Research on birds and their behavior. Covers birdwatching and wellbeing, birds as pest control, birdsong, and migration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that northern wren populations are more resilient to harsh winter weather due to local adaptation. The team discovered a correlation between regional climate and population resilience, with larger body mass observed in colder regions.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified brain cells associated with auditory memory in zebra finches, revealing a potential key to understanding human speech development. The study found that these cells respond selectively to the tutor's song and are essential for learning and remembering complex songs.
Female beetles with fighting experience spend more time feeding their offspring, helping them survive. The study found that conflict-experienced mothers laid the same number and size of eggs but had a higher survival rate among their young.
Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.
A study by Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel found that birds have more neurons packed into their small brains than mammals or primates. The avian brain's smaller and denser neurons enable complex cognitive behaviors, rivaling those of primates.
Research by McGill University scientists found that juvenile zebra finches learned adult songs better when interacting with an adult, mimicking human-like speech adjustments. The study suggests social interaction can enhance vocal learning, which may have implications for treating autism and other developmental disorders.
Researchers have identified the genes responsible for producing the red pigment in bird species, linking it to detoxification processes and suggesting a link between mate quality and genetic fitness. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution and ecology of red coloration in birds.
Scientists have identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments into red colors, enhancing color vision and possibly signaling individual quality. The discovery fills a gap in understanding the genetics of red coloration in birds, with implications for future research on evolution and ecology.
Researchers found that hornbills' beaks account for up to 20% of their non-evaporative heat loss, helping conserve water in hot desert environments. This unique adaptation may provide an advantage over panting, a method used by birds to cool off.
Scientists found that an early Arctic spring in Africa is killing red knots by disrupting their food supply. The birds' short beaks limit their access to shellfish, essential for survival.
A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that birds can differentiate between whole and broken songs using spatial and intensity cues. The research used zebra finches and budgerigars, demonstrating that stream segregation is not a uniquely human ability
The primary threat to vultures is the presence of toxins in carrion they consume, leading to declines or extinctions of most vulture species worldwide. In their absence, other scavengers proliferate, causing a cascading effect on food webs and human populations.
Researchers found that both groups show a nested pattern of distribution, with narrow-ranging lineages concentrated in the tropics and broad-ranging lineages extending into higher latitudes. Species diversification drives expansion across climatic divides, increasing the likelihood of successful crossings.
Research on Black Sparrowhawks reveals that dark birds excel in low-light conditions due to better camouflage, while light birds thrive in brighter environments. This study supports the idea that color polymorphism arises from adaptations to distinct light conditions.
Researchers found corvid birds outperformed great apes in a cognitive task, despite having smaller brains. The study suggests neuronal density and brain structure play a key role in intelligence.
NSF-funded researchers develop computational sustainability to tackle ecological and economic problems. A new field combines computer science with environmental sciences to address challenges such as wildlife management and poverty-reduction.
Scientists have discovered a predictable trend in the evolution of bird shape among island birds, with flying birds adapting smaller flight muscles and longer legs. This adaptation is driven by relief from predators, rather than genetic divergence.
Broadbills make loud sounds with their wings to mark territory and attract females. Researchers found that it's not the outermost wing feathers but those just inside them that produce the klaxon-like sound.
A study by Durham University found that climate change is having a similar impact on common bird populations worldwide. Species favored by changing climates outperformed those disadvantaged by warming trends over a 30-year period from 1980 to 2010.
A team of international scientists has created the first 3D atlas of the dodo's skeletal anatomy, using two exceptional skeletons that have remained unstudied for over a century. The atlas provides accurate relative proportions and describes several previously unknown bones, opening new pathways for paleobiology and evolution research.