Small birds have more efficient wing strokes than bats
Small birds have more energy-efficient wing strokes than bats, creating a single large air vortex ring behind them. This reduces airflow speed and demand on birds for flying long distances.
Search results for “Birds”
1,000+ results for "Birds"
Visualizing danger from songbird warning calls
A new study reveals that songbirds can 'see' reference to certain vocalizations, enabling them to perceive an inanimate object as a real snake. This cognitive ability allows birds to efficiently search out a predator regardless of its spatial position.
Heritage turkey production research profitable but more difficult
Researchers at Penn State are studying methods for raising heritage-breed turkeys, which sell for four times the cost of commercial birds. The birds have distinct characteristics, such as smaller breasts and gamier flavor, and require alternative production methods due to their natural breeding and dietary needs. The study's first phas...
City lights setting traps for migrating birds
Researchers found that city lights in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia attract large densities of migratory birds, even from far away. This can lead to increased mortality risks from collisions with buildings, vehicles, and predators like domestic cats, as well as resource depletion.
Great scat! Bears -- not birds -- are the chief seed dispersers in Alaska
In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs. Bears disperse approximately 200,000 devil's club seeds per square kilometer per hour through their scat. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about bird involvement in seed dispersal.
As climate is warming up, more bird nests are destroyed in Finnish farmland
A new study reveals that birds have advanced their breeding time, laying eggs on fields still to be sown, increasing the risk of nest destruction. This mismatch is likely fatal for bird nests, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and effective schemes like Agri-environment schemes.
Noise from oil and gas operations stresses birds, hinders reproduction
A study published in PNAS found that constant noise from oil and gas operations can cause physiological stress in birds, leading to reduced egg hatching rates and stunted chick growth. The research also showed that species previously thought to be tolerant of noise were actually most affected.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018
Noise pollution causes chronic stress in birds, with health consequences for young
Researchers found that noise pollution from gas compressors causes chronic stress in birds, leading to lower stress hormone levels and increased anxiety. This stress can have long-term effects on bird fitness and survival rates, particularly among young birds.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018
How genes and experience influence birdsong
Research reveals that genetic diversity impacts learned birdsong tempo, with heritable contributions explaining up to 55% of variability. The quality of instruction also plays a role in shaping the relationship between genes and song tempo.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 25, 2017
The flight speed of birds is more complex than previously thought
Researchers found that birds use multiple methods to control their speed in the air, compensating for tailwind, headwind, and sidewind. The study showed that birds increase wing stroke frequency to fly faster in headwinds and reduce strokes in tailwinds.
Rooftop wiretap aims to learn what crows gossip about at dusk
Researchers are using a high-tech approach to study the relationship between crow calls and their behavior, hoping to uncover the meaning behind their loud cawing. By analyzing audio recordings of the birds' vocalizations, they aim to gain insights into bird communication and behavior.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2017
EU trade ban brings down global trade in wild birds by 90 percent
A study published in Science Advances reveals that the EU's 2005 bird import ban drastically decreased global wild bird trade from 1.3 million to 130,000 annually. The ban has minimized the risk of exotic birds spreading worldwide and reduced biodiversity loss.
More stress and lower survival rates for birds in young, managed forests
Researchers found that young, managed forests cause higher stress levels and lower survival rates in willow tits due to reduced food availability and increased predation risks. About 92% of the birds sheltering in older trees survived the winter, compared to nearly 73% in younger plantations.
California birds nesting a week earlier than they did a century ago
Researchers found that California birds are breeding five to 12 days earlier than a century ago, producing eggs and young at lower temperatures. This adaptation allows birds to avoid the negative effects of climate warming.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2017
Climate and nesting in California birds
A study found that California bird species are shifting their breeding dates to remain in preferred temperature zones. By nesting earlier, they reduce the need for range shifts and conserve thermal niches.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2017
Seals, birds and humans compete for fish in the Baltic Sea
A new study estimates that seals and birds consume about 100,000 tons of fish per year, primarily herring and cod. While their consumption has a significant impact on some fish stocks, such as eel, it is estimated to be lower than human fishing activities.
Crested pigeons use feathers to sound the alarm
Researchers have found that crested pigeons produce a critical high-pitched sound as they fly away from danger, which serves as an alarm signal. The birds' wings produce alternating high and low notes in flight, with the high notes being crucial for sounding an alarm.
How songbirds learn a new song
Researchers found that songbirds break down the complex task of learning a new song into manageable parts, using a strategy similar to computer algorithms. This approach allows them to adapt their songs with minimal effort and expand their repertoire.
Native trees, shrubs provide more food for birds
University of Delaware doctoral student Desiree Narango found that native trees are better at providing caterpillars for birds, which is a crucial food resource. In contrast, non-native plants offer little to no resources for breeding birds.
Cover crops provide bed and breakfast layover for migrating birds
Researchers found that migratory birds prefer fields with cover crops like cereal rye, providing a safe area to escape predators and increasing insect abundance. This leads to improved bird habitat and increased fueling time for migrants.
