A new bird attraction was opened in the Edinburgh Zoo with an exhibition of some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful birds. The exhibition called Brilliant Birds showcases exotic species from around the globe in Scotland’s largest walk-through
Visitors to Brilliant Birds can walk through the free-flying aviary, as they did at Rainbow Landings, but are not allowed to feed the birds.
There are 24 birds, including eight species, and although the lorikeets will not be returning, the zoo hopes the dazzling birds on display will more than make up for it.
Chief executive officer Hugh Roberts said: “There was understandable sadness when we regrettably had to close Rainbow Landings.
“However, it is clear that there is real public interest in exotic birds – and we have some of the world’s rarest and most interesting in the zoo.
“Brilliant Birds allows us to display them to the best effect, and to highlight better the important role we play in conserving these amazing species for future generations.”
Among the colourful attractions is the Bali Starling, which is one of the world’s rarest birds. Edinburgh Zoo is the only place in Scotland to have them.
The Nicobar pigeon is one of the closest living relatives of the dodo and is classified as near threatened, while the blue-faced honey-eater is another of the Brilliant Birds.
Joining them is the Cochin-Chinese red jungle fowl, an ancestor of the domestic chicken.
Team leader of the bird section at the zoo, Colin Oulton, said: “I would have a Brilliant Birds in my back garden if it was that size! I find it quite peaceful but also very interesting.
“The birds come from a variety of countries; we have a couple of African species and birds from south east Asia and Indonesia, and they range in weight from 100 grams to around 750 grams.”
There is a touch table inside the exhibit to give visitors information about the birds.
The indoor exhibit also features the green-winged dove, Luzon BH dove, violet turaco, and the lilac-breasted roller.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Zoo said: “The cost has been minimal, only a new heating system and signage. As a result, work has been completed in around a month due to the fact that the space and exhibits were both available on site.”