is considered.

 

[Dicerorhinus]

When I read that SD had the largest collection of hornbills I was surprised too. I highly doubt that the collection is larger than Jurong's.
I've only ever seen a few species of hornbills at San Diego. They may have more off-exhibit though.

I can't comment on whether or not it's true. But I have personally seen the extensive off-exhibit Hornbill/Stork facilities at San Diego WAP where they keep and breed the bulk of the collection.

Remember that Jurong specialises in Asian Hornbills but San Diego also have an extensive collection of African species including at least three species not kept at Jurong.

As I have visited both collections its my opinion that San Diego have more species (but I have not seen any off exhibit areas at Jurong).

 

[mstickmanp]

The Zoo and Wild Animal Park have the most comprehensive collection of hornbills in the United States at nearly 30 species. We have hatched more than 520 hornbill chicks, which is among the highest number of hornbill hatchings in the world.

This is another statement from the zoo's website. Does anybody know how many species Jurong has?

 

[sandiegomaster]

This is another statement from the zoo's website. Does anybody know how many species Jurong has?

There website says they have the largest collection of south east asian hornbills. They also have some South America hornbills but doesn't mention anything else.

 

[condor]

Hi Condor,

Im pretty sure that statement is actually correct. It's my understanding that all other Blyth's Tragopans reproduce through A.I.

There are several pairs in Belgium.

San Diego say of their website:
"Blyth's tragopan, the only breeding pair in captivity in the world" which is correct when the point above is considered.

Hi Dicerorhinus

There has been natural breeding in Europe but I do not know if there is any natural breeding in Europe at present. But I am not aware of natural breeding at present in San Diego either. I also thought they were going for AI with this species now? The reason I say at present for the captive population in Europe is that it is very inbred (could well die out without new blood) and this was one of the big arguments used by AI proponents incl. Mr. F. Hermans, the famous Belgian pheasant keeper and breeder. No one seems to know much about the few Blyth's in the Middle East and if any of them can be considered pairs. There are also several in China but I'm not sure it is fair to count them in (all three monals are also in captivity in China. They also managed to breed the last monal, the Sclater's in the Beijing Center for Breeding Endangered Animals). There even has been Blyth's claimed to be the molesworthi subspecies in a private collection in USA but I don't know if they are still around or if they in fact were molesworthi as claimed. There are unfortunately also Blyth's strains in Europe and USA with hybrid Satyr blood.

I can't comment on whether or not it's true. But I have personally seen the extensive off-exhibit Hornbill/Stork facilities at San Diego WAP where they keep and breed the bulk of the collection.

Remember that Jurong specialises in Asian Hornbills but San Diego also have an extensive collection of African species including at least three species not kept at Jurong.

As I have visited both collections its my opinion that San Diego have more species (but I have not seen any off exhibit areas at Jurong).

I have had the pleasure of visiting both backstage and in hornbills San Diego has a very impressive collection but like said, not beyond Jurong's. Jurong are not always good at updating ISIS (especially in their southeast Asian species) and how reliable it is can be discussed but it gives an idea about the figures. If limited to African hornbills they are almost equal: Right now San Diego Animal Park and San Diego Zoo combined list 7 species (2 Tockus species, 1 Tropicranus, 0 Bycanistes, 2 Ceratogymna, 2 Bucorvus) and Jurong lists 6 species (2 Tockus, 1 Tropicranus, 2 Bycanistes, 0 Ceratogymna, 1 Bucorvus). When it comes to pure breeding of African hornbills San Diego is more clearly in front of Jurong however.

As said before I do not know how many storks Walsrode have left but at one point they had all stork species except Maguari and with a large portion breeding (for example including both openbills). San Diego have not matched this species diversity at any point.

All this aside - like I said before San Diego's collection is world class and outstanding. No matter where you live - if you are a real zoo fan this is one of the zoos you have to visit at some point.

 

[condor]

The Zoo and Wild Animal Park have the most comprehensive collection of hornbills in the United States at nearly 30 species.

This is another statement from the zoo's website. Does anybody know how many species Jurong has?

