Bird Flight

Why emus can’t fly: A ‘time switch’ in bird embryos holds the answer

Most birds have not evolved optimal wing-shapes for flight, study finds

Researchers used a technique called theoretical morphospace to analyze bird wings, finding that many species have wing shapes ill-suited for their flight performance. Penguins and hummingbirds stand out as exceptions, having evolved optimally shaped wings for their specialized styles of movement.

Hawk study shows potential lessons of bird flight

A new study reveals how birds shift their shape in flight to navigate obstacles, offering insights into improved UAV designs. The research, published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface, used motion capture and wind tunnel modeling to analyze a Harris's hawk's flight patterns.

New technology reveals migratory birds’ stunning precision in flight

Scientists at Lund University have tracked migratory red-backed shrikes using new data loggers, showing precise schedules and minimal variation between individuals. The study provides insight into genetics influencing small bird migrations across continents.

Evolving a flight-ready brain – New study shows brain evolution in pterosaurs and birds took different paths

Researchers discovered a new 233-million-year-old nonflying relative of pterosaurs that provided breakthrough insights into the evolution of flight in these animals. The study found that pterosaurs evolved their own 'flight computers' from scratch, with unique brain structures and smaller brain sizes compared to birds.

Hostile hoots make robins eat less at night

Research reveals that young robins reduce their nighttime activity and food intake when exposed to tawny owl calls, leading to slower energy buildup and poorer physical condition. This adaptation helps them balance the risk of predation against the need to replenish energy reserves.

Researchers pinpoint exact pace that helps nightingales on long journey

A new study from Lund University shows that migratory birds are most efficient at an intermediate flying speed, with energy conversion efficiency reaching up to 15% of metabolic energy. This discovery helps construct more accurate models of bird flight and explains how small birds complete transcontinental journeys.

Scientists uncover the first clear evidence of air sacs in the fossilized bones of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs: the "hollow bones" which help modern day birds to fly

Researchers found clear evidence of air sacs in fossilized alvarezsaurian bones, which may have helped modern birds fly. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of bird flight and the role of 'hollow bones' in this process.

Unveiling the potential of Japanese bird banding data for avian movement research

Researchers highlight the underuse of Japanese bird banding data in avian movement research, revealing gaps in our understanding of East Asian migratory birds. The study proposes improving data accessibility and integrating traditional methods with modern tracking technologies to advance conservation efforts.

Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger of dying out

The Cuban blue-headed quail dove is an enigmatic bird species with a perplexing evolutionary history. Its DNA analysis reveals it to be more distinct from other doves than previously thought, dating back at least 50 million years.

When birds lose the ability to fly, their bodies change faster than their feathers

Researchers compared feathers and bodies of flightless birds and their flying relatives, finding that some features change relatively quickly. The study sheds light on evolution of complex traits that lose original function, and could help reveal which fossil birds were flightless.

Backyard poultry face HPAI risk when migrating mallards stop to rest

A Cornell University study used a computer model to predict the transmission of bird flu to backyard poultry when migratory mallards stop to rest. The researchers found that mallard ducks are natural carriers of avian influenza and can spread the disease to backyard poultry if they stop to rest in an area with high risk for introduction.

PFAS: Found 180 times more ‘forever chemicals’ in birds

A new study reveals that PFAS are found in larger volumes than before, with a significant increase in the livers of wading birds. The researchers used a new method called the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay to detect these substances.

City-dwelling spur-winged lapwings move around more than their rural counterparts

Researchers tracked spur-winged lapwings in urban and rural areas, finding that city-dwellers are more mobile, especially during nesting season. The study also reveals seasonal differences in exploration patterns between males and females, highlighting the complex impact of human presence on bird behavior.

Empty headed? Largest study of its kind proves ‘bird brain’ is a misnomer

Scientists discovered that dry museum skulls of long-dead birds can provide surprisingly detailed information on their brain structures. The study found a nearly 1:1 correlation between the brain's volume and digital imprints, allowing researchers to gather insight into elusive species without seeing their brains.

