Air Show African eagles newest raptors
PITTSBURGH — The summer season has begun at the National Aviary.
The outdoor show “Soar!” takes place at 3 p.m. daily on the SkyDeck.
The aviary has welcomed its newest raptors, a pair of bateleur eagles. Native to sub-Saharan Africa and rarely seen in zoos, the fierce-looking bird of prey has bright red eyes and feet, black head and body feathers, and wing feathers that include areas of maroon, brown, white and gray.
Bateleur eagles feed on a variety of prey from insects as small as termites to mammals as large as antelopes. The common name “bateleur” comes from the French word for tightrope walker and refers to the species’ habit of teetering side to side in flight on uptilted wings.
The eagles came from the San Diego Zoo and will be at the aviary through fall.
The aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for senior citizens and $12 for children ages 2 to 18; shows are extra. Visit www.aviary.org.
