A new study reveals that coastal birds can survive hurricanes due to their ability to absorb impacts and recover quickly from storms. Despite being symbols of vulnerability, many populations can be quite resilient to big disturbances.
Researchers found that high temperatures reduce snort-call display behavior in grassland birds, affecting mating success. The study suggests up to 10% decrease in display activity by 2100 due to global warming.
A new study identifies a crucial stopover region in southern Mexico and Guatemala where songbirds fuel up before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers found that birds preparing for migration spend most of their time in this region to build energy reserves.
A new study found that songbirds exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides experience anorexic behavior, reduced body weight, and delayed migratory itineraries. This is the first direct evidence of a mechanistic link between the pesticide and declining migratory bird populations.
New research at the University of Saskatchewan reveals that neonicotinoid pesticides can cause weight loss and delayed migration in wild birds, threatening their survival. Birds exposed to these insecticides suffered significant negative consequences, including appetite suppression and longer stopover times.
Scientists have found that cryptochromes from migratory birds have evolved a mechanism that enhances their ability to respond to light, allowing them to sense and respond to magnetic fields under nighttime conditions. This discovery sheds light on how vertebrate cryptochromes function in low-light environments.
Researchers relocated sage-grouse from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to Washington state to boost populations. However, it took about a year for the birds to settle in and reproduce effectively. The study shows that relocation can be a viable tool in conserving threatened species like sage-grouse.
A global study finds that birds with smaller brains thrive in variable environments by using alternative ecological strategies, such as large bodies and high reproductive rates. In contrast, big-brained birds are less adaptable and invest more time in raising fewer offspring.
Researchers found that climate change has a net zero effect on Svalbard barnacle goose populations, with benefits from warmer springs offset by increased predation. Warmer winters also led to increased egg production and gosling survival, benefiting both geese and predators like Arctic foxes.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds sleep differently depending on their condition, trading off safety for lower energy expenditure. Birds in poor condition sleep with their head tucked in, while those in good condition keep their head facing forward, exposing them to a higher predation risk.
Martin Nyffeler's study calculates the significant ecological role of insectivorous birds in consuming herbivorous insects and other arthropods. The research reveals that forest birds are major consumers of arthropod biomass, with an estimated 400-500 million tons of prey consumed annually.
Researchers at the University of Warwick used bird flocks as a model to demonstrate how individuals can gain greater advantages by working in groups. The algorithm, similar to tree searches, predicts collective motion and suggests that this principle may be fundamental to social co-operation and intelligence.
Research suggests that avian malaria may be behind London's dramatic decline in house sparrow populations, with nearly all birds carrying the parasite. Infection intensity varied significantly among colonies, with higher rates linked to younger birds and declining populations.
Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.
A giant bird, Pachystruthio dmanisensis, has been discovered in a Crimean cave, estimated to weigh around 450kg. The bird is believed to be flightless but fast, and its discovery suggests it may have been a source of meat for early humans.
Researchers found that great crested grebes change their egg-laying schedule to coincide with neighboring birds' breeding cycles, utilizing protection services from species like black-headed gulls and black terns. This adaptation allows them to safeguard their nests from predators such as hooded crows.
Researchers from Hokkaido University used a taxonomic approach to re-identify the huge birds etched into Peru's desert plains as hermits or pelicans. The study, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, reveals that the Nasca people drew exotic birds, not local species, which could be a clue to their significance.
Research found that forest interior birds like the Ovenbird decline in numbers near gas development, while early successional species like the Indigo Bunting increase in population. Conversely, human-adapted birds like the Brown-headed Cowbird are attracted to areas disturbed by fracking.
A Duke University study shows that birds mentally sort hues on the blue-green side of the spectrum into two categories, but the line between them is fuzzier. Birds are better at distinguishing subtle differences within each color category than in recognizing distinct boundaries.
A study published in Ecology found that baby tiger sharks eat a variety of terrestrial birds, including songbirds like sparrows and woodpeckers. The sharks' stomachs contained remains from 41 out of 105 juvenile sharks, revealing a diet that includes land-dwelling bird species.
