Articles tagged with Birds
Researchers investigating sihek health have found that female birds are at greater risk for death and disease than males. The study also highlights reproductive diseases as a major threat to the species' survival, with females succumbing to these diseases more frequently.
Research by Hokkaido University's Masayo Soma found that Java sparrows show increased swelling in their eye rings when paired with a preferred mate. This change serves as a rapid indicator of mating readiness and plays a crucial role in communication between pair-bonded birds.
A new study has identified specific genes associated with diet and brain structure in kingfishers, which are capable of diving at high speeds. The findings suggest that these birds have evolved unique traits to protect their brains from concussive forces.
Researchers analyzed over 150,000 bird nests across the U.S. and found that extreme heat diminishes reproductive success in agricultural landscapes, but forests provide shade to increase nesting success. Curtailing emissions and promoting thermal refuges are crucial for conserving birds.
A new study reveals that periodical cicada emergences have a cascading effect on forest ecosystems, shifting bird diets and leading to increased abundance of caterpillars and subsequent leaf damage. This research has implications for bird conservation and understanding the interconnectedness of complex food webs.
Researchers used AI models to analyze animal sounds in reforested areas, finding that vocalizing species communities mirror biodiversity recovery. The study suggests potential applications for monitoring biodiversity and could lead to certifications or credits for environmental projects.
Researchers from Kobe University found that birds dispersing the eggs of eaten insects' help flightless stick insects expand their geographical range. Genetic analysis revealed a correlation between geographic distance and genetic differentiation among populations.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has awarded four $15,000 Kessel Fellowships to support the research of Dr. Lucia Mentesana and three others focused on conservation, behavior, evolution, and ecology. The fellowships aim to advance ornithology globally by funding innovative projects.
A recent University of Helsinki study reveals that bird communities inside and outside protected areas are converging due to climate change, posing challenges for conservation. Southern species are accelerating community-level change, spreading northward in search of suitable climates.
A new method using big data and AI models the interactions of entire ecological communities across continents, revealing patterns of biodiversity. The collaboration between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Institute for Computational Sustainability provides vital information for conservation efforts.
In Southeast Anatolia, 11,000 years ago, early Neolithic settlers hunted a large spectrum of bird species, including small passerine birds and cranes, for meat and possibly ritual purposes. The extent of their bird-hunting activities varied between settlements, with some prioritizing certain species over others.
Researchers have extracted ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots, revealing two species were more widespread and diverse in the past. The study helps explain how parrots became the world's most endangered group of birds, with many island populations gone extinct.
New research reveals similarities between dinosaurs and birds in terms of protein composition in their feathers. Analysis of fossil feathers from Sinornithosaurus and Confuciusornis showed beta-proteins, similar to those found in modern bird feathers.
Researchers found that great-tailed grackles are expanding their range into urban and arid environments due to increased behavioral flexibility. This allows them to adapt to changing conditions and find new food sources. In contrast, boat-tailed grackles only expanded slightly northwards in response to climate change.
A new study published in Science finds that advanced vocal learners in songbirds are also superior problem solvers, with a strong correlation between the two abilities. Starlings, blue jays, and catbirds were ranked as top vocal learners, with larger brains relative to their body size found in more complex species.
A new study by Lund University reveals that disease affects blackbirds for three weeks, rather than just a day or two. The simulated bacterial infection stimulates the birds' immune system, causing them to stop their activities earlier in the evenings and have reduced daily activity periods.
The study found that rising testosterone levels trigger full song development and territorial behavior in thrush nightingales. Full songsters were never found to settle close to each other, while plastic songsters settled close to both full and plastic songsters, indicating a connection between song and territoriality.
A study found that deforestation in tropical regions destroys nesting habitats for certain bird species, limiting their reproduction. Nest boxes can provide a successful conservation strategy for these birds, particularly in agricultural lands where they are more abundant.
New research reveals that open farmlands result in up to a 60% decline in Andean bird species, with specific habitats affecting different species. Conservationists can protect birds by sparing forest fragments and maintaining shrubby habitats.
A study found that urban great tits have paler plumage than their forest-living counterparts due to inadequate carotenoid intake from city diets. Researchers suggest planting native trees and plants can help provide a healthy diet for these birds.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that artificial light at night links with lower survival for two backyard bird species, the gray catbird and house wren. The study used data from a citizen-science program to investigate how light pollution affects birds' survival rates.
A new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research found that two colonies of white-rumped vultures in Nepal demonstrated stable reproductive rates over an 11-year period. The number of occupied nests and productivity appeared to be stable, indicating a potential turning point for the critically endangered species.
A 10-year study found that golden-crowned sparrows resettled an average of just 90 feet away from the center of their previous year's range when returning to California after winter migration. The study suggests that social bonds and familiar faces help anchor the birds to specific spaces, even when resources are scarce.
A recent study reveals that illegal bird shootings are now the leading cause of death for birds found dead near power lines in the western United States. Researchers analyzed 410 carcasses collected over four years and found that 66% died from being shot, surpassing electrocution as a leading cause.
Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.
A new study found that European breeding birds have shifted their ranges by an average of 2.4km per year over the last 30 years, but these changes were not as rapid as predicted based on climate change alone. Local factors such as habitat availability and population connectivity played a key role in determining range shifts.
Scientists will use AI-powered monitoring stations to track species populations and assess the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes in improving biodiversity. The study aims to demonstrate how different farming systems and practices affect species populations, providing crucial evidence for sustainable land management policies.
Researchers tracked eastern wild turkey nesting in five southern U.S. states over eight years, finding slight changes in nest timing linked to temperature and rainfall. However, these shifts were minimal and less than three hours, suggesting turkeys may be inflexible in their reproductive activities.
