Articles tagged with Birds
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Research by academics at the University of Exeter found that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs, and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found benefits for mental health when observing birds in the afternoon.
A study found that male birds' mobbing behavior, such as dive bombing and aerial swoops, serves not only as protection against predators but also as a way to showcase their physical qualities to attract females. When females from the same species are present, males increase their participation in these displays.
A new study from Lund University and international researchers reveals that cooperative breeding of offspring is key to successful colonization in harsh environments. By sharing genes, helpers and offspring benefit from monogamous breeding females, enabling species to invade previously inaccessible areas.
A Princeton University-based study found that temperature and habitat predominantly determine the elevations where bird species live in the Himalayas. Competition limits only 12% of species, while temperature and habitat dictate 48% and 40%, respectively. The findings have significant implications for predicting how life on Earth will ...
A new study finds that small bird species in the US desert Southwest are at higher risk of lethal dehydration during heat waves, with some regions becoming uninhabitable for many species. Conservation efforts may focus on thermal refugia and water sources to mitigate this threat.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Climate Change found that nearly 700 bird and mammal species have already been impacted by climate change. The research suggests that around half of threatened mammals and 23% of threatened birds are likely to be negatively affected by future climatic changes.
A new study found that 28 of South Africa's 57 forest-dwelling bird species are declining in range, while 22 species are increasing. The data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project indicates a link between deforestation and habitat loss, with smaller bird species more vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers found that areas with high deer numbers tend to have fewer birds that rely on forest shrubs for nesting and hunting. This is because white-tailed deer eat away at these plants, leading to a decline in songbird populations such as the Hooded Warbler and Prairie Warbler.
A new study suggests that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker may still exist, prompting a call for conservation efforts. The bird is highly elusive and its habitat is difficult to access, making it challenging to obtain conclusive photographic evidence. Researchers believe that a more pragmatic approach is needed to document the species while...
A global map of alien bird species shows that human activities are the main determinants of their presence, but also highlights areas with rich native bird species as hotspots for alien species. The study found a significant increase in bird introductions since World War II and suggests that economic factors contribute to the spread of...
A University of Illinois study found that 19 out of 20 tropical bird species in Panama may experience significantly fewer birds if conditions become drier, due to longer dry seasons and more intense seasonal droughts. The scaly-throated leaftosser is the only species that tends to increase with dryer conditions.
Research finds that urbanization is hindering the ability of certain songbird species to reproduce successfully, even after relocating. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that forced dispersal due to suburban development can cause birds to abandon their territories and struggle to find new mates.
Researchers discovered that a dinosaur species, Limusaurus inextricabilis, lost its teeth in adolescence and did not grow another set as adults. The finding suggests a significant shift in diet from babies to adulthood, potentially explaining why birds have beaks but no teeth.
A new species of bird, Tingmiatornis arctica, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, dating back to approximately 90 million years ago. The fossil finds reveal a hyper-warm interval during the late Cretaceous period, with conditions allowing large birds to thrive.
A new study by the American Museum of Natural History estimates that there are approximately 18,000 bird species worldwide, nearly twice as many as previously thought. The researchers used a combination of morphology and genetic studies to highlight birds with separate evolutionary histories.
The study reveals that the square shape provides greater rigidity and higher resistance to ovalization and buckling than a hollow round shape of the same weight. This unique adaptation enables birds to fly with optimized stiffness and lightness, inspiring advanced engineering designs.
Two studies reveal that dopaminergic neurons in the brain encode errors in singing performance, helping juvenile zebra finches learn to accurately imitate their tutor's song. Meanwhile, another study finds that songbirds adjust song cadence towards an innate template, rather than learning rhythm from other birds.
Researchers at OIST uncover a neural mechanism that uses silent gaps to detect species-specific birdsong. Juvenile zebra finches learn song by mimicking adults and preferentially adopt the song of their own species despite noise and variety of birdsongs.
Researchers found hummingbirds' ability to accelerate and turn is hindered by low air density at high altitudes, affecting their performance. The study suggests climate change may impact species seeking cooler regions, including higher elevations.
