I'm very disappointed because I expected the experience to improve after years of renovations; however, it's worse. They removed at least half the exhibits and you have to wait in lines twice to see only 3 rooms. They traded exhibits for a big entrance, a large area to hold one of the lines of people, a store, and classrooms. To make it worse, the lines which they say control the crowds only make it worse because they release a bunch of people to fill the first room and wait for it to empty which creates the tour bus effect for the other rooms. There would be less crowds if they let people go in freely and control entry to the building when it gets busy. How about moving all those workers controlling the lines to the exhibits to tell us about the birds. Sadly, they removed the duck pond for some bushes. I've not been to a zoo without a duck pond. And there are very few birds.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The bird house was great. So many species, beautifully done habitats inside and out. I got to see a silver cheeked hornbill named Kanga . Her keeper brought her out, and she displayed her amazing flying skills going after grapes and catching them in mid-flight. Meeting her keeper Phung and meeting Kanga was the high light of my visit to the zoo. Seeing native species like the Ruddy ducks, Green Teal Golden eye ducks, Whooping cranes, Sandhill cranes, and the Blue Grosbeak was memorable. Also, seeing more exotic species like the Cassowary and the 2 baby Scarlet Macaws was a delight. The animal ambassador programs at our national zoo should be preserved. If you visit the zoo and go to the bird area of the zoo, ask to meet Kanga, the Silver Cheeked African hornbill and her keeper Phung. I guarantee they will not disappoint.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

A disappointing visit. This building was closed for renovation for several years. The results hardly seems worth the effort. The birds inside were small of size & not much different from those I spot regularly outside the Zoo. The main exhibit area was mostly empty of birds, I spent less than 5 minutes there. I watched visitors entering & exiting the building in less than 10 minutes. The area in front of it used to be filled with a variety of water fowl. Now it is mostly rocks & scrubbrush & not one bird. At least there were some birds in the open area behind the building, although one area was still being worked on & 2 were empty. Before the renovation, I used to visit this area of the Zoo regularly. I doubt I will return.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Price for adult entry
Free

You gotta get in here! The reopening of the bird house is great, I am so excited. So far the main building and the loop around is open, but the big outdoor aviary is not yet. The first section inside is half aquatic. Check out the horseshoe crabs! Super cool! Section section is marshlands I think, very neat, lots of ducks. The third room in the big one. Talk to the zoologists and they can tell you what the birds are up to and who is hanging out where. Pro level engagement. Then walk around the back of the building to see the cassowary and a flamboyance of flamingos! So worth it. I loved it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

This New Indoor Bird Exhibit is SMALL in comparison to the Other Indoor Exhibits. About 3 rooms with Birds that's it. So DO NOT wait in line for this. Before on 4-14 You would make and appointment, walk in see the exhibit. On 5-7, did the same thing made the appointment. BUT in person there was a Massive Line for it!!!! So asked people were they waiting for the time slot. Everyone confused. Walked to the top of the line asked employee, he said they did away with the appointment system even though its taking appointments! My Booking meant nothing. No idea when they are going to OPEN UP the Giant Outdoor Cage with Bridge for viewing. Still Closed. The Outside birds are far more interesting.

The Smithsonian Zoo has just opened the new bird house. It is clean and new. They are also constructing an aviary that has not opened yet. I think over time, they will be able to add more species to make it more enjoyable. Currently, they have a bird show at least twice a day. This is worth the time. All ages can learn something new and enjoy the show. It is interactive, and the children can volunteer to help in the show. If you arrive early enough, you can get a good seat in the shade. There's so much to see at the zoo, but this should be on the list to do.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The bird house renovation took 6 years and cost $69 million. It is absolutely unbelievable that after spending that much time and money it is so much worse than the former Bird House. I can't believe how many fewer plants and birds there are now and how lame the new exhibits are. Plants and birds have been replaced with empty space, posters, play rooms, and a store. I think this renovation may qualify as "waste, fraud, and abuse." I wonder if future low maintenance and/or corporate funded exhibits might be a hole in the wall with a bird feeder called "Birds of Rock Creek Park" or a kids interactive chicken plucking room sponsored by Perdue and Tyson.

This is still a very new location at the zoo, and it looks like there is more to come. It is a nice idea - walk through different biomes and see the birds you would find there flying around you. Right now, there are only a few rooms, and it can be a challenge to truly appreciate it when there are a lot of guests in with you. To that end, they do capacity control the bird house, so you might have to wait in line outside for an extended period of time depending on crowds. There is not much shade that guests can stand in while they wait. There are bathrooms inside, which is a nice touch.

