Articles tagged with Birds
A new study reveals that shorter early-life telomeres are associated with higher survival rates in black-legged kittiwakes. In contrast, larger individuals tend to have shorter telomeres, suggesting a trade-off between growth and telomere maintenance.
A global study documents the collective ecological memory of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, revealing a consistent pattern of large-bodied bird species disappearing from local environments replaced by smaller-bodied species, with average bird mass declining from 1500g to 535g over eight decades.
Researchers suggest that seabirds were used to fertilize Peru's Chincha Valley as early as 1250 CE, potentially supporting the growth of a pre-Inca society. This ancient practice could have played a significant role in the region's agricultural development.
A study found that shelterbelts in agricultural wetland landscapes reduce grassland species and wetland biodiversity, creating a trade-off for bird communities. The research suggests that agri-environmental policies must balance structural complexity with ecological needs of open-habitat species.
New research reveals that anthropogenic noise impacts bird behavior, physiology, and reproduction, highlighting the need for solutions to reduce and manage noise. By synthesizing data from over 150 studies, the study identifies predictable effects of noise pollution on birds, including increased stress hormones in urban areas.
A new study found avian malaria at 63 of 64 sites tested statewide, including areas with diverse bird communities. This suggests that many different bird species in Hawaiʻi—both native and non-native—are capable of infecting southern house mosquitoes, the primary vector of avian malaria.
The high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 has caused the death of over 50 skuas in Antarctica, marking the first documented case of wildlife mortality due to the virus on the continent. The study found that the virus was primarily affecting the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Scientists discovered a significant portion of plant diversity on Hispaniola originated from eastern Cuba, tracing back to 1.6 million-year-old bird dispersal events. The findings highlight the importance of birds as primary seed dispersers in this biodiversity hotspot, which faces extensive habitat loss.
A new study reveals that more than 7,000 adult Magellanic penguins were killed by pumas in just four years, posing a significant threat to the penguin population. The research suggests that high puma predation rates could exacerbate reproductive decline and juvenile mortality, ultimately putting the colony at risk of extinction.
The earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, had unique mouth features such as oral papillae, tongue bones, and bill-tip organs. These structures suggest that early birds evolved specialized ways to find and digest food efficiently, which is key to flight. The discovery provides new criteria for identifying dinosaur fossils as birds.
A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...
The new tool offers a comprehensive phylogenetic dataset that syncs with current taxonomy, allowing users to trace any bird's lineage and explore major evolutionary milestones. Birders can also visualize their eBird life list in context of bird orders, families, and genera.
A team of researchers led by Academy Professor Otso Ovaskainen has developed a prediction model that utilizes citizen bird observations alongside cutting-edge information technology. The new model provides the most accurate predictions yet of bird movements and singing activity, enabling anyone to participate in research.
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
A decade-long study found that Antarctic penguin species are adapting to a changing environment by advancing their breeding seasons. Gentoo penguins showed the greatest change, with an average advance of 13 days per decade, making them vulnerable to declining food availability and ecosystem collapse.
Dr. Bryce W. Robinson has won the 2025 AOS Wesley Lanyon Award for his review paper on plumage polymorphism in raptors, published in Ornithology. The award recognizes his synthesis of existing literature and articulation of hypotheses to uncover previously obscure patterns.
Researchers found that male nightingales precisely match pitch, but also adjust note length to achieve a trade-off strategy. They exhibit flexibility in how closely they match pitch versus duration depending on the combination heard. This ability requires rapid processing and neural flexibility.
Researchers developed a tool to predict when deadly salmonella outbreaks are likely to happen in wild songbird populations, allowing people to protect their feathered friends. The system is based on climate patterns, tree cone production, and avian migrations.
The Chinese hwamei, an invasive alien bird species, has expanded into Japan's mountainous regions, including alpine zones. The study found that it breeds in these areas during the summer and migrates to lower elevations in winter.
Conservation organizations are using eBird data to select priority species, manage habitat for waterfowl, identify important bird areas, and monitor populations at regional scales. The study demonstrates how eBird data products help fill critical information gaps and support conservation planning across many Joint Ventures.
