Birding
Have a lark through Pittsburgh and identify the large population of native birds!
Birding is a serious pastime here in Pittsburgh. Not only do we have a series of active birdwatching groups, but we also have reserves and zoos specializing in avians. Needless to say, if you’re interested in birding in our big city, you’ve come to the right place.
Birding Tours & Events
Birds of a feather flock together. Join your fellow birders at these Pittsburgh events and tours that proudly celebrate the joys of birding, dare to discover more at our parks and reserves, and offer one-of-a-kind ways to partake in your favorite pastime.
Education
You’re never too old to learn something new, so no matter where you are in your birdwatching experience, we have opportunities for you to investigate the history of birds, discover unique fowls up close and personal, and step out into the wilderness in guided classes.
Birds at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History | 4400 Forbes Ave
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History hosts halls filled with educational information, visible representations of birds and their evolutionary history, and a nature reserve where visitors can spot local wildlife. The Bird Hall of the museum walks you through Earth’s history through the lens of birds, guiding the historical examination.
Birds, also known as living dinosaurs, are the closest living relatives to the massive creatures that once walked the Earth. As part of this exhibit, take a close look at renderings and replicas of extinct birds, like the Dodo Bird! As you continue through the halls, see the taxidermy birds accompanied by feather and skin studies and environmental displays that teach about birds’ habits, habitats, and patterns.
After you visit the museum, consider driving out to visit the Powdermill Nature Reserve. The location is Carnegie’s environmental research center and hosts nature walks, birding lessons, and more, all hosted by their knowledgeable staff who are ready to answer all your questions.
Outdoor Birdwatching Classes
Where: National Aviary | 700 Arch St.
We are home to the National Aviary, the only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated to birds. Home to over 500 species, there are few places as perfect to learn about avian life as right here at the National Aviary.
This unique zoo offers beginner birding classes to those looking to get involved in the community. The two-part series prepares and educates you on everything you need to know about birding with in-depth lessons and in-person experiences. In the first course of this program, you’ll learn how to use binoculars, common species found in Pennsylvania, habitats, and identification tips.
In the second class, the National Aviary brings their students out to Frick Park to apply their knowledge in the real world. With the assistance of National Aviary's educational staff, roam the trails and wooded areas of Frick Park on the lookout for native birds.
Animal Encounters
Where: National Aviary | 700 Arch St.
The National Aviary also hosts a series of more curated learning opportunities through their Animal Encounters. Choose from their Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter, Flamingo Feeding Encounter, Penguin Encounter, or Owl Encounter, and take the chance to feed some of the zoo’s unique birds and learn more about the different species and types.
With these niche educational programs, you’ll be brought face-to-face with their birds and educated about the animals’ unique migratory patterns, eating habits, evolutionary design, and more from the National Aviary’s skilled educators.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Where: One Schenley Dr.
Though primarily known for its floral life and educational programs on gardening, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens does host occasional bridging information sessions and educational walking tours of nearby parks and gardens.
However, the Phipps’ online bioPGH blog is perhaps their key tool for birders. The online resource has education on birding and environmental tips, from how to care for your local birding habitats to spotting native avian life and more.
Top Birding Spots
Ready to take your birding to the great outdoors? These parks and reserves are hubs for birding opportunities and are great spots to look for unique fowl tucked into the trees. Bring your binoculars and try your hand at spotting Pittsburgh’s best and rarest birds.
- Frick Park | 1981 Beechwood Blvd
- Schenley Park | Overlook Dr.
- Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve | 614 Dorseyville Rd
- Boyce Park | 555 Pierson Run Rd.
- Emerald View Park | 301 Shiloh St.
- Riverview Park | Riverview Ave.
Watch List
According to Ebird.org, an online site run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the Center for Avian Population Studies and Macaulay Library, the following are the top birds and rare finds in Allegheny County.
Common Finds | Uncommon Birds | Rare Fowl |
| Common Grackle | Canada Goose | Western Cattle Egret |
| European Starling | Cedar Waxwing | Painted Bunting |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | Bonaparte’s Gull | Yellow-Crowned Night Heron |
| American Crow | Mallard | Ruddy Turnstone |
| American Robin | White Throated Sparrow | Western Tanager |
| Red-Billed Gull | Barn Swallow | Pomarine Jaegar |
| Red-Headed Cowbird | Rock Pigeon | Boreal Chickadee |
| Chimney Swift | Fish Crow | Budgerigar |
| American Herring Gull | Bufflehead | Mourning Warbler |
| Tundra Swan | Common Nighthawk | Dickcissel |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for birding in Pittsburgh?
Spring in Pennsylvania is when birds are the most active, making it the best time for birders!
What equipment do I need for birding?
Birding is light on equipment! No need to bring more than binoculars and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Are there accessible birding trails in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Riverwalk Point State Park, and Emerald View Park all feature paved, even trails.
Is birding kid-friendly?
Yes! There are plenty of birding events that encourage the whole family to join and learn more about the animals and native species.
Is birding dog-friendly?
No. Most birding events and tours discourage dogs.
Keep exploring the outdoors with tips from our outdoor recreation page!