A study published in Nature found that mated pairs of wild shorebirds have diverse schedules for parental care of the nest. The researchers used geolocators to track the birds' movements and timing, revealing a range of incubation bouts from every other hour to two days.
Researchers found that nine out of 11 mountain bird species shifted their lower boundaries downslope, defying expectations. The study highlights the need for caution when applying conventional expectations to species' responses to climate change.
Researchers found extreme variation in shorebird parents' nesting attendance patterns, often defying the 24-hour day-night cycle. The key underlying this variation is not starvation but rather the risk of predation.
A year-long study found that birds in leafy suburban neighborhoods fly between gardens with more vegetation than those with paved gardens or roads, visiting bird feeders more often. This knowledge can help urban planners create cities more attractive to nature and humans.
The study found that fly larvae contribute to nest sanitation, leading to heavier and larger nestlings. The presence of more fly larvae had a positive effect on nestling development, while fewer larvae resulted in smaller and lighter nestlings.
Scientists at University of Oxford discovered that ducklings have two separate memory banks for visual information, which can cause internal conflicts. The findings shed light on how birds' brains work, highlighting the differences between avian and mammalian brains.
The first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal has been found in Seaside Sparrows. The birds that were exposed to the oil had a different chemical signature in their tissues, indicating the oil was incorporated into their prey and feathers.
Researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos can make elongated tools of appropriate shape and length out of various materials, including larch wood, leafy beech twigs, and cardboard. The birds demonstrated problem-solving skills by anticipating tool requirements and adapting their techniques to produce functional instruments.
A new study from the University of Tennessee reveals that Brazilian free-tailed bats can reach remarkable flight speeds, challenging existing assumptions about their capabilities. The research used a novel airplane tracking method to track the bats' flight patterns, demonstrating that they adapt to wind conditions like airplanes and birds
Researchers discovered the Brazilian free-tailed bat can reach speeds of over 160 km/h, outpacing previous records held by birds. The bat's aerodynamic body shape and longer wings enabled these exceptional speeds.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered three new bird species in African forests, challenging the idea of low evolutionary diversification. The study's findings highlight the importance of continued exploration and sampling to fully document avian biodiversity.
A new study using remote sensing data finds that over 200 bird species in six rapidly developing regions are at risk of extinction, despite not being included on the IUCN Red List. The analysis reveals accelerated risks of extinction for 210 species and threatened status for 189 species due to habitat loss.
Researchers found that birds in tropical climates are not more colorful than those in temperate climates. Instead, birds in harsh desert environments have evolved fancier colors to attract mates quickly. Birds in humid forest environments are darker in color overall.
Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.
Researchers found that experience with passing vehicles does not help birds avoid collisions, with inexperienced birds having longer flight initiation distances. Habituation to high-speed vehicles contributes to bird collisions worldwide.
Researchers found that different species can evolve the same beneficial trait through unique genetic mutations, challenging the predictability of evolutionary changes. High-altitude bird species developed red blood cells with hemoglobin proteins that bind oxygen more efficiently.
Researchers found that azure-winged magpies provided food to their group members spontaneously and without being asked, showing a high level of prosocial behavior. This suggests that cooperative breeding may have promoted the emergence of prosocial tendencies in these birds.
A genomic study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers identifies a newly discovered bird species evolving with its food source in southern Idaho. The South Hills crossbill has evolved unique dependencies on the Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine tree over 6,000 years.
Researchers found that golden eagles killed at a wind farm in California came from up to hundreds of miles away, posing a threat to global populations. The study's findings suggest that environmental assessments should consider bird populations across entire regions, not just local areas.
Researchers found that a single white-browed coucal parent can successfully raise its brood, unlike black coucals which form pairs and share parental duties. The study suggests that females only form pairs due to lack of opportunities to find additional male partners.
Researchers tracked Magellanic penguin data for 28 years to detect signs of natural selection acting on specific traits. Selection was observed in seven out of the 28 years, with larger males having an edge in lean years, while females showed selection on foot size, bill depth, and body size.
