Articles tagged with Birds
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Researchers found that smaller forest fragments result in fewer species and interactions between plants and seed-dispersing birds. This leads to a loss of ecological functions, including constant forest regeneration, with larger bird species playing a crucial role in dispersing large seeds.
The discovery of Oculudentavis khaungraae, a tiny bird-like skull found in Burmese amber, reveals new insights into bird evolution. The specimen's unique anatomical features suggest a never-before-seen combination of features, including a diurnal lifestyle and surprising similarities to modern lizards.
International team parses Pacific Robin populations across South Pacific islands into several distinct species, revealing complex relationships and major conservation implications. The study highlights the importance of understanding biodiversity units for effective conservation, particularly for small, isolated island populations.
A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.
Researchers analyzed recorded bird songs and found a relationship between sound frequency and body size, suggesting a biomechanics-based method for predicting bird sizes. The study also confirmed the correlation using museum specimens.
Researchers analyzed 98 historic specimens to find that different plumage patches evolved independently through time, with face and head patches evolving for mate recognition and back and wing patches for camouflage. This 'mosaic evolution' explains the lorikeets' dazzling color diversity while avoiding predators.
A recent study led by University of Southampton researchers reveals that threatened birds and mammals are often ecologically distinct and vital to their environments. The research highlights the importance of charismatic species, such as Emperor Penguins and Leopards, which play unique roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.
A new study found that blue tits and great tits learn to avoid toxic foods by watching others' reactions, potentially increasing their survival rate. The birds can decrease the likelihood of bad experiences by observing others' behavior.
A recent study published in Nature has shed light on the global relationships that determine bird diversity on islands, revealing that colonisation decreases with isolation and extinction decreases with area. The research also found that most island bird species represent unique evolutionary branches with no close relatives.
Researchers at UChicago study birdsong to understand brain cell properties and their role in learning, revealing surprising similarities with human stuttering. The study uses zebra finch neurons to show that changes in intrinsic cell properties are closely tied to song patterns and stuttering behavior.
New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...
A new study reveals that the rapid evolution of Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers was linked to their beaks and skulls. The researchers found that these birds had a stronger association between their beaks and skulls than other bird lineages, allowing for more versatile evolution but constrained along specific directions.
A new study suggests that accounting for climate change in conservation planning can effectively protect biodiversity, but may come at a higher cost. Researchers analyzed 1,460 species and found that unless climate change impacts are considered, 14% would not have a viable place to live.
Researchers found that males with longer, more elaborate plumage produce longer-lasting sperm, which helps them compete for mates. The study, published in Biology Letters, analyzed 278 species of songbirds and suggests that intense competition drives both the evolution of plumage and sperm quality.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that a pig virus is easily transmitted to healthy chickens and turkeys, developing diarrhea in as little as two days. The virus's rapid spread has raised concerns about its potential impact on humans, who are susceptible but may not show symptoms.
A global database of 10,000 bird species shows that body measurements can predict a species' role in an ecosystem. The study found that similar body shapes are often associated with similar lifestyles and dietary preferences, even among distantly related species.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a surprising anatomical connection between the giant cassowary, its closest relative the emu, and the extinct New Zealand moa and small South American tinamou. The study reveals that the syrinx, hyoid, and larynx structures of these birds are more similar than previously thought, provi...
A new study reveals that the unique shape of hummingbird melanosomes and air bubbles within their feathers produce shimmering rainbow colors. This discovery opens up a greater understanding of how hummingbirds develop their vibrant plumage, with findings that could also shed light on color patterns in other birds.
Researchers found that African grey parrots voluntarily help each other achieve a goal without immediate benefit, showing innate helping behavior. The parrots' ability to understand when help is needed and transfer tokens to others demonstrates their complex social intelligence.
Researchers discovered 10 new species and subspecies of songbirds from three under-explored islands off Sulawesi, Indonesia. The findings mark the largest number of new species identified from a small geographically confined region in over a century.
A new study reveals that American coot chicks' bright orange and red feathers are a result of maternal effect, with mothers putting more carotenoid pigments in later eggs. This trait helps parents choose the most colorful chick, which receives preferential feeding and has a higher chance of survival.
A recent study found that biodiversity in the Camargue has substantially changed, with declines in grasshoppers, crickets, and amphibians detected. The research also revealed increases in vascular plants and some bird species, but highlights the failure of current protection measures to safeguard certain taxa.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that birds of the same species do not use the same habitats in different parts of the Canadian boreal forest. This phenomenon, known as differential habitat selection, has significant implications for conservation planning and management strategies.
Researchers have discovered a novel retinal structure in flycatchers that contains megamitochondria and small oil droplets, potentially enhancing their ability to detect and track insect prey. This unique structure is unevenly distributed across the retina and may provide an additional visual channel for these small predatory songbirds.
The researchers found that the modular structure of feathers enables birds to adapt to different environments. They also discovered the underlying molecular signals guiding feather development, including Bmp and Ski pathways.
Researchers discover avian predentary was covered by keratinous beak, mobile and proprioceptive, representing a unique feeding adaptation. The finding sheds light on the evolution of bird skull structure.
Scientists uncover genetic differences in gene expression that underlie species-specific songs, revealing a key role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in song learning. The study sheds new light on the evolution of animal behaviors.
Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.
Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.