That is wrong, at least from 1995 and later. I have visited San Diego every few years since 1995. Last I was there was in early 2009 where they had around 15 hornbill species. I don't remember them ever having more than 20, also when including backstage. Those are very impressive figures regardless and I guess Jurong is the only that can match it. I don't believe any zoo including Jurong have ever had 30 species of hornbill. Only if including all hornbill species they have had at some point of time in their history (not at the same time). Of the around 55 species of hornbills I guess more than 1/3 have not been kept in any large zoo in Europe or North America in the last 10 years at least: Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, Monteiro's, Pale-billed, Bradfield's, Hemprich's, all 3 of genus Ocyceros, Sulu, Helmeted, all 3 of genus Anorrhinus, Rufous-necked, Rufous-headed, Narcondam, Sumba, Plain-pouched, Brown-cheeked and perhaps 1-2 of the genus Penelopides.

Edit - just found out Walsrode supposedly had the amazing Helmeted Hornbill in 1974-76! If someone can confirm this and if it was male or female please let me know here or in private message.
Edit2 - if it is the one on the photo I guess it is a young male? http://www.zootierliste.de/en/?klasse=2&ordnung=220&familie=22001&art=2200136
Probably not because the photo looks new. Perhaps the one from Jurong?

They also have some South America hornbills but doesn't mention anything else.

I hope they don't say that on their page (I have not looked). There are no hornbills in South America. The similar looking birds in South America are toucans. I am pretty sure the largest collection of toucans is at Dallas World Aquarium where I also think they have the record for most captive bred toucan species including several first in the world.

 

[siamang27]

DWA does indeed have several first world breedings, and I believe they mention these in their newsletters section of their website.

As for Jurong's hornbills, I have a list of all species Jurong has. However, it only has English names and it's probably several years old...but here are the hornbills that are listed


Island hornbill
Wrinkled hornbill
Blyth's hornbill
Wreathed hornbill
Bushy-crested hornbill
Southern pied hornbill
Indian pied hornbill
Black hornbill
White-crested hornbill
Great hornbill
Bornean rhinoceros hornbill
Malaysian rhinoceros hornbill
Javan rhinoceros hornbill
Rufous hornbill
Helmeted hornbill
Tarictic hornbill
Southern ground hornbill
Red-billed hornbill
Von der Decken's hornbill
Silvery-cheeked hornbill

 

[sandiegomaster]

That is wrong, at least from 1995 and onwards. I have visited San Diego every few years since 1995. Last I was there was in early 2009 where they had around 15 hornbill species. I don't remember them ever having more than 20, also when including backstage. Those are very impressive figures regardless. I don't believe any zoo including Jurong have ever had 30 species of hornbill. Only if including all species they have had at some point of time in their history (not at the same time).



I hope they don't say that on their page (I have not looked). There are no hornbills in South America. The similar looking birds in South America are toucans. I am pretty sure the largest collection of toucans is at Dallas World Aquarium where I also think they have the record for most captive bred toucan species including several first in the world.

They do say they have South American hornbills, I thought it was weird and was looking on wikipedia to find any species from there.

 

[Dicerorhinus]

Hi Dicerorhinus

There has been natural breeding in Europe but I do not know if there is any natural breeding in Europe at present. But I am not aware of natural breeding at present in San Diego either. I also thought they were going for AI with this species now? The reason I say at present for the captive population in Europe is that it is very inbred (could well die out without new blood) and this was one of the big arguments used by AI proponents incl. Mr. F. Hermans, the famous Belgian pheasant keeper and breeder. No one seems to know much about the few Blyth's in the Middle East and if any of them can be considered pairs. There are also several in China but I'm not sure it is fair to count them in (all three monals are also in captivity in China. They also managed to breed the last monal, the Sclater's in the Beijing Center for Breeding Endangered Animals). There even has been Blyth's claimed to be the molesworthi subspecies in a private collection in USA but I don't know if they are still around or if they in fact were molesworthi as claimed. There are unfortunately also Blyth's strains in Europe and USA with hybrid Satyr blood.



I have had the pleasure of visiting both backstage and in hornbills San Diego has a very impressive collection but like said, not beyond Jurong's. Jurong are not always good at updating ISIS (especially in their southeast Asian species) and how reliable it is can be discussed but it gives an idea about the figures. If limited to African hornbills they are almost equal: Right now San Diego Animal Park and San Diego Zoo combined list 7 species (2 Tockus species, 1 Tropicranus, 0 Bycanistes, 2 Ceratogymna, 2 Bucorvus) and Jurong lists 6 species (2 Tockus, 1 Tropicranus, 2 Bycanistes, 0 Ceratogymna, 1 Bucorvus). When it comes to pure breeding of African hornbills San Diego is more clearly in front of Jurong however.

