In the first of three walk-through aviaries, visitors learn about shorebird migration in the Delaware Bay (The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
Soar into the fascinating world of North American shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds at the Bird House in the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Built in 1928 and reopened in 2023 after a six-year renovation, the Bird House reflects a new era in which zoos function as key players in wildlife conservation.
Recognizing the drastic decline of migratory bird populations around the world, the zoo designed the Bird House’s exhibitions to inform and empower the public to take action to conserve wild birds. Three indoor walk-through aviaries that re-create key habitats support a variety of birds throughout their annual migratory cycle. Also on-site is the Bird Observatory, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s regional hub for ornithology, community science, and outreach.
Brian Evans, an ornithologist at the center, and members of the Bird House’s animal- care team lead an immersive, close-up exploration of the exhibitions and discuss the science that informs bird conservation. Take off with a wild-bird banding demonstration at the Bird Observatory and gain insights into how ornithologists study the survival of birds in different environments and leverage their knowledge to help conserve bird populations. Learn how to use binoculars like a pro, then put your new skill into practice by observing the residents of the aviaries. Step into settings that re-create the Delaware Bay, which provides a stopover habitat and crucial food resources for migrating shorebirds; the Prairie Pothole region, a critical upper-Midwest breeding habitat for most of the migratory ducks in the Western Hemisphere; and a Bird Friendly Coffee Farm, a rustic location where songbirds flit among canopy trees and habitat for migratory songbirds during the nonbreeding period.
Wind down in the Bird House gardens, where you can find out how decisions made in your own backyard can help support birds, and conclude the tour with a tasting of Bird Friendly coffee and a conversation with Evans and the staff members.
Know Before You Go
- Tour participants meet at the front lawn of the Bird House at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. (Metro: Cleveland Park or Woodley Park/Red line).
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Additional Date Options for this Tour
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
