In 1989, the Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center was established and has grown into the world’s largest collection of waterfowl species. And as the collection grows, so does interest from the public, conservation organizations, and educational facilities. The plans for a bird park came from that momentum, to invite people to learn about birds and waterfowl from around the world, without disturbing the nesting birds at the breeding center. Sylvan Heights Bird Park was born and opened in 2006, now receiving more than 55,000 visitors each year. On any given day, school buses full of children are lined up in the parking lot. And while it is an amazing place to visit, the caretakers take their roles very seriously as stewards in maintaining the captive populations of several rare and exotic waterfowl species.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is home to more than 3,000 birds, representing 140 species, making it the world’s largest collection of waterfowl species.
Shwpark.com Tickets are purchased in person at the Visitor Center or online.
The 18-acre facility features authentic, well-organized, walk-through aviaries displaying birds from North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
cheryl h/TripAdvisor The serene, wooded paths give an immersive experience into the birds’ natural habitats where you almost forget it is an exhibit.
It allows for an up-close and interactive experience with creatures you may not otherwise ever have the pleasure of meeting.
cheryl h/TripAdvisor
Besides adorning many peoples’ lawns, this flamingo is real and a very colorful attraction at the park.
cheryl h/TripAdvisor
And the smallest species of the flamingo is the Lesser Flamingo, coming from sub-Saharan Africa and western India.
NCTraveler2015/TripAdvisor
This unusual head belongs to a male hooded merganser that lives in the North American aviary.
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The graceful Black Swan comes from Australia.
LisaOakley0123/TripAdvisor
It seems these two lovebirds can’t wait to be alone.
shastah_94/TripAdvisor
And their little, fuzzy cygnet grooms its furry neck nearby.
Pnemiller/TripAdvisor
The South American aviary hosts the Scarlet Ibis, the national bird of Trinidad, and her little one.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park/Facebook
This dazzling Great Egret seems social, but can be territorial and aggressive. It stays in the North American aviary.
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You can feed these beautiful parakeets, Caribbean flamingos, and hundreds of little birds in the Landing Zone, where they will sit on your head, hands, arms, or any surface.
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After the fun, take a break at the Duck Landing Cafe for a hot dog or a sweet treat.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park/Facebook
The Fossil Dig, playground, and picnic area are great places to pause from the birds.
Sumaiya R/TripAdvisor
Can you believe the world’s largest collection of waterfowl species is real? Make a plan and drive to Scotland Neck for a day to learn about these rare and endangered creatures. It is one of the best places to go in North Carolina.
Shwpark.com
Tickets are purchased in person at the Visitor Center or online.
cheryl h/TripAdvisor
The serene, wooded paths give an immersive experience into the birds’ natural habitats where you almost forget it is an exhibit.
NCTraveler2015/TripAdvisor
LisaOakley0123/TripAdvisor
shastah_94/TripAdvisor
Pnemiller/TripAdvisor
Sylvan Heights Bird Park/Facebook
cheryl h/TripAdviaor
Sumaiya R/TripAdvisor
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Address: Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC 27874, USA
