Research on birds and their behavior. Covers birdwatching and wellbeing, birds as pest control, birdsong, and migration.
Researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of New World blackbirds, tracing their spread across the Americas as a long, gradual process. The study found that their ancestors reached South America 6 million years ago, coinciding with the expansion of open habitats.
A review paper highlights the importance of insect biodiversity in supporting vertebrate life, from food sources to shelter and medicine. The study emphasizes the need for insect conservation to address the decline of insect populations, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Biologists from UMass Amherst discovered two of the world's loudest birds, the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema, with volumes exceeding 120 decibels. A new study measured the amplitude of 123 bird calls, resulting in a 58-decibel variability, with the hummingbird's call being the quietest at 64 decibels. The study found a ...
A new study finds that exposure to birdsong soundscapes or forest landscapes reduces physiological stress, with independent physical health benefits. Spending time in the forest landscape reduces heart rate, while listening to birdsong increases heart rate variability, indicating reduced stress.
A UCF researcher is using genomics, ecology, and long-term field monitoring to better understand how genetic rescue can help recover imperiled species. The project involves translocating Florida scrub-jays to a new site to increase genetic diversity and improve population health.
Research found that some bird species, such as black swans and gulls, spend more time preening themselves in geothermal areas, suggesting they may be using the sulphurous steam to remove parasites. This behavior is likely an adaptation to help birds cope with disease agents that are carried around the world.
A University of Washington-led research team discovered well-preserved fossil feathers in a dinosaur coprolite, which could provide insight into why some birds survived the mass extinction. The feathers have features similar to modern birds' feathers, including a sponge-like center, and may have played a role in the extinction event.
Researchers found a well-preserved feather in a 66-million-year-old dinosaur coprolite, shedding light on why birds survived the mass extinction. The feather's features suggest a middle ground between ancient and modern bird feathers, potentially explaining why one group of birds, Neornithes, survived.
A study found that feeding and watching birds positively impacts people's well-being, reducing stress and increasing feelings of joy, gratitude, and calm. The activity also fosters engagement and a sense of meaning, as participants feel they are connecting with nature and contributing to science.
A study found that bats, not bird numbers, contribute to pest control in macadamia nut production. Higher bat activity reduces insect damage and increases yields, with natural habitats playing a crucial role in supporting beneficial organisms.
Female Dotterels travel long distances to secure multiple mates, contradicting the traditional view of birds' migrations. They often visit three to five sites, with the most wide-ranging bird covering 1,343 km, before returning to a final site for an extended stay.
Research in Germany found that birdsongs with narrower bandwidths and greater complexity are perceived as more pleasant, with blackbirds' songs considered most attractive. Pleasantness is also influenced by personal taste, but not by knowledge of birds.
A new study found that the presence of peregrine falcons in the Bay Area dropped by 65% after an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza. The decline is synchronous with the outbreak, which has affected millions of birds globally.
Researchers used infrared cameras to create a 3D view of biodiversity in the Congo Basin, revealing which mammals share the forest and how they use that space. The study identified 47 mammal taxa and found that 25% of arboreal mammals preferred the understory, highlighting the value of surveying the lower-mid forest strata.
A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.
Researchers found that preserving native vegetation and tree cover between homes led to a wider variety of bird species remaining, particularly sensitive species like the Wilson's warbler and Swainson's thrush. This suggests that balancing human development with ecosystem health can benefit both.
A study published in Developmental Biology found that the first bird to inhabit Earth used its hind legs to take off into the air. The researchers estimated that the ancient bird could have achieved a sustainable flight speed of seven meters per second with three bipedal leaps.
Researchers digitally reconstructed a dodo brain cavity to understand its sensory abilities, finding it may have had a flexible daily activity pattern and enhanced sense of smell. The study provides new clues on how the dodo foraged and interacted with its environment before disappearing in the late 17th century.
A study found that coating developing raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil helps protect sensitive prey populations. Raven nests treated with egg oil showed more than doubled sage-grouse nest survival and a 44% increase in relative abundances of sage-grouse.