Cavity-nesting birds decorate with snake skin to deter predators

Researchers found that cavity-nesting birds are more likely to use shed snake skins in their construction, which helps deter predators from eating eggs. The practice is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to reduce nest predation, with benefits most strongly expressed in cavity nests.

Wind sensing by biomimetic flexible flapping wing with strain sensors

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed a method to detect wind direction using seven strain gauges on a flapping wing and a convolutional neural network model. The system achieved high classification accuracy of 99.5% in detecting wind conditions, opening up new possibilities for improving robotic flight control.

'Bird Sonic' test installation at 3 Kansai airports to prevent bird strikes protecting Japan's air gateway with OUS' research capabilities

The 'Bird Sonic' device, developed by Okayama University of Science, was installed at three Kansai airports to deter birds from flying over runways. The system uses high-frequency waves to reduce bird strikes and aims for 80-90% control by gradual reduction.

Bird-inspired drone can jump for take-off

The EPFL researchers built a drone with birdlike legs that can walk, hop, and jump into flight, greatly expanding the potential environments for unmanned aerial vehicles. The design allows it to take off autonomously in previously inaccessible environments.

Island biodiversity rides on the wings of birds

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that bird wing shape is a key factor shaping biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide. The study revealed how birds' dispersal abilities influence the number of species found on islands, with low-dispersal birds leading to steep species-area relationships.

Robot flies like a bird

A robotic bird model with real pigeon feathers replicates the continuous adjustments made by birds to stabilize their flight. The robot's algorithm enables rudderless flight, a long-sought innovation in aviation that could lead to more fuel-efficient airplanes and improved jet fighter operations.

New fossil reveals the evolution of flying reptiles

A new pterosaur species reveals key transitional changes between early and later groups, shedding light on the evolution of these flying reptiles. The complete specimen helps bridge the gap in understanding how they transformed from smaller to larger sizes.

Washington coast avian flu outbreak devastated Caspian terns, jumped to seals

A 2023 avian flu outbreak in Washington state killed 56% of a large breeding colony of Caspian terns and had significant impacts on the Pacific-coast population. The virus was also transmitted to harbor seals, causing an inflammatory response in their brains.

New research reveals how stormy conditions affect albatrosses’ ability to feed

A new international study found that even wind-adapted albatrosses struggle to find food during very stormy weather, highlighting the impact of climate change on these birds.

Evolutionary paths vastly differ for birds, bats

Researchers found that bats' forelimbs and hindlimbs evolved together due to correlated bone shapes, unlike birds. This suggests that bats may struggle to adapt to new environments. In contrast, bird species show little correlation between wing and leg shapes, enabling them to occupy a wider range of ecological niches.

Bird wings inspire new approach to flight safety

Researchers at Princeton University developed a new technology inspired by bird feathers, which improves flight performance and prevents stalling. The covert-inspired flaps deploy in response to changes in airflow, offering an inexpensive and lightweight method to increase flight performance without complex machinery.

Scientists quantify energetic costs of the migratory lifestyle in a free flying songbird

Researchers found that migrating blackbirds do not save energy in warmer climates, but instead reduce their metabolism before departure. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism used by migrants to save energy prior to migration, and suggests alternative physiological adaptations may offset the energy costs of migration.

Antarctica’s receding sea ice could impact seabirds’ food supply

New research using satellite technology tracks the movement of albatrosses and petrels, finding that they use sea ice-affected parts of the ocean for feeding and scavenging. The study suggests that Antarctica's shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further or alter their food patterns, affecting ecosystems.

‘Some pterosaurs would flap, others would soar’ – new study further confirms the flight capability of these giants of the skies

Scientists have discovered that some pterosaurs flew by flapping their wings while others soared like vultures. The new findings were made possible by the discovery of remarkably well-preserved fossils in Jordan, including a species with a five-meter wingspan and unique internal structures.