Birds without own brood help other birds with parenting, but not selflessly
A recent study by Sjouke Kingma found that birds help other birds of the same species care for their offspring in exchange for future benefits, such as inheriting territory or creating an army of little helpers. This behavior challenges the traditional view that all creatures are selfish and maximizing their own reproductive success.
Evolution in your back garden -- great tits may be adapting their beaks to birdfeeders
Researchers found genetic differences between UK and Dutch great tits linked to longer beaks in UK birds. The team suggests that natural selection is at work, with birds with genetic variants for longer beaks visiting feeders more frequently, leading to successful reproduction in the UK but not in the Netherlands.
Even small amounts of oil made birds near Deepwater Horizon sick, researchers say
Researchers found that even small exposures to oil caused hemolytic anemia in birds, affecting growth, organ function, and reproductive success. The study highlights the widespread impact of oil spills on avian health.
Even modest oil exposure can harm coastal and marine birds
Even modest oil exposure can cause problems for individual birds and bird populations. The study found damage to circulating red blood cells and anemia in birds, affecting reproduction and survival.
Bone fusion in primitive birds
A 120-million-year-old bird specimen from the Early Cretaceous exhibits high skeletal fusion in manus and pelvis bones, features rare in most known birds from that era. Osteohistological analysis indicates that the bird reached maturity in approximately one year, similar to modern birds.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017
What soot-covered, hundred-year-old birds can tell us about saving the environment
Researchers used bird specimens to track air pollution levels over 135 years, revealing a sharp drop in black carbon during the Great Depression and a rebound after World War II. The study shows that efforts to address urban smoke pollution had a lasting impact on reducing pollution.
Why aren't house sparrows as big as geese?
A team of researchers at NTNU successfully conducted artificial selection on wild birds, altering their size and genetic composition. The study found that the birds' size changed as expected, with those on Vega becoming smaller and those on Leka becoming larger, before reverting back to original sizes once natural selection resumed.
Scientists track the brain-skull transition from dinosaurs to birds
A new study reveals a clear relationship between the frontal bones and forebrain as well as parietal bones and midbrain in dinosaurs and birds. The research used CT scanning techniques to analyze embryos of lizards, alligators, and birds, confirming the link found in reptiles.
Birds' unique skulls linked to young dinosaur brains
A new study reveals that birds' skulls evolved differently from their relatives, resembling those of young dinosaurs and crocodiles. The team's analysis suggests that adult modern birds retain features of 'young' dinosaur ancestors, such as proportionally larger brains and eyes.
Sense of smell is key factor in bird navigation, new study shows
Researchers found that birds use olfaction to navigate over long distances, outperforming previous theories about the role of Earth's magnetic field. The study tracked Scopoli's shearwaters and showed that anosmic birds followed a different orientation pattern during their return journeys.
Virus with an eggshell
Researchers found that avian flu viruses isolated from humans have the same gene sequences as those from birds, suggesting transmission through the mineral layer. The mineralized shell changes the electric surface potential of the virus, allowing it to adsorb efficiently onto host cells.
Reed warblers have a sense for magnetic declination
Migratory Eurasian reed warblers rely on changes in magnetic declination to guide them along the east-west axis, solving a challenging navigational problem. The birds learn to recognize large-scale spatial patterns of declination gradients during their annual movements.
Canary in a coal mine: Survey captures global picture of air pollution's effects on birds
A recent survey reveals that air pollution has a significant impact on bird health, reproductive success, and diversity. Only two field studies have been conducted since 1950 on the topic, highlighting the need for further research.
Night vision for bird- & bat-friendly offshore wind power
Researchers are developing software called ThermalTracker to automatically categorize birds and bats in thermal video. The system can help developers and regulators make informed decisions about siting and operating offshore wind projects, reducing uncertainty about potential impacts on wildlife.
How do birds get their colors?
A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateAug 4, 2017
How camouflaged birds decide where to blend in
A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.
Birds avoid crossing roads to prevent predation
A new study reveals birds are less likely to cross roads due to predation fears and territorial boundaries, with smaller forest-dependent species being the most affected. The findings highlight the need for measures to connect fragmented forests across roads, allowing wildlife to move freely.
How migrating birds 'run a marathon,' burning muscles and organs in long flights
Eco-physiologist Alexander Gerson is studying how birds metabolize muscle and organ tissues to fuel long migration flights. He hopes to better understand the influence of climate on flight metabolism and its potential impact on migrating birds.
Birds' migration genes are conditioned by geography
A new study found that willow warblers' genetic make-up determines their migration patterns depending on where they breed in the summer. The researchers discovered significant differences in over 200 genes between birds breeding in southern and northern Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States.