A new study by UCLA ornithologists found that female birds have a 12.4% lower adult survival rate than males in 35 species. Females lived an average of 1.36 years after reaching adulthood, while males lived 1.61 years.
The BirdNET Live app can identify over 8,900 bird species and thousands of other animal sounds in real-time and offline. It is designed for nature conservation professionals, researchers, and amateur ornithologists, offering a practical solution for field conditions.
A field experiment on wild kittiwakes found that birds with high energy costs during breeding raised more chicks the next year, but at a cost to their own survival. The study reveals how flexible energy use can lead to hidden trade-offs in life-history strategy.
A study by North Carolina State University found that nature sounds and sights significantly improve mental health compared to urban environments. Participants who heard birdsong while walking in a forest reported lower stress levels, higher positive emotions, and increased feelings of restorativeness.
The American Ornithological Society has awarded seven 2026 Kessel Fellowships to support early-career researchers investigating avian ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics, and climate change. The fellowships aim to address the growing gap in understanding Arctic wildlife responses to environmental change.
Research on landfill-foraging white storks reveals a trade-off between food availability and increased risks from stress and DNA damage. Preliminary results show that young storks foraging on landfills have higher energy stores but also exhibit DNA damage at an early age.
A new study found that climate change affects tree swallow populations in the northern US and Canada, with critical timing constraints and increased year-to-year temperature variability impacting breeding success. The research suggests that these populations are nearing a tipping point, with the greatest risk from warming temperatures ...
A recent study by Oregon State University suggests that animals don't necessarily flee in search of better breathing conditions when exposed to wildfire smoke. Instead, they may shift their behavior to reduce the negative impacts of smoke inhalation.
Research reveals birds can harness lactate to rapidly resurrect blood function, outperforming mammals. Lactate enables bird RBCs to convert methaemoglobin back to haemoglobin three times faster than mammalian RBCs.
A new study led by Dr. Anthony Lapsansky and Dr. Doug Altshuler found that pigeons make slow, subtle eye movements during flight to gather more information about their surroundings. This research has implications for the development of autonomous flying robots or drones, which can learn from bird-like visual strategies.
A 15-year study found that extreme weather events, particularly sudden spring frosts and wildfires, have a significant impact on White Stork survival. Juvenile storks are most vulnerable to these conditions, with only 33% of fire-related incidents resulting in rehabilitation.
A bio-inspired robotic bird is helping researchers unravel the mysteries behind kestrels' exceptional hovering capabilities. By mimicking key movements, the team discovered unique techniques that could improve manoeuvrability of small aircraft and enhance their ability to cope with turbulence.
A new study found that Pygmy Falcons require less than 1 km² to raise their young, contrary to long-held assumptions. The birds operate within a small breeding home range and coexist with Sociable Weavers in communal nests. This research provides a crucial baseline for understanding the spatial requirements of small raptors.
A study by University of California, Davis researchers found that red-tailed hawks adjust their wing and tail movements to compensate for missing feathers during molt. The findings could inform wildlife rehabilitation efforts and inspire more resilient UAVs.
A new study reveals that species with larger brains produce fewer but larger offspring, leading to the evolution of larger eggs. The research analyzed data from mammals, birds, and reptiles, suggesting that brain evolution drove changes in reproduction across dinosaurs and birds.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smaller tree swallows reproduce less due to declining insect populations. The decline in insects affects the timing of breeding and reproduction, leading to a phenological mismatch, which has significant consequences for bird biology.
Wild female chickadees prefer males with strong spatial cognition to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction and good parental care. Males with better spatial learning and memory abilities sired more extra-pair young and raised heavier chicks, which are more likely to survive.
Research reveals that leaving deadwood in forests and creating artificial gaps can increase the diversity of bats and birds, with some species responding strongly to these changes. The study found that forest interventions can promote biodiversity even in previously monotonous ecosystems.
The American Ornithological Society has recognized Daniel Cadena and Kimberly Rosvall as the 2026 William Brewster Memorial Award recipients for outstanding contributions to ornithological science. The awards are given in recognition of their research on birds, conservation efforts, and service to the AOS.
