Step into a world of feathers, scales, and habitats at the American Museum of Natural History’s Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians Halls. These exhibitions take you across ecosystems, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of these winged animals. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a reptile enthusiast, or just curious about the avian species, you can explore this section to find detailed dioramas, models, and displays, and learn fascinating facts along the way.

About the Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians Halls at AMNH

Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, Indonesia, basking on rocky terrain.

The Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians Halls are spread across the museum’s 2nd and 3rd floors and are divided into dedicated spaces based on geographic and species-specific focus. Together, these halls offer a look at the evolution, behavior, and ecosystems of these animals, all illustrated through life-size dioramas and mounted specimens.

Location: Floors 2 and 3
Must-visit: Full-size bird dioramas, reptile models, habitat-specific displays
Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, students

Bird Halls at the American Museum of Natural History

Hall of Birds of the World

This hall explores the global diversity of birds, with displays created to mimic biomes, spread across 12 dioramas. You’ll find scenes of birds in their natural habitats, from Argentina to Japan. The exhibit highlights how species adapt to different climates and environmental needs.

Featured exhibits: King Penguins, Secretary Bird

Hall of New York City Birds

This exhibit offers a closer look at the birds commonly found in NYC and its surrounding habitats, with over 300 specimens on display. You’ll learn how urban environments shape bird behavior, migration patterns, and survival.

Featured exhibits: Passenger Pigeon, diving ducks, herons

Peregrine Falcon exhibit at The Hall of North American Birds, American Museum of Natural History.

Leonard C. Sanford Hall of North American Birds

Explore immersive dioramas of North American bird species created in realistic environments that range from the Everglades in Florida to prairies, forests, and Alaskan riverbeds. The displays are grouped by biome and include details about food sources, migration, and nesting habits.

Featured exhibits: Peregrine falcon, endangered birds diorama

Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians

See life-size models, fossils, and live footage of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. The displays explain the differences between various cold-blooded species, their habitats, defense mechanisms, and evolutionary traits. Don’t miss the enormous Komodo dragon model or the interactive display on frog calls.

Featured exhibits: Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Poison Dart Frogs, Komodo Dragon

Frequently asked questions about the Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians Halls at AMNH

Is the Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians section included in the general admission ticket?

Yes. All the exhibitions listed in the Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians Halls are part of the general admission experience and don’t require separate tickets.

Are there any special or ticketed exhibits in this section?

No. These are all permanent exhibits and are included with your general admission.

Are any of these exhibits timed-entry?

No. You can explore these halls at your own pace during regular museum hours.

Are these exhibits suitable for kids?

Absolutely. These halls are very visual and interactive in parts. They’re great for families and school-going children.

Are there any live animals?

No live animals are housed in these exhibits, but there are highly realistic models in the dioramas for viewing.