Turkey vultures fly faster to defy thin air

Researchers found that turkey vultures flying at higher altitudes are generally flying 1m/s faster than those at lower elevations due to reduced drag. By flying faster, these birds can compensate for the lack of lift caused by thin air, allowing them to remain aloft in challenging conditions.

Exploring bird breeding behaviour and microbiomes in the radioactive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

New research reveals surprising differences in songbirds' diets and gut microbiomes in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Contrary to expectations, birds growing up in radiologically contaminated habitats have a higher diversity of insects in their diet.

Soaring birds use their lungs to modify mechanics of flight

Researchers have discovered that soaring birds use their lungs to enhance their flying capabilities by modifying the biomechanics of their flight muscles. The unique air sac, known as a subpectoral diverticulum, increases the force used to power flight muscles while soaring.

Seeking social proximity improves flight routes among pigeons

A study by Dr. Edwin Dalmaijer found that pigeons' desire for social proximity leads to improved flight paths as younger birds learn from older ones. This generational improvement in route efficiency is similar to those seen in real-life data, suggesting a key role for social factors in navigation.

Flapping frequency of birds, insects, bats and whales described by universal equation

Researchers found a universal equation that approximates the frequency of wingbeats and fin strokes across different animal groups. The equation shows a proportional relationship between body mass, wing area, and wingbeat frequency, revealing a relatively constant pattern across diverse species.

Acute sense of touch helps hummingbirds hover near a flower without bumping into it

Researchers discovered that hummingbirds create a 3D map of their body when neurons in the forebrain fire as gusts of air touch their wings and skin, allowing them to sip nectar from flowers with precision. This unique ability is also shared by zebra finches, but with slightly less sensitivity.

Small birds boast range of flight styles thanks to evolutionary edge

A new Cornell University study suggests that smaller bird skeletons evolve more freely due to reduced stress on their bones. This allows for greater variability in wing proportions among small bird species.

How do birds flock? Researchers do the math to reveal previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon

A team of mathematicians discovered a previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon in bird flocking, where small groups benefit from precise interactions, but larger groups are disrupted by dislodging members. This breakthrough has potential applications in transportation and energy efficiency.

How evolution has optimized the magnetic sensor in birds

Researchers analyzed genomes of 363 bird species and found significant variations in cryptochrome 4 gene, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. This specialization could be related to magnetoreception in migratory birds.

Storks fly with a little help from their friends

A study from the Max Planck Institute found that storks choose routes with high densities of other storks, especially for young birds. As they gain migration experience, their preference decreases, suggesting a shift towards independence.

New research shows migrating animals learn by experience

A study by researchers at the University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that migrating animals refine their behavior with age, suggesting experiential learning plays a crucial role in successful migration. As young birds explore new places during migration, they gradually adopt more direct routes, resultin...

The hidden rule for flight feathers—and how it could reveal which dinosaurs could fly

Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.

UC Davis establishes bird flight research center

The new center will image birds of prey in flight to create 3D models of wing shapes, informing aircraft design for drones and other UAS. Researchers aim to unlock maneuverability in delivery, firefighting, and surveillance applications.

Scientists pinpoint growth of brain’s cerebellum as key to evolution of bird flight

Researchers found an adaptive increase in cerebellum size in fossil vertebrates, enabling powered flight. The study combined PET scans with fossil data, revealing increased brain activity in the cerebellum and optic flow pathways during flight.

Dinosaurs might have used feathers on forelimbs and tails to flush and pursue their prey – a new hypothesis integrates morphology, behavior and neurobiology

A team of scientists proposes the 'flush-pursue hypothesis', suggesting that small dinosaurs with proto-wings used a similar strategy to birds, displaying contrasting plumage on wings and tails to trigger prey escapes. This idea is rooted in field-ornithological studies and neurobiological research on birds.

Need for speed: How hummingbirds switch mental gears in flight

Researchers found that hummingbirds use two distinct strategies to control their flight: an internal forward model for speed and direct visual feedback for altitude changes. This study's findings can inform the programming of autonomous flying vehicles.