A new study suggests that environmental factors can influence which bird songs are passed down through generations. Common song types, with higher frequencies and broader frequency bandwidths, traveled more effectively through the environment than rare songs. This makes it easier for young birds to hear and learn these songs, potential...
A study by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found that Lesser Black-backed Gulls rarely visit wind farms off the Zeeland coast, except for some male birds. Despite being attracted to fishing boats outside the wind farm, the gulls' behavior suggests they avoid entering the wind farm due to unknown reasons.
Researchers found that rewetted peatland solar parks in Northern Germany support threatened bird species and exhibit an unusual mix of species, providing a unique habitat for biodiversity. The study suggests that this novel land use can be a valuable tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring peatland ecosystems.
Research found a 27% decline in wading bird populations in the NYC Harbor over 22 years. The Black-crowned Night Heron population declined by 55%, threatening its status as an environmental indicator species.
Urban male bowerbirds collect more colorful and larger human-made items than rural rivals, suggesting a preference for these traits in females. Researchers found that red decorations are more vivid in urban areas, while green decorations are duller.
The new species Plumadraco bankoorum boasts the proportionally longest and best-preserved rachis-dominated feathers found to date. These feathers were likely used for displays, featuring flexible motions similar to modern bird displays.
A new fossil species, Plumadraco, has been found with the longest tail feathers ever recorded on a fossil bird. The analysis suggests that the bird's tail feathers were used for attracting mates, and the color of the feathers was probably dark brown or black.
The study reveals a new species of bird, Plumadraco bankoorum, with exceptionally long tail feathers, estimated to be twice its body length. The findings suggest that males used these feathers in courtship displays, such as up-and-down bobbing or raised postures to show off their plumage.
Researchers analyzed the feather coloration of 28 museum specimens using a full-spectrum camera and visual modeling. The study found that crows lack UV-reflective patches but display subtle changes in hue that indicate age, particularly after the age of 3.
A global meta-analysis of animal behavior found that urban populations exhibit heightened boldness, aggression, exploration, and activity compared to rural counterparts. The findings highlight the need for urban planners to consider animal behavior in urban development.
The American Ornithological Society recognizes Devon DeRaad and Fengyi Guo for their outstanding work in ornithology, while Olivia M. Smith receives the Ned K. Johnson Award. The award winners will present their research at the AOS annual meeting in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Researchers have captured the behavior of scissor-tailed nightjars creating a unique sound by snapping their wrists together during courtship and copulation. The study sheds light on lesser-known bird communication methods and raises questions about the nuances of mechanical sounds.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecular mechanism behind keel formation, revealing that a developmental
Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.
A new study by Lund University researchers identifies knowledge gaps and proposes tools to analyze the risks of extreme weather on birds. Birds are vulnerable due to their diurnal nature and lack of burrowing capabilities, making them more susceptible to heatwaves.
A new study by Sage Madden reveals that barn swallow chicks' growth is stunted by cold spells within five days of hatching, smallest sibling status, and less food provided by parents. The research, published in PLOS One, provides insight into climate change's impact on chick development.
A high school teacher participated in a citizen science project to record migration data for Black Skimmers in the Eastern US. The study documents the farthest dispersal for breeding among this species, providing valuable insights into its movements.
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.
A long-term study reveals how the red-necked nightjar's annual cycle follows the moon's light, influencing feeding, migration, and breeding patterns. The research highlights the vulnerability of nocturnal animals to changes in light levels, with potential consequences for conservation.
Researchers found that urban birds flee sooner when approached by women compared to men in a European study. The study involved over 2,700 observations across five countries and 37 bird species, revealing that birds can recognize the sex of approaching humans.
The thrush nightingale migrates up to 18,000 km with four-to-five consecutive nighttime flights and daytime breaks to avoid intense heat, conserving energy along the way. Advanced sensors track this extreme behaviour, providing insight into the bird's strategy for survival.
Researchers found that black grouse can't see dark shades of red and have limited visual contrast, making certain colors ineffective at warning them away from fatal cables. To mitigate this risk, they recommend using large, strongly contrasting markers to provide enough time for the birds to react.