A recent study found that mixed-severity fires, also known as 'Goldilocks fires,' can increase biodiversity of birds in California forests over time. The research suggests that forest managers should prioritize managing forests to promote a mixture of intensities, resulting in a mosaic of patches with different burn severities.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recognized outstanding science communicators with the 2016 Communication Awards. Deborah Cramer won for her book 'The Narrow Edge,' while NPR's Christopher Joyce and Alison Richards took home the award for their film/TV series 'Close Listening: Decoding Nature Through Sound.'
Researchers reconstructed songbird evolutionary history using DNA sequences and fossil records, revealing diversification in Australia about 33 million years ago. Songbirds first dispersed out of Australia through early Indonesian islands into Asia and subsequently the globe around 23 million years ago.
New research reveals that blue-winged and golden-winged warblers are almost identical genetically, with only six regions showing strong differences. The study suggests that conservation efforts should focus on preserving habitat for both species rather than worrying about hybridization.
The American Ornithologists' Union has recognized 33 individuals with Elective Membership for their outstanding contributions to ornithology. The newly elected members represent the global ornithology community and have been selected by their peers for their significant achievements in advancing bird conservation.
The American Ornithologists' Union has welcomed 21 new Fellows, selected by their peers for their significant contributions to the field of ornithology. The newly elected Fellows represent the most eminent members of the global ornithology community and are residents or citizens of the Western Hemisphere.
The American Ornithologists' Union recognizes five individuals for their outstanding contributions to science and service. Dr. Patricia Parker, Dr. Michael Sorenson, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Mary Caswell Stoddard, and Dr. James Herkert receive awards for their work in ecology, conservation, behavior, systematics, and more.
Dr. Patricia Parker has received the William Brewster Memorial Award for her groundbreaking research on social behavior, mating systems, and conservation of bird species in the Galápagos Islands.
Barbados bullfinches and Carib grackles can successfully pull strings to access food, but this skill is unrelated to performance on other cognitive tasks. The study also found that some birds improve their string-pulling ability with practice.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that juvenile songbirds exhibit familial differences in their earliest vocal babblings, suggesting a possible genetic basis for these variations. The findings reveal that the variations are more pronounced among different families and persist even when deafened.
Scientists have discovered a new species of colorful songbird in the Galápagos Islands, but it's extinct. The San Cristóbal Island Vermilion Flycatcher was elevated to full species status due to genetic differences, with research suggesting two invasive threats likely contributed to its extinction.
Researchers have successfully reared the larvae of a parasitic fly on chicken blood, paving the way for a new method to control its population. This breakthrough could be key to saving critically endangered birds like the mangrove finch in the Galapagos Islands.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for songbirds' migratory routes, linking them to a small cluster of genes governing behavior. The study found that differences in migration patterns help maintain the diversity of songbirds.
A new study found that baby migratory songbirds face different risks in the nest and after leaving, with some species experiencing higher mortality rates during post-fledging stages. Researchers used radio transmitters to track young birds and documented survival rates, shedding light on factors affecting their survival.
A study confirms a rare case of mutualism between humans and a wild animal, the Yao tribe's use of a distinct call to attract a bird species as a honeyguide resulting in 75% successful discovery of beehives. Researchers found that the 'brrr-hm' call increased the probability of being guided by a honeyguide from 33% to 66%.
In a study of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens, researchers found that females are more likely to initiate divorce due to dissatisfaction with their territory. Divorce allows females to gain better territories, which are crucial for reproductive success in this species.
Hummingbirds process visual information uniquely to navigate through dense vegetation at high speeds. They rely on the size of objects to determine distance and use image velocity to assess altitude.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has partnered with the Land Trust Alliance to launch the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, aiming to improve bird conservation on private lands. The initiative provides technical support, workshops, and a Resources Directory to help land trusts enhance bird habitats.
Researchers found that blue tit males feed their partners more frequently when they are younger and less experienced, but less often when temperatures rise. This helps the females forage for food without interrupting incubation.
Researchers have uncovered a well-preserved fossil of a previously unknown bird species, Calciavis grandei, dating back to the Eocene epoch. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of large flightless birds and provides new anatomical data for resolving contentious debates among paleontologists.