Birding at the Zoo

Birders who don’t have the time or means to travel the world seeking unique birds have a rare opportunity at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse, New York: the zoo is pleased to introduce Zephyr, a white-crested laughing thrush. While the species is common in east India and Nepal, Zephyr, who hatched on March 7, is one of only three of these beautiful and noisy birds to be born in captivity in the past year.

Strict birders may not count captive aviary and zoo birds as part of their life list, but seeing such an unusual species can still be a treat. Zoos are often home to birds from many different countries and different habitats, and fly-through exhibits and free flight aviaries can be a special experience.

To learn how to visit Zephyr, read more from Syracuse.com.

White-Crested Laughing Thrush
Photo © Lip Kee Yap