It's been a few years since I visited the zoo, and I don't remember the aviary looking anything like this the last time I was there! It's amazing! It's got some samples of very pretty architecture from the original building, but it's been modernized with natural looking habitats that are very nice to walk through. In most cases, All that separates you from the birds is a low wall or railing that gives that area an open feeling. It's also a nice warm place to visit when the weather is cold.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful aviary! You need to get additional tickets (free) to get in. You can do that when you get to the zoo and spot posted QR codes for it, or stop by the visitors center. The tickets are free, but there are only so many available for each time slot because they don't want to crowd the aviary, so try to figure it out soon after you get to the zoo. In our case, we got to the zoo at about 11 am, and the closest available time slot for the three of us was at 2:15 pm. We spent that time looking at other animals, and had a great day overall.
Visited on
Weekend

Love the new installation of the birdhouse! It's beautiful, well kept and a cool experience! I do wish the birds had more space. We saw an animal ambassador just outside before entering. If you get bird passes for the day you can enter any time (within the day) and if not, you can enter when space is available (aka waiting in line).
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Probably one of the more underrated places at the National zoo. You're able to get close and observe most of the birds and it's a cool place to be on a hot and humid day at the zoo. It's on the west end of the park (the higher elevation area), so plan it accordingly with where you park or want to exit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Love love love! Cute little small exhibit where you're very close to the birds and ducks. There is an outdoor section where you can see flamingos and owls. Requires timed tickets (in addition to the ones needed to enter the zoo) that you can only sign up for once you arrive at the zoo.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

We went early on a Sunday and had entry to the Zoo and the Bird House (they are separate) already done on our phone prior to arrival. There was no wait, and we were able to go right into both facilities. It was wonderful. Very up close and personal with the birds. Will go back again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Yikes, this new birdhouse is not worth a visit! Not sure what they spent 6 years doing except hanging up signage. There is a shockingly small number of birds inside (and one of the three exhibits was closed when we visited). Plus, the focus is on more local birds, which is just not exciting...sandpipers and red-winged blackbirds, really? Such a waste.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

The bird show currently on going is amazing! The presenter does great job showing and explaining the fun facts and behaviors of a variety of birds, as well as engaging audiences especially children on activities with birds. A great addition with the reopening of the bird house.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I've gone to the National Zoo many times and have never checked out the Bird House. This wasn't intentional I just kept missing it. It's an amazing part of the zoo and a must see during your visit, don't be like me! I'll definitely be returning on all my future visits.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The bird house is so much fun to walk around. Be aware of signs that point to different points of exits as they are sporadic. Definitely stop to read about the little piece of history in the building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Good chats with the bird nerds; they really care about their stuff. Got to meet an ambassador Stork, that was special. Horseshoe crab display cooler than any birds in that house tho sorry not sorry :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Free entry
Yes

This place was awesome kids and wife enjoyed it I also enjoyed it as well especially the architecture and details that they put into this inclosier pretty neat and all you have to pay for is parking
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Free entry
Yes

Reopened in March and must see. You have to get timed tickets. They are free. There outside exhibits you can see without the tickets but if you want to go inside and see the free roaming birds you need the tickets. Lots of fun, petted a baby owl, and even grabbed some things from the shop. More

Great place across the bridge on Asian trail! Very cute birds and warm place to hide from the cold. The horseshoe crabs were some of the most active I have ever seen.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

A really fun exhibit. You walk through a series of avaries featuring birds from different regions. A bit small, but the birds are colorful and cheerful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Lots of hands on time With many birds by phung the trainer who was amazing This is a once in a lifetime Opportunity to see so many amazing birds
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

It's amazing to see many exotic and colorful birds indoor and outdoor. But it's more exciting to learn birds and their environment. It's very educational.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Three sections, each with it's own handout to identify all the birds and fish in each section. Really fun for the kids. You need to "buy" a free timed entry but once in you can stay however long you'd like.
Visited on
Weekend
Price for adult entry
Free

An amazing place tona of birds flying everywhere even some getting very close they are all around you and they fly free in the rooms. A bit confusing too navigate in terms of exits
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

You need a pass to get into the zoo - and then a pass for the bird house. We were there at 12:45p and there was nothing available until 4:30p - FYI
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Love the fresh new look but miss the old bird house. It feels there are a few missing exhibits and there is no longer an outdoor bird pond.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The bird house at the National Zoo is currently preparing for an update - so many of the animals are off-exhibit, and the free-flight area behind the house is closed for renovation. The animals surrounding the bird house are still outside, however.

