Wings of Australasia

Diverse rain forest jewels

The Australasian region, which includes Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and neighboring islands, is home to many species of plants and animals. Such abundant biodiversity has evolved because of the many isolated islands, wide range of climate, and isolation due to high mountain ranges and deep valleys.

Our Wings of Australasia aviaries presents some of the diverse jewels of the San Diego Zoo's bird collection, one of the premier collections of birds found anywhere in the world. These aviaries are currently home to over 100 birds native to Australasia. There are 36 exhibits within five modules of aviaries designed to house multiple species of birds, including endangered Micronesian kingfishers, hornbill species, lories, and the ever-fascinating Raggiana birds of paradise.

Unlike walk-through aviaries, which are beautiful to see but often hard to manage, Wings of Australasia presents a beautiful area that can be managed with meticulous care. This helps us to exhibit some critically endangered species successfully. Each exhibit is landscaped to duplicate its resident's wild habitat, and the keeper in this area also tends to the needs of the plants as well as the exotic birds.

Wings of Australasia provides a secure place to breed and protect these priceless feathered creatures.

Fun Facts

• The insular blue-crowned pigeon is the largest bird of the pigeon family, replacing the dodo bird (now extinct).
• Each female Raggiana bird of paradise has her own aviary in Wings of Australasia and the reigning male has his private quarters in the back. During the spring breeding season, the keeper opens a gate separating the male from one of the females. Once a single egg is laid, the access door is closed to the nesting female and a door is open for the male to the next female!
• Look for nest boxes the keeper has provided for the birds in the various aviaries. Each species has its own unique nest needs.