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.
Researchers found that birds' feeding preferences, rather than social position, are key factors in contracting and spreading a common eye disease. The study suggests targeting high-risk individuals to reduce disease transmission.
Research by Vladimir Dinets and Mark Hauber found that two invasive Eurasian cuckoo species are on the verge of invading North America, posing a threat to native bird populations. The cuckoos' sophisticated parasitic behavior, including egg mimicry, may evade defenses developed by Native American birds against cowbirds.
A new study by Malika Ihle and colleagues found that zebra finches choose mates based on stimulation, leading to increased reproductive success. The research suggests that this mate-choice process is essential for the survival of the species, as it maximizes gene perpetuation through successful offspring.
Ghana's Upper Guinea rain forests have seen a decline of over 50% in understory bird species due to increased illegal logging, which has more than doubled between 1995 and 2010
A study in the Chocó-Andes of Colombia found that intensive farming practices lead to a loss of more than 650 million years of evolutionary history in bird species. Land-sparing approaches, which protect larger blocks of natural habitat, are recommended as a more effective way to preserve biodiversity.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that nearly 600 surveyed bird species in North America may lose more than half of their geographic range by the end of the century due to climate change. The researchers used correlative distribution modeling to assess potential range shifts under three different climate scenarios.
Researchers discovered that nocturnal moths rely on turbulent fluctuations in the airstream to determine wind direction, whereas songbirds do not. This ability helps them cope with wind when traveling at high altitudes and allows for more accurate navigation.
Research by UNH scientists finds that appearance alone is not enough to identify hybrid zone birds; DNA analysis reveals complex combinations of plumage traits. The study provides insights into the challenges of monitoring hybrids in natural populations and aids in conservation initiatives for both species.
Research reveals differences in growth rates, parental care, and survival rates among tropical and temperate songbirds. Tropical birds tend to grow faster and have higher parental investment per offspring, leading to improved survival rates outside the nest.
Research suggests tropical songbirds invest more resources in their offspring, leading to higher survival rates, whereas temperate species prioritize quantity over quality due to high mortality rates among young adults.
A study describes general structure of scavenger communities worldwide, revealing that birds dominate consumption with 65.8% frequency, while mammals and large predators also play key roles in structuring these communities. The findings highlight the global impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Researchers have discovered a neurological mechanism that explains how songbirds refine and alter their songs as adults, shedding light on the human brain's learning complex motor skills. The finding may have long-term implications for treating neurological conditions.
Climate change is affecting UK's blanket bogs, impacting rare upland bird species like dunlin, golden plover, and red grouse. The loss of crane fly prey due to summer droughts could lead to a 50% decline in dunlin numbers, 30% in golden plover, and 15% in red grouse by 2051-80.
Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that temperature changes are the primary environmental influence on bird species distribution in Mexico. The researchers analyzed historical data and current distributions of 115 bird species to find that only temperature change had significant impacts on avifaunal turnover.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that climate change will not lead to widespread interbreeding among closely related species. Only about 6 percent of species with non-overlapping ranges are likely to come into contact by the end of this century.
A study by the University of Exeter found a 35% decline in bird species in agricultural habitats compared to natural areas. The researchers recommend incorporating patches of natural vegetation into agricultural landscapes to maintain biodiversity.
A $1.35 million grant will fund research on predicting deadly avian flu outbreaks by understanding the influenza virus's transmission from birds to humans. The team, led by Lukas Tamm of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, aims to develop a new tool for predicting outbreak risk based on viral envelope changes.
Researchers discovered that chestnut-crowned babbler birds can rearrange meaningless sounds to create new meanings, similar to human language formation. This finding suggests a potential early step in the evolution of complex language systems.
A new study has deciphered the sounds of chestnut-crowned babbler birds to reveal a key element of human language, where rearranging meaningless sounds creates meaningful signals. This finding suggests that the ability to generate new meaning may have evolved early in the emergence of complex communication systems.