Bird show at 10:30 am is awesome. Well trained birds. Staffs were fully knowledge and funny and interactive with the visitors.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing new exhibit. It truly is a new and fun interactive experience for all ages. The birds seem to be personable and comfortable with the guests even coming right up to the visitors. The zoo also provides identification cards for all the

Very disappointing, small number of birds, not very interesting. I like the old bird house a lot better.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The birds were mostly flying freely around the public. The settings were informative and well organized by ecosystems. I encourage visitors to take the identification cards and check out how many species they can identify.

Attractions inside the air conditioned building and outside as well. Stick around for the bird talk.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I really enjoyed the Bird House. You can observe the birds from close up. It was a unique experience.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great looks at shorebirds, waterfowl, and song birds. The flamingos (outside) were fun to watch.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful, with lovely habitat recreations and staff available to answer any questions.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Wonderful new attraction, times check in a little wonky, but great new space to learn.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful! The birds were abundant and the open area had them in a natural habitat.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Do not miss out on the central hall of the bird house. It is easy to miss out the ground level door into this huge hall where you can walk around among unabashed peacocks showing off their lush colors.

They did a great job renovating the bird house. The experience is much better.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Nice area to appreciate birds and learn about native species in our area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Great exhibits, especially those outdoor exhibits around the building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The ducks weren't in there and the overall amount of birds seemed low
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I loved the Bird House! The three aviaries were wondful, making the birds accessible to the visitors.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lots of birds, but could be longer, nice environment though.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

So fire, would die for all these birds. Songs were 10/10.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Nice remodeling. Can't wait until flight cage is finished
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The updated bird house looks nice, but parts of it still haven't reopened. We liked the shore and waterbird sections best!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Time stamped tickets for what? Super underwhelming, not sure what took 6 years but thinking maybe someone should have found some birds. I can see ducks in my neighborhood.

The ducks weren't there but some of the other birds were neat. Was confused about waiting in line bc the sign about waiting for someone was blocked and not easily seen.

I never knew flamingos made such a racket!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Love walking through the free flying birds
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

super fun to have all the birds fly around you
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Free entry
Yes

Beautiful birds indoors and out!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

We did not enter the house because of the long line, but the exterior bird exhibits are really great. A decent sized expansion for the Smithsonian Zoo!

Loved it birds were beautiful
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Couldn't really tour the birdhouse because it was closed, but what a beautiful place! And the facilities were available and in excellent condition!

I enjoyed seeing the different birds.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Is ok ok but is really small I thought it would be bigger, but there are some really interesting birds like a duck with blue bill

So great!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It took 6 years do do what? Takes 4 years to rebuild 20 miles of highway, not really sure what they did, but very underwhelming.

Wow! Really impressive & immersive experience seing a variety of species up close and freely flying around was great …

Free to enter but $30 onsite parking
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

The outside half part was closed, rest of it is nice, not that many birds but whatever they have are beautiful. …

Not very special to me. Smelly house full of birds I see in the area. Was definitely expecting something more unique.

Can't wait to see how this exciting and lovely exhibit develops. Does feel like a giant coffee advert though …

The new bird house is lovely. The outdoor aviary is not open yet, but that did not detract from the experience.

Great meet and greet experience! Staff are very friendly and patient, kids love the demonstration so much.

Visited the Bird Show and the keeper loved his birds and it showed. His excitement was really catching!

Beautiful new bird house. Thought enjoyed it
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Loved the information. Attended the duck feeding which was very pleasant to watch and learn.

Amazing environment for birds requiring rehabilitation. Well kept, clean and full of facts

Very nice aviaries and displays in a renovated historical building
Visited on…
More

It's small bird house and not that many birds like before.
Visited on
We…
More

The National Zoo is always a favorite of mine and the bird house is pretty cool.

Awesome. Feels even more up close than Amazonia
Visited on
Weekend…
More

Wonderful update! The big aviary isn't open yet, but the bird house is great!

Loved the bird house lots of different birds
Visited on
Weekday…
More

They did in fact have birds in this house ..and some big ahhh Fish …

Good place to see and lear about birds
Visited on
Weekday…
More

Always great and very interesting
Visited on
Weekday…
More

Birds typically aren't my favorite, but it is a nice habitat.

I saw 3 birds....maybe.
Visited on
Weekday

Not as dynamic as I recall from a few years back

Good but some of the displays were empty

As a bird lover I loved the place

As a birl lover. I loved it.

Nice and peaceful