George H. Lowery Hall of Birds

This was the first display area completed for the Museum. In 1986 it was named for George Lowery, the founder of the Museum, who was a renowned ornithologist. This hall features many of the 432 bird species who live in the state of Louisiana for at least part of their lives. In 1952, when this display was being constructed, there were only 378 known species of birds in Louisiana.

This exhibit contains many different groups of birds such as the Gulls and Terns, Waterfowl, Owls, Shore Birds, Passerines (Songbirds), Herons and Egrets, Prairie Birds and Raptors. Important birds to notice include the Passenger Pigeons (extinct), Ivory-billed Woodpecker (extinct), Bald Eagle and the Brown Pelican (endangered but current populations are increasing due to interventions).

The Hall of Birds is arranged taxonomically, meaning how related the birds are to one another. It is best to view them in broad groups and point out differences in the beaks and feet.

• The first group to your left is the gulls and terns. These are coastal birds, but they are also present near inland bodies of water. You may often see them diving into the water or skimming over the surface for fish.
• The next group on the left includes the doves and passenger pigeons (now extinct).
• Next are the owls which are unique because of their sharp talons, used to kill prey. Owls don’t swoop down on prey and bite them like some people think!
• Up above all of these groups are the waterfowl (or ducks). They all have flat bills and webbed feet.
• Beyond the owls are the woodpeckers. They have feet that have two toes in the front and two in the back so that they can cling to the sides of trees. Notice the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, which is now extinct. We’ll see him again in the Bottomland Hardwood diorama.
• The rest of the birds on the lower bottom left side are passerines, more commonly known as songbirds. These birds have three toes in front and one in back because this is best for perching on tree limbs.
• On the upper left are the herons and egrets, and the state bird, the Brown Pelican.
• On the lower right side of the hall are the shorebirds. These have long stick-like legs for wading in the coastal waters.
  Further down on the lower right side are the “prairie” birds.
• Above these are the raptors, or birds of prey. Notice their curved beaks that are used for picking at flesh. Falcons even have a beak notch used to severe spinal cords.

 

At the end of the hall there is a door to the left, labeled “Collections”. Behind this door is where one of the most renowned collections of birds and mammals in world are stored. This is where, as you read this, scientific research is taking place! In the front of the hall is a picture of George Lowery with his birding binoculars.