During the pandemic closure, UCLA's urban junco bills evolved to resemble those of mountain juncos, as they had less human-provided food. Once campus life returned, the bills reverted to their previous shape. This finding demonstrates how quickly traits can evolve under changing selective pressures.
Researchers found thousands of hutia fossils in a Caribbean cave, including nests made from compacted soil and coated with a waxy substance. The discovery provides evidence of the presence of bees in the area thousands of years ago, challenging initial findings on wasp nests.
Scientists at Lund University have tracked migratory red-backed shrikes using new data loggers, showing precise schedules and minimal variation between individuals. The study provides insight into genetics influencing small bird migrations across continents.
A new study found that wood warblers have borrowed color-related genes from neighboring species, leading to the evolution of diverse plumage colors. This gene exchange, known as introgression, occurred across multiple genera and is believed to have played a role in the group's rapid diversification.
A new study found that 63% of bird species in four large European mountain ranges have shifted uphill in the past two decades, with an average movement of half a metre per year. This trend is driven by broader climatic trends and is observed in regions such as Scandinavia and the Alps.
Researchers found that male green hermit hummingbirds' bills are straighter (3%) and sharper (69%) than females', allowing for more efficient energy expenditure and stress resistance during fights. These differences were driven by the birds' tendency to fight for mates, rather than solely by ecological factors.
A new study found that insectivorous birds in the Eastern Himalayas are declining in survival rates and body mass due to changes in forest microclimates after selective logging. The team suggests conserving primary forests and creating shade covers or supplementing water sources to support vulnerable species.
A new global study found a correlation between a species' aesthetic value and its likelihood of being traded, particularly in live markets. The study highlights the troubling pattern that people's preference for visual beauty may unintentionally increase conservation risks for certain species.
Researchers discovered that woodpeckers brace their head, neck, abdomen, and tail muscles to hold their bodies rigid while pounding on wood. The birds synchronize their breathing with each impact, like ace tennis stars grunting noisily to stabilize core muscles.
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
Researchers used hydrogen isotope analysis to track the origins of six American warbler species. The study found that vagrants originated from western parts of their breeding ranges, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings provide new insights into bird migration mechanisms and range expansion.
Researchers found that zebra finches categorize calls into about a dozen call-types, similar to how humans hear and group them. The birds' ability to distinguish between calls with similar meaning suggests they have a mental representation of the meaning behind these vocalizations.
A new study published in Nature Conservation assesses the threat status of bird species from Vietnam, revealing critical conservation needs. The study highlights areas for improved protection and calls for integration of expanded ex situ conservation efforts.
A study has identified priority areas to reduce macaw deaths from electrocution in Brazil. Modifying 10% of high-risk poles could prevent 80% of these deaths, according to the research.
A 30-year study in southern Sweden finds that rising spring temperatures have doubled the incidence of avian malaria, with a specific period from May 9 to June 24 being particularly critical. The researchers believe that warmer years trigger blood-sucking insects to seek out nests, allowing parasites to thrive and spread disease.
Under climate change scenarios, backyard birders in South Africa can still appreciate diverse bird species, but declining biodiversity and climate change may reduce birding opportunities in protected public parks. The study found that cultural ecosystem services, like birding, have non-market value and are essential to human well-being.
Researchers have discovered a tiny foot bone in New Zealand that belongs to an extinct bird species with potentially unique courtship behaviors. The St Bathans bowerbird, found to be smaller than living species, has been given the name Aevipertidus gracilis.
A global study has discovered that birds' fear of novelty is strongly linked to their dietary specialization and migratory behavior. The research found that species with narrower diets and those that migrate may exhibit higher levels of neophobia, or fear of new things.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that young European great tits learn essential life skills from their older siblings and non-parental adults, rather than primarily from their parents. This suggests an alternative pathway to cultural inheritance and highlights the importance of sibling relationships in shaping bi...
A new study from Lund University maps the hidden highways of the sky, revealing how environmental factors and species interaction affect animal distribution in the aerial habitat. The research highlights the importance of understanding the air as a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to preserve flying animals.
Researchers found over 20 bird species across four continents produce nearly identical whining calls when spotting parasites, suggesting a shared learned response.
