Smithsonian Voices

From the Smithsonian Museums

In the eastern part of North America, purple martins rarely use natural nest cavities. Instead, they rely on artificial “condominiums” and groups of plastic gourds hung by bird enthusiasts.

Purple Martin ‘Landlords’ Manage a Different Kind of Tenant

Every year, bird enthusiasts hang groups of plastic gourds for purple martins to nest in

As we prepare to celebrate giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s first birthday Aug. 21, take a look back at his top 12 milestones that left panda fans around the world in awe and

Watch Our Favorite Videos from Giant Panda Cub Xiao Qi Ji's First Year

Bald eagles are native to the United States, but caring for them is a unique and rare opportunity. Every bald eagle in human care, including Annie pictured here, is a rescue.

Meet Rescued Bald Eagles Tioga and Annie

Western lowland gorilla Moke eating a snack

The Science Behind Animal Snacks

The cassowary's helmet-like casque is made of keratin, the same material that makes up our hair and fingernails.

Meet Cassowary Brothers Irwin and Dundee, Descendants of Dinosaurs

This 17-year Brood X cicada nymph is one step away from adulthood. After emerging from the dirt, cicadas typically crawl up the base of a tree to complete their final molt, expand their wings and fly away.

Cicada Snacks: The Wild (and Tasty) Side of Brood X at the Zoo

This leaf-tailed gecko hatchling receives his medication from a syringe, which he laps up with his impressive tongue.

How Do You Give Medicine to Zoo Animals?

Western lowland gorilla Baraka forages in the outdoor gorilla habitat at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The silverback takes mealtime seriously, say his keepers.

How Do You Help a Gorilla With a Toothache?

A female ruby-throated hummingbird sips nectar from a flower.

How Do You Weigh a Hummingbird?

January was a month full of firsts for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji. The growing bear played with enrichment toys, took his first bites of sweet potato and bamboo, and had his first encounter with snow!

January's Best Giant Panda Moments—In Video

Reptile keepers are warming up to a new monitor lizard this winter, a young Komodo dragon named Onyx.

Caring for Komodo Dragons, the World's Largest Lizards

In the midst of the pandemic, as the story goes, a team set out to bring swift foxes back to a land they had disappeared from more than 50 years ago.

How Tribes and Conservation Partners are Bringing Swift Foxes Back to Their Historic Range

A cheetah cub at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.

8 Aww-Inspiring Videos of the Year's Best Animal and Conservation Stories

A sanderling, Aldrin, is one of the shorebirds being cared for by the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Bird House team.

Is the Secret to Saving Migratory Birds in the Meal Prep?

Tasi is a 4-year-old Guam rail and a marvel, considering that just a few decades ago his species nearly disappeared.

Meet Tasi, a Little Bird with a Big Purpose

This young Hartmann's mountain zebra colt, born in July 2020, was a first for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Our 3-month-old Zebra Colt is Earning His Stripes, One Butterfly and Biscuit at a Time

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The Unexpected Arrival of a Teeny, Tiny (and Critically Endangered) Spider Tortoise

A 28-day-old female Guam kingfisher chick at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Raising One of the World's Rarest Birds

The Zoo's 1-month-old giant panda cub had its first veterinary exam over the weekend. Get the scoop from Laurie Thompson, assistant curator of giant pandas.

Giant Panda Cub's First Veterinary Exam

Spindly legs and thick, red fur have earned them the nickname “foxes on stilts,” but maned wolves are neither fox nor wolf.

What the Rhythm of a Maned Wolf's Heart Reveals

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Purple Martin ‘Landlords’ Manage a Different Kind of Tenant

Watch Our Favorite Videos from Giant Panda Cub Xiao Qi Ji's First Year

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