Researchers tested natural and synthetic acoustic stimuli to determine their effectiveness in deterring bald eagles from flying into wind turbines. The study found that eagles were more responsive to natural calls than synthetic sounds, particularly a 'crow mobbing' signal.
Researchers found that paired jackdaws use less energy in flight, but the existence of pairs inhibits the way information passes between birds, reducing the flock's ability to react to disturbances. This challenges current models of collective behavior in nature.
Researchers found that birds have significantly lower cellular rates of energy use and antioxidant capacity compared to mammals. This may contribute to their longer lifespans, as oxidative stress is a major factor in aging. The study's authors plan to investigate the link between oxidative stress and immune defenses further.
Research suggests that large protected forest areas are crucial for conserving bird species, while coffee plantations can serve as habitats for migratory birds and young birds. Insectivores suffered the greatest declines, with population losses greater in smaller forest fragments.
Researchers studying white-throated sparrows found that their bodies undergo significant changes during migration, including altered immune function and tissue-repair mechanisms. These changes allow the birds to perform well despite limited sleep, raising potential implications for human health.
Google searches have identified popular North American bird species, with large birds and those visiting feeders drawing more attention. The study found that owls were the subject of public curiosity, while conservationists can use this information to focus efforts on lesser-known species.
A global team of scientists has identified possible causes of diversity among modern bird species, focusing on perching birds. The study found that changes in geology and climate played a role in the evolution of these birds, with evidence suggesting that glaciations and warming periods impacted their development.
Researchers found that introduced birds on Oahu select specific non-native plants, dispersing them across the island, and even contribute to their stability. However, these novel communities are less diverse than native ecosystems, with only four bird species responsible for plant movement.
Research on O'ahu reveals native plants rely heavily on invasive bird species for seed dispersal, forming dynamic networks similar to native communities. However, these birds also spread non-native plant seeds more frequently.
A new analysis of 40 years of bird collision data reveals that nocturnal flight calls increase building collisions among migrating birds, especially in areas with artificial light. The study suggests that the faint chirps may lure other nearby birds to their death.
A study by Cornell University found that Chicago tops the list of most dangerous cities for migrating birds due to its unique combination of light pollution and geography. The research also revealed that four eastern cities in the US make the autumn list, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to reduce bird mortality.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists reveals that feather mites may be beneficial to birds, helping remove bacteria and fungi from their feathers. The researchers found that vane-dwelling feather mites feed mainly on fungi and bacteria, rather than bird feathers.
A University of Delaware study found that certain native tree species provide better food resources for insects and attract migratory birds to coffee farms. Shade-grown coffee farms can serve as habitat refuges for wildlife, improving farm productivity and biodiversity.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that people who feed birds notice natural changes in their backyards and respond to these events. Most often, they take action against cats or sick birds, but some also adjust their feeding habits based on weather conditions.
Researchers found alligators build neural maps of sound like birds do, indicating a common ancestor with dinosaurs shared this hearing strategy. The study suggests that the strategy may be more related to common ancestry than physical features such as skull size.
Researchers found that when fewer mates were available for brown-headed nuthatches, these birds opted to stay home and help their parents or other adults raise their offspring. In areas with skewed sex ratios, more birds became helpers, including both males and females.
Scientists have discovered how bird feathers form in a wave-like motion, creating a regular pattern in the skin. This discovery could help design strategies to reduce feather density in farmed birds, improving their heat tolerance in tropical climates.
A new fossil discovery reveals the earliest known passerine bird with a finch-like beak, which suggests a diet of small hard seeds. The bird, Eofringillirostrum boudreauxi, lived in what is now Wyoming during the Early Eocene period.
Researchers analyzed 5 birds-of-paradise species' genomes, identifying genes linked to coloration, morphology, and feather development. The study provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms behind the extraordinary plumage of these birds.
Scientists confirm that birds carry both plants and their fungal partners, forming a symbiotic relationship that benefits both organisms. This discovery sheds light on the global distribution of mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that 94 species of animals in Australia's forests and woodlands attack bird nests. The top five nest predators were the pied currawong, square-tailed kite, tiger snake, laughing kookaburra, and grey strike-thrush, attacking prey from 40% of measured species.