A meta-analysis reveals that birds generally have a net benefit on production for some crops by controlling pests. Non-lethal measures to deter birds are effective in reducing crop losses. The study found that around 10% of bird species consume crops, with 65% showing a positive effect on woody crop yield.
A study by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology found that great tits are struggling to adapt their breeding timing to cope with climate change, leading to a decline in population numbers. The researchers used innovative methods to speed up evolution and predict the impact of climate change on natural selection.
Researchers found no conclusive evidence of bird-honey badger cooperation in accessing honey from African bees' nests. Despite anecdotal reports, most communities surveyed denied seeing the two species interact, with only three communities in Tanzania reporting sightings.
Researchers found that precise repetition of song notes is key to attracting a female mate, while changing songs prevents habituation. A balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong may resolve the paradox of variability in singing styles.
A 225-million-year-old Brazilian fossil provides the oldest evidence of air sacs in dinosaurs, which enabled these creatures to grow into giants. The discovery sheds light on how these structures evolved over time, contradicting previous assumptions about their development.
Great tits in urban environments have lower levels of stress hormone corticosterone than those living in woodland habitats. The high cognitive capacity of the great tit allows it to adapt well to human environments, reducing stress levels.
A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.
A recent study published in Scientific Data reveals that Finland's most visually appealing bird species are colourful birds, with large birds of prey also ranking high. The top 10 most attractive species include the snowy owl and kingfisher, which receive high scores on a visual aesthetic attractiveness scale.
Researchers discovered that the early avian bauplan was shaped by natural selection driven by powered flight, with forelimb evolution constrained to basic 'blueprint' needed for flight. The study found avialan-like limb proportions established earlier in forelimbs than hindlimbs in theropod history.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Virginia Tech are teaming up with three ornithological societies to create widespread cultural change and increased inclusivity within the field of ornithology. The project aims to design affinity groups that will facilitate transformative resilience among historically marginalize...
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
A study reveals that birds in multispecies flocks from Southeast Asia converge on similar appearances, blurring species distinctions. This phenomenon may contribute to diversity by allowing birds to adapt and evolve distinct traits within a species.
The American Ornithological Society has honored outstanding contributions to the scientific study and conservation of birds with its 2023 award winners. The recipients represent collaborative work in research, conservation, publications, and service, exemplifying dedication to fostering the next generation of ornithologists.
The new CALANGO software helps untangle genetic factors associated with shared characteristics, such as antibacterial resistance and agricultural improvements. It enables scientists to explore vast amounts of genomic data across thousands of organisms.
Researchers found that black and turkey vultures ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover and higher densities of commercial food providers. They may eat plastic thinking it's nutritious bone fragments or intentionally to collect bulk for vomiting up indigestible parts of carrion.
Scientists have discovered how sandgrouse hold water in their feathers, enabling males to fly long distances and retain enough water for chicks. The unique feather structure uses capillary action to absorb and retain water.
A new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that environmental impact assessments often fail to account for species movement between sites, leading to underestimated impacts on wildlife. The research highlights a planned airport development in Portugal that could affect over 10 times the number of Black-tailed Godwits estimated by...
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a bio-inspired model that simulates variable stiffness flaps on an airfoil to improve lift. The study used reinforcement learning to optimize the stiffness levels, resulting in significant improvements compared to traditional single-stiffness models.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
A new study highlights the importance of grassroots data collection in reducing bird-window collisions, which kill an estimated 365 million to nearly one billion birds annually. The study emphasizes the need for better data collection methods and increased funding to support citizen science efforts.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that more social bird species tend to be weaker competitors. However, when present in groups, these species exhibit increased competitiveness and displace less social birds from feeders.
Researchers discovered that woodcock tail feathers reflect up to 55% of light, 30% more than any other bird feather, due to their unique structure and arrangement. This enhanced reflectance allows them to attract attention in dimly lit environments.
Scientists discovered a Pink-throated Brilliant hummingbird with gold throat feathers, which is actually a hybrid of two pink-throated species. The hybrid's unique coloration is explained by the complex interaction of genetic and structural factors that determine feather colors.
Assistant Professor Samik Bhattacharya is studying bird wing morphing to engineer stable solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles and micro air vehicles. His research could lead to improved control during airflow disturbances, reducing anxiety for pilots.
A new study reveals that climate change and urbanization have dramatically impacted bird populations in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. In L.A., more than one-third of bird species have declined over the past century, while the Central Valley saw a mix of winners and losers. The study used current and historical bird surveys to ana...
The European Northern Bald Ibis population is well on its way to self-sustainability, thanks to a successful reintroduction project that began over 20 years ago. With good survival and reproduction rates, the population has demonstrated positive future survival probabilities, even in the face of catastrophes.
A long-term study from Lund University in Sweden found that native trees are preferred by urban birds due to their availability of resources. Non-native trees lack an evolutionary history with the local ecosystem and have fewer insects, leading to a shortage of food for insectivorous birds.
A new study from Cornell University found that enjoying nature close to home is associated with improved mental well-being during the COVID pandemic. The research suggests that even short periods of time spent in nature can have beneficial effects on emotional and mental health.
In a controlled experiment, researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos recognize when multiple tools are required to extract seeds from a fruit. The birds were able to adapt their tool use depending on the situation and transport the tools as a set on an as-needed basis.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that the Bahama Warbler may only survive on Abaco island after Hurricane Dorian devastated its forest habitat on Grand Bahama. The study, published in Bird Conservation International, reveals that the bird prefers areas with taller, more mature trees and can adapt to burnt vegetation.