Ranging in size from the world’s largest bird species, the ostrich, to the snowy-headed robin chat, which weighs just over an ounce, Zoo Atlanta features an incredible spectrum of bird life from around the world. Read more for just a few highlights of the Zoo’s collection.

Argus pheasant

This spectacular species from Southeast Asia sports dramatically long, intricately-patterned wing and tail feathers used in display. Female Argus pheasants lay only two eggs and are very devoted to the care of their young. Zoo Atlanta’s male Argus has a loud, haunting call that carries great distances; Grant Park residents frequently hear his early morning and evening vocalizations.

Bali mynah

One of the rarest species in the world, Bali mynahs may be extinct in the wild. Found only on the island of Bali, the birds are considered symbols of status and wealth in Indonesia, where trapping has driven the species practically to extinction. Fortunately, Bali mynahs have bred successfully in zoos, and there are several hundred birds at institutions in Europe and North America. The species was first bred at Zoo Atlanta in 1999; the Zoo currently houses two non-breeding males, father and son, per recommendation of the Bali mynah Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Blue crane

One of the loveliest of the crane species, the blue crane is the national bird of South Africa. Blue cranes are found exclusively in South Africa, where their numbers have dropped significantly in the last 20 years. The species is currently classified as endangered. Fortunately, South Africa is taking significant steps to halt further decline. Blue cranes have been known to live well into their forties; both of the Zoo’s birds are over 20 years old.

Chilean flamingo

Ranging throughout mountainous regions of Chile and Peru, Chilean flamingos are hardy birds that thrive outdoors in both warm and cool weather extremes (including snow). Flamingos’ signature pink hue comes from carotene, the same substance that gives carrots and marigolds their color.

Flamingos are highly social, and the Zoo’s flock is generally comprised of 60 to 70 birds. Zoo Atlanta has a very successful history breeding Chilean flamingos, which breed in summer. Each pair builds a conical mud nest to accommodate a single egg, and both parents share equal responsibility for the care and defense of the nest. (Flamingos are so dedicated to parenthood, in fact, that unsuccessful pairs will sometimes attempt to “kidnap” other birds’ offspring.)

King vulture

Native to central and South America, king vultures are the most colorful of the vulture species. Unlike their North American cousins, the black vultures, they are solitary and do not congregate in flocks. King vultures are scavengers, feeding on dead and decaying animals. Because of their poorly-developed sense of smell, they typically scan an area for carcasses already located by other vulture species. Smaller vultures actually depend on their larger relatives to preempt meals, as king vultures’ powerful beaks are often the only ones capable of tearing tough animal hides.

Kookaburra

Although its famous laughing call has often been erroneously portrayed in movies as an authentic sound of the African jungle, this species is found only in Australia. The largest members of the kingfisher family, kookaburras are formidable predators despite their small size, killing reptiles and even small mammals with their beaks. The Zoo’s pair shares a habitat in Outback Station.

Kori bustard

Male kori bustards are among the world’s largest flighted birds, weighing as much as 40 pounds. Although they resemble turkeys, kori bustards are most closely related to cranes. Native to east and southern Africa, these birds are often found among zebra and wildebeest, as they often take advantage of the large numbers of insects kicked up by migrating herds.

Major Mitchell’s cockatoo

Indigenous to inland Australia, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are white to salmon in color, with spectacular red-and-yellow-crested heads. The species is named for Sir Thomas Mitchell, who wrote about the birds’ beauty during a 19th century expedition. Zoo Atlanta’s pair of Major Mitchell’s cockatoos occupies a new habitat across from the Outback Station petting zoo’s Kunekune pigs, Gulf Coast sheep and Boer, Nubian and Nigerian dwarf goats. 

Milky eagle owl

Ranging throughout savanna woodland areas of southern and western Africa, milky eagle owls are the continent’s largest owl species. Sometimes called monkey-eating owls for their propensity for dining on small primates in the wild, these impressive predators also hunt hedgehogs, hyraxes, mongooses, birds and insects. Their distinctive five-note vocalizations can be heard from as far away as three miles. Zoo Atlanta houses the only breeding pair in North America. One of their offspring, Mandela, was hand-reared by Program Animals staffand appears regularly in Wildlife Theater shows and animal encounters on grounds.

Ostrich

The ostrich is Earth’s largest terrestrial bird species, looming at heights of over five feet tall. Ostrich once roamed throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, but over-hunting for feathers, hides and meat have restricted their modern-day range to sub-Saharan Africa. Running is these birds’ first line of defense – ostrich can sprint at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour – but if cornered, a kick from their large, powerful legs is capable of injuring or even killing an adult lion. The Zoo’s three ostrich live alongside zebra, giraffe, waterbuck and Thomson’s gazelle – all species that frequently share the African plains in the wild. 

Southern cassowary

The world’s second-largest bird species, cassowaries have long, powerful legs equipped with three-inch, dagger-like nails on the inside toes of their feet; male birds slash at one another with these built-in weapons during territorial disputes. In their native Australia, wild cassowaries spend almost all of their time alone, coming together for just a few weeks out of the year to breed. Females depart promptly after laying eggs, leaving males wholly responsible for the incubation and care of the young.

Southern ground hornbill

Zoo Atlanta’s ground hornbills, Gumby and Zazu, are extremely popular among visitors for their delight in parading back and forth and proudly displaying bits of their dinner. In the wild in Africa, ground hornbills feed on invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. These birds are extremely intelligent and inquisitive and will often cooperate with each other to achieve a common goal; keepers have to work hard to keep their brains occupied!

White-crested laughing thrush

Native to Asia from the Himalayas to Sumatra, these noisy, inquisitive birds are favorites among the Bird Department. Easily identified by downy white plumage on their heads, white-crested laughing thrushes are known for their chattering, laugh-like vocalizations. This highly heat and cold-tolerant species has bred very successfully at Zoo Atlanta.

	Not a bird, but the rock hyrax calls The Living Treehouse home

Birds of The Living Treehouse

The birds of The Ford African Rain Forest’s Living Treehouse aviary represent a variety of species, many of which have evocative names describing the beauty of African bird life. Aviary species range from amazingly iridescent-colored superb starlings to the bizarre-looking hammerkop, a small stork species that builds enormous stick nests. Other highlights include blue-bellied rollers, blue-breasted kingfishers, snowy-headed robin chats, speckled pigeons, violaceous turacos and vulturine guineafowl.

The Living Treehouse is also home to the rock hyrax, an unusual small mammal native to the rocky outcroppings of eastern and southern Africa. Rock hyraxes are barely larger than a guinea pig and weigh just eight pounds, but strangely enough, their closest living relatives are elephants!

Taveta golden weavers		Superb starlings		Violaceous turacos