A building with a rich historic past, the McCormick Bird House was designed by the zoo's first director, Cyrus DeVry, in 1904. The architectural integrity of the original building has been preserved, but the interior has come a long way since the days of 100-plus wire cages.

Enter the Bird House today and you find yourself amid lush tropical surroundings and 11 natural habitats, including a free-flight (pictured at right) area for many exotic and endangered birds. Dense jungles, sandy coasts, running streams and grassy plains of the birds' natural homes are all replicated in Lincoln Park Zoo's Bird House.

Species Data Sheets:

 

Making their home in the deep forest exhibit, Blyth's hornbills have an unusual nesting behavior, distinct from all other birds. Together, the pair chooses a tree cavity, packs the opening with mud and seals the female inside until only her beak sticks out. She will stay stuck in the tree for up to several months, laying eggs and raising her young, while the male passes her food through the tiny opening. These birds are native to south-east Asia.

They may look like thick knees, but what appears to be the knee joint is actually the ankle on cape thick-knees. The birds' long legs and widespread toes allow them to walk through long savanna grasses in their native South Africa. They blend so well with dry, brown scrub that they can hide in the open as well as brush cover. Look for cape thick-knees in the savanna exhibit.

Seashells, sand and driftwood surround a tranquil shoreline where red knots, snowy plovers, piping plovers and American avocets make their home. Able to fly out of this seashore exhibit, the birds remain inside, drawn by the security of food and ample light. Only a low rail, reminiscent of a pier, separates visitors from birds. Take a close look and watch the red knots dip their food in water before eating it.

 

Warding off Extinction: Protecting two critically endangered birds.

  • One of the three tropical habitats in the McCormick Bird House is home to two critically endangered species: the Micronesian Kingfisher and the Guam Rail, both receive support through Lincoln Park Zoo's conservation initiatives and SSP breeding programs.

Shorebirds at Risk in the Midwest: The Piping Plover.

  • Lincoln Park Zoo is part of a team studying these birds to ultimately help with the conservation of piping plovers and other shorebirds.