London Zoo Birds: A Comprehensive Guide for Zoo Touring Enthusiasts

Zoo Core Editors Desk

London Zoo Birds: A Comprehensive Guide for Zoo Touring Enthusiasts

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Blackburn Pavilion: A Tropical Haven for Exotic Birds

The Blackburn Pavilion at London Zoo is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. This Victorian building, originally constructed in 1883 to house reptiles, has been transformed into a lush, tropical walk-through habitat for over 50 different bird species. The pavilion’s boardwalk leads visitors through a recreated rainforest environment, where they can observe birds like the Socorro dove, Victoria crowned pigeon, and Bali starling in free flight.

Socorro Dove: A Rare and Endangered Species

The Socorro dove, native to Socorro Island off the coast of Mexico, is one of the rarest birds at London Zoo. Due to the introduction of invasive species and habitat degradation, the species is now extinct in the wild and exists only in conservation zoos across Europe and America, including London Zoo. ZSL is working closely with the Mexican government and other partners to plan the potential reintroduction of the species to its native home.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon: A Royal Presence

The Victoria crowned pigeon, native to the island of New Guinea, is another notable bird at the Blackburn Pavilion. This species, named in honour of Queen Victoria, is known for its striking headgear, which males use to impress females during breeding.

Bird Conservation and Protection: ZSL’s Commitment

london zoo birds

ZSL, the organization behind London Zoo, is committed to ensuring the survival and flourishing of all bird species around the world. Their approach involves the birdkeeping expertise of ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the research of the Institute of Zoology, and conservation action in the field.

Red Kite: A Success Story

The red kite, once on the brink of extinction in Britain, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to a reintroduction program established in 1989 by the RSPB and the Nature Conservancy Council. Today, there are over 5,000 breeding pairs in England, but the species still faces significant threats, and ZSL continues to protect it to ensure its numbers never plummet again.

Hihi: A Global Impact

The hihi, native to northern New Zealand, is another species that has benefited from ZSL’s conservation efforts. An ongoing recovery program has aimed to increase the hihi’s range and numbers using reintroduction. ZSL’s Institute of Zoology contributes scientific excellence to inform management of this species, promoting structured and evidence-based approaches to reintroduction biology with global impact.

Pink Pigeon: A Conservation Success Story

The pink pigeon, native to the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius, was once abundant but faced abrupt habitat loss and the introduction of predators. By the 1970s, the remaining population was restricted to a tiny pocket of the island, with the remaining dozen birds at risk of being lost forever. However, an international bird conservation program successfully boosted numbers to the 400 pink pigeons in the wild today, and ZSL remains involved in the project’s ongoing recovery program.

Bird Safari: A Walk-Through Habitat

The Bird Safari at London Zoo is an immersive walk-through habitat that houses a variety of stunning, winged wildlife from the world’s second largest continent. Species include the scarlet ibis, Abdim stork, red-crested turaco, emerald dove, marbled teal, and the Baer’s pochard.

Abdim’s Stork: A Migratory Bird

The Abdim’s stork, native to eastern and southern Africa, is a migratory bird that travels to the Sahel region during the rainy season to breed. They are known for their distinctive black and white plumage and red beaks and legs.

Scarlet Ibis: A Vibrant Species

The scarlet ibis, native to South America, is known for its vibrant red plumage, which is due to the birds’ diet of crustaceans. They are social birds that often gather in large flocks.

Red-Crested Turaco: A Colourful Species

The red-crested turaco, native to central and southern Africa, is a colourful species known for its distinctive red crest and bright green plumage. They are arboreal birds that spend most of their time in trees.

Emerald Dove: A Small and Beautiful Species

The emerald dove, native to southeast Asia and the eastern Himalayas, is a small and beautiful species known for its iridescent green plumage and red eye-ring. They are ground-dwelling birds that feed on seeds and insects.

Marbled Teal: A Striking Duck Species

The marbled teal, native to central and southern Africa, is a striking duck species known for its intricate marbled plumage. They are a partially migratory species, with some populations moving to wetter areas during the dry season.

Baer’s Pochard: A Critically Endangered Duck Species

The Baer’s pochard, native to eastern Asia, is a critically endangered duck species with a population of less than 1,000 individuals. They are known for their distinctive red beaks and legs and greyish-brown plumage.

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