Researchers found that songbirds rely on patterns in much the same way as people do when learning to recognize and categorize speech sounds. By training starlings to differentiate between complex auditory patterns, the study showed that birds can learn to categorize motifs into meaningful categories.
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University reveals that past water conditions and availability are crucial factors affecting wading bird populations in the Everglades. The research found a 'lag effect' where wet conditions can take several years to impact bird numbers.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that parrots have distinct brain regions, called 'shells,' that are involved in vocal learning and may contribute to their ability to imitate human speech. The study also suggests that the shells may be responsible for the species' exceptional vocal mimicry abilities.
A study found that a single gene mutation causes the distinctive head crest in pigeons and domesticated ringneck doves, with similar mutations occurring in both species.
Researchers have pushed back the time period of sophisticated Pueblo culture by at least 150 years, suggesting a more complex society with relationships to Mesoamerican cultures. The discovery of scarlet macaw remains in ancient settlements has provided early evidence of social hierarchy and trade networks.
African songbirds use color and pattern traits to recognize forgery eggs from cuckoos, but the system is not foolproof. Researchers found that heavily parasitized birds create unique egg patterns by combining individual traits, which may have security implications.
A study by Zoological Society of London reveals that bachelor males in small, threatened populations can maintain genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. These 'floaters' have a significant impact on population size and sex ratio, helping to increase breeding birds and influence the survival of the species.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology makes a strong case for using detailed wildlife density data to inform conservation planning. The research found that prioritizing areas with higher species richness led to the protection of more individuals of each species.
Researchers found that hierarchical social structures, where individuals follow a single leader with rapid information passing down the 'chain of command', enable pigeon flocks to navigate accurately. This allows for better decision-making even when individual birds make navigation errors.
Etienne Benson's research explores the impact of birds on the power grid in 1920s California, revealing how avian waste caused short circuits. The study highlights the importance of considering non-human actors in infrastructure systems and the need for 'insulation' and 'interconnection' strategies to mitigate nature's effects.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that birds like magpies utilize a tiny vortex formed at the alula feathers tip to improve flight maneuverability. The researchers observed this phenomenon through wind tunnel experiments, demonstrating how the vortex helps air flow attach to the wing surface.
The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.
A study published in Functional Ecology found that late-rising songbirds are more susceptible to being cuckolded, meaning they raise offspring fathered by other males. This suggests a potential role for sexual selection in shaping circadian traits in wild vertebrates.
Researchers combined local bird survey data from 16 point counts in Northeast and Midwest forests, revealing significant declines in populations of four ecological indicator species. The study highlights the need for more formal monitoring in rare habitats and suggests that some species may be increasing in certain regions.
Researchers discovered that Mexican Jays can 'weigh' peanuts by shaking them in their beaks, producing sounds that help identify the content. The birds prefer heavier nuts with more content over lighter ones, even when they appear identical.
Researchers found that male Java sparrows synchronize their bill-clicking sounds with the melody of their song, similar to human percussionists. This behavior suggests that birds may have an innate ability to produce and coordinate non-vocal sounds with vocalizations.
The accumulation of perfluoroalkyl substances in Canadian birds' eggs is a complex issue with varying trends among species. Some toxins are decreasing due to manufacturing phase-outs, while others continue to rise in the oceanic environment.
Scientists at UC San Diego have created thin films of material that produce a wide range of pure colors, from red to green, by arranging synthetic melanin nanoparticles. The colors are determined by the physical structure rather than pigments.
A University of Montana study found that songbird species vary in time devoted to warming eggs due to factors such as lifespan and predation risk. Longer-lived species with more future breeding opportunities invest less effort in keeping eggs warm, while those with shorter lives put more effort into caring for their young.
Researchers found a teeter-tottering climate pattern behind boreal bird irruptions, driven by boom-and-bust cycles in forest seed production. Persistent shifts in rainfall and temperature drive mass migrations of pine siskins and other species.