Researchers found multilevel societies in a population of over 400 adult birds, with stable membership and associations between groups based on preference. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of complex societies and provides clues about the mechanisms underlying social behavior.
Researchers at Duke University have trained an AI tool to identify up to 200 species of birds from just a photo. The system, which uses deep learning, also shows its thinking by highlighting key patterns in the image.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that scents emitted by songbirds are produced by certain bacteria in preen glands, which identify a bird to other birds. Altering these bacteria can disrupt the bird's ability to communicate and find a mate, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Researchers found that birds in constant traffic noise had lower levels of corticosterone in their blood compared to quiet environments. This suppression may protect against negative effects of chronic stress on the immune system. Chicks from noisy parents were also smaller but caught up after leaving the nest.
A University of Montana undergraduate student's research published in Ecological Applications found that a double-observer method significantly reduces false-positive errors in wildlife surveys. The study also highlighted the importance of proper training and species-specific characteristics in minimizing misidentifications.
A global assessment of eBird data found strong geographic and seasonal patterns in bird occurrence information. Survey completeness was highest in North America, Europe, and southern India during spring migration, highlighting the potential of citizen science initiatives to address biodiversity knowledge gaps.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and a Brazilian institute recorded the loudest bird calls ever documented by dove-sized male white bellbirds. The calls have sound pressure levels about three times that of screaming pihas, another Amazon species.
Researchers have recorded the loudest bird calls yet documented, reaching sound pressure levels three times that of screaming pihas. The white bellbird's mating songs are so loud they pose a risk to female hearing, sparking questions about the evolutionary advantages behind this extraordinary trait.
A study published in PNAS reveals that corticobasal ganglia projecting neurons play a crucial role in song learning during juvenile development. In contrast, adult birds with disrupted projection neurons maintain their pre-learned song structure and exhibit normal vocal fluctuations.
Scientists with the Smithsonian have documented a new species of bird, the Spectacled Flowerpecker, which is distinct from other flowerpeckers. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in Borneo's forests and underscores the importance of conserving these ecosystems.
Researchers from Princeton University found that bird species adapted to seasonal climates can tolerate deforestation better than those native to tropical environments. The study suggests a combination of protection and land management may be more effective in preserving biodiversity.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.
Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has confirmed brain regions that encode behavioral-goal memories in songbirds. The researchers used optogenetics to implant these memories in zebra finches without tutoring, enabling them to learn syllables of their song. This discovery opens new avenues for research into identifying brain circ...
Scientists have observed a rare instance of interspecific feeding among songbirds, where an adult male Eastern bluebird is caring for the young of another species, the tree swallow. The unusual behavior is thought to be caused by the bluebird's confusion and 'place-based decision' to care for the wrong chicks.
Researchers found that jackdaws can identify individual calls and assess group size when deciding to join a mob. While they use a form of counting, there may be cognitive limitations to their ability.
Researchers have discovered that purple martins are roosting in small forest patches as they migrate from North America to Brazil. The birds seem to be intentionally seeking out these isolated habitats, possibly due to fewer predators than in larger forest areas.
A new study from UC Berkeley finds that hotter temperatures in the desert are causing birds to need more water to cool off, exacerbating a decline in species populations. Larger birds and those with insect or animal diets are most threatened by this heat stress.
A study found that climate-driven extinctions in Mojave Desert birds may be linked to increased water requirements, particularly for insectivorous and carnivorous species. Climate forecasts predict a 50-78% increase in water needs for Mojave birds, making species declines more likely.
Scientists have created a novel approach to analyze neuronal response to different call meanings in songbirds. The analysis shows that initial responses contain information about the call's meaning, with additional information accumulating up to 600 milliseconds. Individual neurons play a significant role in categorizing call meanings.
Researchers at University of Missouri create 3D model showing how ligaments and joints in T. rex skull work, revealing it was stiffer than previously thought. This discovery could advance human and animal medicine by providing better models of joint interactions.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that jackdaws can learn to identify dangerous people by hearing a warning call, and this knowledge helps them avoid humans who pose a threat. The birds that heard the warning call returned to their nests more quickly when seeing the human again, indicating they had learned to recognize danger.
Researchers analyzed six different bird species and found no uric acid in their excretions. Instead, they identified ammonium urate, struvite, and two unknown compounds, suggesting that bacteria break down uric acid before excretion.
Since 1970, North America has experienced a significant decline in bird populations, with nearly one in four species losing abundance. The study attributes this loss primarily to 12 bird families, including songbirds, and highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further declines.
Researchers at UCSF found that tailoring instruction to individual birds' genetic predispositions can improve their learning abilities. In contrast, standardized tutoring programs failed to engage birds from families with different song tempo preferences.
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.
Eastern gray squirrels in Ohio parks exhibit decreased vigilance when hearing bird species' casual chatter after a simulated hawk call, suggesting they can tap into cues of safety. The findings support the idea that non-alarm sounds like bird chatter could be as important as danger signals for these animals.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Cornell Lab of Ornithology have developed a machine learning system called MistNet to analyze large-scale bird migration data. The tool allows for automation of data processing, enabling scientists to extract valuable information on bird migrations over the continental US.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that crows can deliberately control their calls, suggesting a high level of cognitive sophistication. The research used trained carrion crows to learn and respond to specific cues, revealing the birds' ability to exert control over their vocalizations.
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.