Owens Rain Forest Aviary

Take a stroll through the rain forest

The Owens Rain Forest Aviary offers bird lovers an up-close look at more than 200 feathered friends representing 60 species and about 180 birds. The free-flight aviary simulates the sights and sounds of a real Southeast Asian jungle environment. It focuses on exotic species from Southeast Asia and Australia, including flowers, ferns, and foliage indigenous to that region.

You can enjoy a gentle trek along an elevated, winding pathway that stretches more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) in length. The path begins at treetop level and immerses you in the forest canopy amidst scores of brilliantly colored tropical birds. The sound of water splashing on rocks attracts your attention to a waterfall, cascading into a pond where exotic fish like tiger barbs and rainbow fish glide through the water. Thick glass panels form one side of the pond, making it easy for you to marvel at these colorful swimmers.

Opposite the pond and on the other side of the walkway, another waterfall sends water coursing down a rocky route the length of the aviary, splashing into a pool at the lower end of the aviary, where you may see comb-crested jacanas strolling across the floating lily pads.

As the walkway descends through mature greenery, lush waterfalls, and beaches, you may encounter a rare woodpecker chiseling through the bark of a tree or the courtship ritual of the argus pheasant at the forest-floor level. View a startling variety of birds going about their business at various levels of the forest canopy as you take your leisurely stroll—you'll be surrounded by some fascinating company!

Fun facts

• Archerfish live in a heated pool near the top path of the aviary. These fish squirt a stream of water to capture gnats or crickets.
• The Owens Rain Forest Aviary is one of the world's largest walk-through avian encounters.
• The Indian cotton teal, or Indian pygmy goose Nettapus coromandelianus coromandelianus, is one of the aviary's residents. It is the tiniest of the waterfowl species, weighing as little as 6.6 ounces (187 grams).
• Several feeding trays are located close to the walkway railing, providing great spots to see and photograph the birds.