A recent study has revealed that bird beak shapes are not as closely tied to their food sources as once believed. By analyzing the beaks of various species, researchers found a weaker and more complex connection between beak shape and feeding behavior.
Researchers recreated bird colour vision using a specially designed camera, revealing that birds see contrasts in dense forest foliage differently than humans. Birds can navigate and find food more easily due to their ultraviolet perception.
A new study reveals that an average of 2.1 billion birds migrate along the 1,680-mile Gulf Coast each spring, with peak activity in a specific 18-day period. The research also highlights the importance of understanding migration timing to mitigate threats from human activities.
Research by Heather Watts found that house finch breeding seasons are shifting approximately four-and-a-half days earlier with every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This shift may be beneficial for the birds if they can time breeding with seed availability, but could become problematic as climate change continues.
Young willow tits must find a flock to survive harsh winters, while those that establish high ranks have better odds of attaining long-term survival. Flocking also allows birds to learn from each other and detect predators more effectively.
A recent study has found that European mountain bird populations have declined by as much as 10% in the 2000s, mainly due to climate change and changes in land use. The decline is particularly worrying for species that only inhabit mountain regions and are unable to live in other environments.
Researchers found that genetics and vocal behavior show distinct patterns in two desert populations, suggesting speciation is underway. The study's findings indicate that dialect differences might indeed be indicative of new species.
A new study from Lund University finds that heatwaves can lead to smaller offspring and lower survival chances for animals. Researchers observed that birds with easier access to cooling mechanisms have larger and more viable offspring.
Researchers studied 97 modern bird species with iridescent plumage, finding diverse melanosomes that produce varying colors. The study predicts fossil birds may have had similar iridescent displays, revealing new insights into dinosaur behavior.
A new study from Cornell University suggests that climate change could have both positive and negative impacts on migratory birds. The research estimates how wind assistance is expected to change during this century under global climate change, with stronger winds from the south expected in spring and fall migration periods.
A team of scientists has found medullary bone in a Cretaceous bird fossil, providing the first occurrence of this tissue outside of modern birds. The discovery links birds and dinosaurs, challenging previous assumptions about their relationship.
Researchers tracked willow warblers' migration routes, finding they fly up to 13,000 km from eastern Siberia to Kenya and Tanzania. The study also identified alternative navigation mechanisms, including solar and magnetic compasses.
A newly discovered fossil from a 75-million-year-old bird reveals that enantiornithines were as advanced as modern birds in terms of flight. The fossil's unique features, including a deeper keeled breast bone and V-shaped wishbone, suggest a stronger and more agile wing structure.
The newly described fossil, Mirarce eatoni, is the most complete enantiornithine bird skeleton found in North America, providing insights into the evolution of flight. Its unique features, including quill knobs and a deeper keel on its sternum, indicate that it was a strong flier.
Regularly used forest trails have fewer bird species and lower numbers of birds compared to less-used areas, even with decades of human activity. This suggests that forest birds do not habituate to trail use, highlighting the need for protected areas and adherence to stay-on-trail rules.
Researchers at UC are using isotopic analysis to identify the habitats of migratory hawk species. By analyzing the strontium and hydrogen isotopes in feathers, they can determine the geographic origin of individual birds, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
A new study reveals how vultures use social networks to gather flight information, making risky yet efficient choices. The research, led by Hannah Williams from Swansea University, tracked the movements of five vultures using special tag technology and found that they fly towards areas where other birds had been circling.
Researchers at Yale University discovered that birds inherited their egg color from non-avian dinosaur ancestors that laid eggs in fully or partially open nests. The findings suggest that egg colors evolved to camouflage eggs from predators and parasites.
Researchers have found that the unique bird species on Inaccessible Island has its origins in South America, rather than Africa or Asia. The birds likely arrived on the island via debris or flying, and over time evolved into a flightless species due to abundant food sources and predator-free habitats.