A new bird species, the Sichuan bush warbler, has been discovered in central China by an international team of scientists. The bird is characterized by its distinctive low-pitched drawn-out buzz and shorter click song, and can be found in dense brush and tea plantations at lower elevations.
Researchers found that bold field crickets suffer from higher mortality rates compared to shy individuals, likely due to increased predation. This study, published in Behavioral Ecology, highlights the importance of considering individual personality traits when studying animal survival and ecology.
Researchers discovered that birds with complex courtship displays have muscles sensitive to testosterone, enabling them to perform impressive acrobatics. This groundbreaking study sheds light on how hormones control social behavior in birds, paving the way for further research into the evolution of bird brawn.
The documentary follows University of Miami researcher J. Albert C. Uy as he investigates a genetic mutation causing two bird populations to split into separate species. Uy's research aims to unlock secrets of speciation and the planet's animal diversity.
A new study found that 79% of southeast African birds were infected with haemosporidian parasites, including novel malaria parasite lineages. The study's findings indicate that lifestyle characteristics of birds can influence their association with different parasite genera.
A new species of terror bird, Llallawavis scagliai, has been discovered with exceptionally preserved fossils revealing details about its anatomy and sensory capabilities. The study provides insights into the evolution, behavior, and ecology of this group of fossil birds.
Residents in both cities value bird enjoyment more than most, spending over average on bird food and supporting activities. This has a positive impact on local economies as residents invest in bird-friendly structures.
A US Forest Service-led study found that 195 out of 201 bird and mammal species in northwest Alaska could face habitat loss or gain due to climate change. The research projects up to 52% of species may experience habitat expansion, while 45% will see contractions.
Researchers analyzed mouse songs using a new statistical tool, finding that males sing more complex songs when they smell a female's urine but don't see her. The songs' dynamics are influenced by social contexts and can be used to study vocal communication and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers tracked tiny birds with tracking backpacks and found they flew directly over the Atlantic Ocean to reach their wintering grounds in South America. The birds took 2-3 days to complete the journey, storing up fat reserves to fuel their flight.
Researchers tracked tiny geolocators on blackpoll warbler birds to confirm their non-stop migration over the Atlantic Ocean. The journey, spanning up to 2,770 kilometers, is one of the longest recorded for a songbird.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers found that bird plumage color is influenced more by natural selection than sexual selection. The study analyzed nearly 1,000 species of birds and discovered that the sexes have become closer in color over time to blend into their surroundings and hide from predators.
Flocking behavior of European starlings is studied in a computational model called Star Display. Researchers found that agitation waves form when individuals repeat the fear reaction or escape maneuver of a close neighbor.
A study found that listening to classical music enhances gene activity related to learning, memory, and synaptic function, while down-regulating genes associated with neurodegeneration. Musically experienced participants showed the most significant effects, suggesting familiarity plays a key role in music-induced changes.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.
A University of Kent study reveals supplemental feeding improves Mauritius parakeet brood productivity, but increases disease susceptibility. Long-term monitoring highlights the importance of evidence-based conservation strategies.
A long-term study on house sparrows found that offspring of older parents produced fewer young. This transgenerational age effect was confirmed by researchers for the first time in free-living animals.
A University of Oklahoma research team found a link between severe weather and feather malformations in young birds. The study revealed that the stress caused by hailstones during a tornado led to abnormal nitrogen levels in the developing feathers, resulting in 'pallid bands'.
Researchers studied plain wrens' precise phrase-by-phrase modifications to achieve careful coordination in their duets. The study found that females perform longer intervals when their mates don't answer, and males modify intervals based on both the phrase type sung and the female's response.
Researchers found that mountain chickadees living at harsher high elevations exhibit superior spatial memory and problem-solving abilities. However, these birds tend to avoid novel objects, contradicting the expectation that enhanced problem-solving skills would come with increased innovation.