Recent studies using portable nanopore sequencing technologies document and sequence Amazonian wildlife, increasing representation of Peruvian species in global genetic libraries. This initiative empowers conservationists to generate their own data, making informed decisions to combat species extinction.
Scientists successfully derive and maintain self-renewing and pluripotent ESCs from chickens and seven other bird species using a growing medium of egg yolk. The study holds promise for applications in studying embryonic development, producing lab-grown poultry, and reviving endangered birds.
The BIRDBASE dataset covers 78 ecological traits across 11,589 bird species, revealing that 54% are insectivores, with many tropical forest species under pressure. Fruit-eating birds disperse seeds in tropical forests, and fish-eating seabirds face elevated extinction risk.
A new research paper from Colorado State University finds that precipitation levels are the key environmental factor influencing genetic variation in the warbler's beak, which is crucial for heat retention. The study reveals that birds struggling to adapt to climate change experience higher stress levels and population declines.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a unique hybrid bird that combines characteristics of green and blue jays, sparking insights into the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The finding sheds light on how changes in weather patterns can lead to unexpected species interactions.
A new study analyzes over 31 million bird observations from eBird to show regional variation in bird responses to fire, revealing nuanced impacts on bird populations. The results can inform refined fire management techniques to support biodiversity and bird conservation.
A recent study on Block Island's bird populations found that 18 species have stabilized or recovered since the 1970s and 1980s. Despite a decline in overall North American bird numbers, these findings suggest environmental conditions are adequately supporting smaller current populations.
A video study of wild spectral bats reveals social greetings, food provision, and cooperative foraging behaviors. The bats were found to exhibit gentle and cooperative behavior, recognizing researchers and forming tight cuddle-balls while roosting.
A new study sheds light on how river birds adapt their communication depending on social and environmental cues. White-throated dippers use visual signals, such as blinking bright white eyelids, to convey messages when noise levels are high.
Researchers discovered seabirds, like streaked shearwaters, drop feces every 4-10 minutes while flying to avoid fouling feathers and attracting predators. This unique habit may help the birds stay clean and fertilize the ocean below with nutrient-rich droppings.
A new, extinct shelduck species discovered on the Rēkohu Chatham Islands evolved shorter wings and longer leg bones due to its environment. The study found that flying was not energetically efficient in this context, leading to the adoption of more robust leg bones for support.
The 66th Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds includes significant updates to bird species classification, including new species splits for Myiarchus nuttingi, Vireo gilvus, and Larus argentatus. These changes reflect detailed analysis of sound recordings and other data.
A study found that the red-headed wood pigeon's unique genetic history, shaped by centuries of gradual inbreeding, enabled its population to survive and rebound dramatically. The team's analysis revealed lower levels of highly deleterious mutations in the endangered species compared to the more widespread Japanese wood pigeon.
Researchers found that cockatoos display a wide repertoire of dance moves, with at least 10 out of 21 species exhibiting this behavior. The study reveals that dancing may have originated as courtship behavior redirected towards owners, and playing music to parrots could improve their welfare.
Researchers captured unique footage of Indian Ocean seabirds catching flying fish in mid-air using lightweight cameras. The study showed that these birds exploit windy conditions to conserve energy while hunting, suggesting a possible adaptation to patchy food sources.
The study found that bird species richness declined on nearly all Izu Islands, resulting in a degradation of bird communities. The degradation is likely due to direct predation and reduced food resources caused by introduced Japanese weasels.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that crested serpent eagles possess a unique genetic mutation allowing them to resist the toxins of invasive cane toads. The eagle's toxin resistance is attributed to the same amino acid sequence as the Siamese red-necked keelback snake.
Wild great tits exhibit clear behaviors signalling 'divorce' long before the breeding season, according to a study by Oxford researchers. The team used data from the Wytham Woods great tit project and found that faithful birds visited feeding stations with their partners more often than those that went on to divorce.
Researchers conducted the world's biggest bird survey in Colombia, recording 971 species and finding that clearing rainforest for cattle pasture causes a 60% greater biodiversity loss than previously thought. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the larger-scale impact of deforestation on biodiversity.