Captive-bred birds able to improve their flight and migration performance

Researchers found that captive-bred Egyptian vultures improved their flight skills faster than those raised in the wild. The study suggests that early life experiences have a lasting impact on animals' ability to cope with challenging periods like migration.

Feathers from deceased birds help scientists understand new threat to avian populations

Scientists used stable hydrogen isotope data from 871 dead birds at California wind and solar facilities to understand the geographic origin of affected birds. The study found that most birds killed at solar facilities were nonlocal and varied among species, with local birds making up nearly half of those killed at wind facilities.

Millions of birds lose precious energy due to fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Research reveals that an average of 1,000 times more birds are in the air close to fireworks on New Year's Eve, with effects strongest within the first 5 km. Larger birds like geese and ducks fly for hours at remarkable altitudes, risking accidents.

Study: Artificial light is luring birds to cities and sometimes to their deaths

A study found that artificial light is a top indicator of where birds will land, leading to ecological traps and collisions. Urban parks can provide decent stopover sites, but competition over limited resources poses a significant risk to migrating birds.

Hummingbirds' unique sideways flutter gets them through small apertures

Researchers discovered two new strategies used by hummingbirds to transit small gaps, including a sideways scooch and tuck-and-glide technique. These adaptations enable the birds to maneuver through dense environments with improved accuracy and control.

Mystery solved: how hummingbirds fly through gaps that are too small

Researchers discovered that hummingbirds use two distinct methods to navigate narrow gaps: sideways movement and 'beak-first' flying. By employing these tactics, they can pass through openings as small as half a wingspan wide, showcasing their remarkable agility.

Bewick’s swans choose wintering areas based on the weather

Researchers tracked Bewick's swans using GPS data and found that the birds' wintering areas shift northeast as temperatures rise. The swans' migration patterns are influenced by temperature and wind, with warmer winters allowing them to hibernate further north.

Migratory birds can be taught to adjust to climate change

Researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands have found that migratory birds can synchronize with food resources by flying a shorter distance, resulting in better breeding success. By giving these birds a helping hand, they may be able to maintain robust populations of small birds despite earlier springs.

Texas A&M researchers show endangered parrot species is thriving in urban areas

A Texas A&M research team found that a population of endangered red-crowned parrots is thriving in urban areas, with four main roosts in the Rio Grande Valley. The parrots' adaptability to human environments and lack of competition for food sources make them an unusual example of a species doing well in urban areas.

Birds living at UCLA were less afraid of humans after the pandemic closure

Researchers found that birds allowed people to get much closer than expected, with an average distance of just 39 inches, suggesting a significant decrease in fear response. The study's findings challenge existing theories on bird behavior and may offer hope for North American bird populations threatened by human disturbances.

Fossil unveils leaf eating among earliest birds

The fossil discovery provides the earliest known evidence of birds consuming leafy greens from flowering plants. Analysis of microscopic residues in a 120-million-year-old bird skeleton reveals that Jeholornis was an herbivore, not a predator.

Scientists expand understanding of limb evolution in earliest birds

Researchers discovered that the early avian bauplan was shaped by natural selection driven by powered flight, with forelimb evolution constrained to basic 'blueprint' needed for flight. The study found avialan-like limb proportions established earlier in forelimbs than hindlimbs in theropod history.

Bird brains can flick switch to perceive Earth’s magnetic field

Research on white-throated sparrows reveals that the cluster N brain region is activated at night when motivated to migrate and goes dormant during rest periods. This study expands understanding of how animals use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, shedding light on the impact of human activities on bird migration.

The bat's ability to convert energy into muscle power is affected by flight speed

Researchers at Lund University found that migratory bats' efficiency in converting energy into muscle power increases with flight speed. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, used high-speed cameras and laser measurements to compare kinetic energy with metabolism.

What does it take to thrive in cities, if you’re a bird?

Research reveals that urban bird species are generally smaller, less territorial, and have greater ability to fly long distances. They also have broader dietary and habitat niches, lay more eggs at a time, live longer, and inhabit wider elevations compared to other species.