Even light oiling is like flying with a ball and chain for birds
Researchers found that even small amounts of oil can significantly increase the energy expenditure of migratory birds during flight. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, reveals that light oiling can dramatically increase the 'flight costs' of migrating birds by 20% and 45%.
Praying mantises hunt down birds worldwide
A new study reveals that praying mantises from 12 species and 9 genera kill and eat small birds globally. The victims include birds from 24 different species and 14 families, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being a frequent victim.
UNIST receives funding for $4.5 million ITRC project
UNIST has received a $4.5 million ITRC project grant to develop a self-charging tracking device that can monitor wild birds and detect potential bird flu outbreaks. The new technology, called Mobile Tracker, is expected to provide early warnings and aid public health officials in preventing the spread of disease.
Birds become immune to influenza
Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.
Flight ability of birds affects the shape of their eggs
Research analyzing over 49,000 bird eggs reveals that unique flight adaptations drive variations in egg shape. The study found a correlation between egg shape and hand-wing index, indicating flight efficiency, contradicting previous theories on life history and nesting habits.
How eggs got their shapes
Researchers found that egg shape varies smoothly across species and is determined by membrane properties rather than shell. A strong correlation links birds with elliptical and asymmetric eggs to high flight ability, revealing adaptations for flight may have driven egg-shape variety in birds.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017
Birds of all feathers work together to hunt when army ants march
A Drexel University study reveals that birds of different species cooperate to access food sources by following army ant marches. Facilitation theory supports this behavior, where species help each other exploit shared resources.
Climate change risk for animals living in prime conditions
A study found that birds living in prime conditions have lower evolutionary potential to cope with climate change, whereas those between extremes exhibit greater adaptability. This reduces the likelihood of survival for populations in optimal and harsh environments.
Kestrels' strategies for flight and hunting vary with the weather
Researchers tracked lesser kestrels with GPS and accelerometers, finding that birds adjust flight and hunting strategies in response to solar radiation, wind speed, and air temperature. Energy expenditure per foraging trip remained constant, suggesting kestrels have a fixed energy budget.
Even non-migratory birds use a magnetic compass
Researchers found that non-migratory birds like zebra finches utilize a built-in magnetic compass to orient themselves using the Earth's magnetic field. The study suggests that this mechanism is more general and not specific to migration.
When birds of a feather poop together
Researchers found that even small amounts of bird feces can significantly impact water quality by altering nutrient conditions and microbial communities. The study suggests that bird droppings may contribute to algal blooms, but further research is needed to fully understand the effects.
Scientists use satellites to count endangered birds from space
Researchers can now count individual birds on remote islands using high-resolution satellite images, allowing for more accurate monitoring of endangered albatross populations. This innovative method is a significant step forward in tracking these iconic birds, which breed in some of the world's most inaccessible locations.
Busy city living makes some house finches more savvy than others
A study found that urban house finches are better at solving new problems than their rural counterparts due to adaptation to human presence. Rural birds who experienced high levels of human disturbance performed poorly on the problem-solving task.
Birds sing shorter songs in response to traffic noise
Research found that birdsong duration and frequencies are adjusted in response to traffic noise, with songs returning to natural state after road closures. Temporary road closures can help mitigate this effect, providing birds with an opportunity to sing optimally.
Researchers at Stanford create new method for recording bird flight in 3-D
Researchers at Stanford University have created a new method for recording the shape of birds' wings during flight, enabling high-definition 3D reconstructions. The technique uses automated pattern recognition to capture wing deformations in real-time, revealing insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in drone design.
Eat wild venison to support native woodland birds, says ecologist
A new study suggests that high deer populations in England are damaging the natural habitat needed by many ground-nesting woodland birds. Eating wild venison could help reduce deer numbers and support the re-emergence of these species, according to University of Nottingham ecologist Dr Markus Eichhorn.
A bird's blind spot plays an important role in its vision
A new study found that birds with longer beaks have larger blind areas in front of their heads, resulting in narrower fields of binocular vision. This finding suggests that the size of the blind area plays an important role in birds' vision.
Scientists make new discovery about bird evolution
A new species of bird, Eoconfuciusornis, has been found with exceptionally preserved soft tissues, including feathers, skin, and collagen. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of flight in birds, revealing unique features such as wing patagia and plumage patterns.
For this New Zealand parrot, 'laughter' is contagious
Researchers found that kea parrots can transmit playfulness through their vocalizations, inducing play in other birds. The findings suggest an emotionally contagious effect, similar to human laughter.
Winter sets up breeding success: Study
A University of Guelph study suggests that conditions in wintering grounds are key factors affecting songbird population numbers during spring and summer breeding seasons. Warmer wintering grounds improve overall survival, but predictions of climate change may lead to new threats.
Scientists analyze dispersal of parasites by birds in the Americas
A study analyzing 24,000 blood samples from migratory and resident birds in the Americas found 79 malaria parasite lineages. The researchers discovered that prevalence varies between localities and species, with some areas having infection rates as high as 37%.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMar 15, 2017