As said before I do not know how many storks Walsrode have left but at one point they had all stork species except Maguari and with a large portion breeding (for example including both openbills). San Diego have not matched this species diversity at any point.

All this aside - like I said before San Diego's collection is world class and outstanding. No matter where you live - if you are a real zoo fan this is one of the zoos you have to visit at some point.

Condor,

Thanks for the informative reply. I had heard of Blyth's in the Middle East but as you state if there are any their origin will be shady to say the least.

Regarding Hornbills and Storks:
I am most familiar with the collection from 2000 until 2003 when I had the privilege of touring the off-exhibit facilities.

In 2001 I saw (Zoo Hornbills on and off-exhibit):
Tockus albocristatus
Penelopides exarhatus
Aceros corrugatus
Aceros leucocephalus
Aceros Cassidix
Aceros Undulatus
Aceros plicatus
Bycanistes cylindricus
Bycanistes brevis
Certaogymna atrata
Buceros rhinceros
Buceros bicornis
Bucorvus abyssinicus
Bucorvus leadbeateri

WAP (Hornbills mainly off-exhibit):
Tockus flavirostris
Tockus deckeni
Berenicronis comatus
Bycanistes fistulator
Ptilolaemus tickelli austeni
Penelopides panini manillae
Penelopides panini samarensis
Anthracoceros malayanus
As well as many seen at the zoo.

So that's a total of 22 species and sub-species at the Zoological Society of San Diego.

2001 Storks at WAP:
Mycteria cinerea (Only at the Zoo)
Mycteria ibis
Mycteria leucocephala
Anastomus oscitans
Anastomus lamelligerus
Ciconia nigra
Ciconia abdimii
Ciconia episcopus
Ciconia Stormi
Ciconia maguari
Ciconia ciconia
Ciconia boyciana
Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Leptoptilos crumeniferus
+ Shoebill

So including Shoebill the Society kept 15 species (most of which were/are off-exhibit at the WAP) in 2001. I can't think of anywhere in the world that had more species at that time or since. That webpage has been on their site for a number of years and im sure if San Diego don't have the most complete collections of Hornbills/Storks now they did at the time the webpage was written.


I am aware the latin names are a little out of date so no need for certain users to tell me also in the interest of time I omitted a few subspecies names.

 

[condor]

in the Middle East but as you state if there are any their origin will be shady to say the least.

Hi Dicerorhinus

There are also reputed to be a few Chinese monal in the Middle East. We can only speculated how a very rare species like that ended up there!

So that's a total of 22 species and sub-species at the Zoological Society of San Diego..

Thanks for the list. Most match what I remember. Nice to know dementia hasn't set in

I think San Diego actually had one more if including sub-species because I think they had both Javan and Malayan sub-species of Buceros rhinoceros in 2001. But perhaps it was a bit before or after 2001? If counting sub-species (not just species like I did before and they also say species on their page) Jurong had 3 of Buceros rhinoceros and 2 of Anthracoceros albirostris. Jurong had most of the ones you list except Bucorvus abyssinicus and Bycanistes fistulator, don't remember if their Ceratogymna was atrata or elata (I always get it mixed up with the Hong Kong elata that they listed as atrata first) and unsure about the Penelopides species (several at both Jurong and San Diego) because many zoos have claimed they had one or the other but a large percentage of those in zoos actually turned out to be hybrids. Additional from Jurong: Tockus erythrorhynchus, Anthracoceros albirostris, Buceros hydrocorax, Anorrhinus galeritus, Rhinoplax vigil (I believe the only zoo to keep this interesting species in the last decade, now also gone from Jurong sadly) and Rhyticeros subruficollis.

So including Shoebill the Society kept 15 species (most of which were/are off-exhibit at the WAP) in 2001. I can't think of anywhere in the world that had more species at that time or since.

Walsrode had 18 (19 with Shoebill but not related to storks). But like I said I don't know how many of those they still have and they may well have had fewer from 2001 so you could be right in that. At least there are several of the species I haven't seen on Walsrode visits in recent years but I don't know what they have at their breeding stations - the one in Germany I have visited formely but not in recent years and never been to their former station Ornis in Mallorca (to bad they had to close it because it was succcesful in breeding many rare species).