Articles tagged with Birds
A new study finds the Red-billed Leiothrix, a small songbird native to subtropical Asia, has become an invasive non-native species in Britain. The species' potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is being highlighted by researchers, who note that it could cause significant changes if widely established.
A new study reveals that birds lost the ability to digest trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide found in common food sources, likely due to evolutionary divergence from their common ancestor. This loss has significant ecological implications, including reduced access to energy-rich foods and potential adaptations by other species.
A Washington State University research team developed a system using cameras and small drones to detect and deter pest birds. The system successfully reduced bird counts by four-fold in vineyards, resulting in a 50% reduction in damaged fruits. Further refinement and industry partnerships are needed for commercialization.
A team of researchers has identified the ancient bird species behind giant prehistoric eggs in Australia, resolving a years-long debate. The study found that the eggs belonged to a unique duck-like line of megafauna known as the 'Demon Ducks of Doom', which was laid by the Genyornis newtoni bird.
Researchers found that birds infected with lipopolysaccharide from bacteria reduced their body temperature by 2°C to conserve energy. In contrast, chicks fed and warm did develop fever. The study suggests that regulated hypothermia is an energy-saving response during severe infection, prioritized over maintaining a fever.
A team of researchers found that jackdaws use a form of 'consensus decision-making' to decide when to leave their roosts en masse. By combining recorded calls with tests in which pre-recorded calls were played, the team discovered that birds effectively 'cast a vote' through calling out to reach a consensus.
A team of ornithologists revised a Romanian museum collection, uncovering rare species and updated taxonomy. The study provides valuable information on the status of avifauna in the Carpathian basin during the 19th and 20th centuries.
A study reveals that wild duck, gull, goose, and poultry species play a crucial role in the global spread of bird flu. Ecological divergence among these species contributes to spillover events.
The study found that breeding output collapsed due to increased maximum air temperature, with no successful breeding attempts above a threshold temperature of 35.7°C. The researchers predict that the yellow-billed hornbill could be extirpated from its range as soon as 2027.
In Chinese penduline tits, egg burial is primarily done to prevent eggs from rolling out of the nest in strong winds, a function that may have evolved in ancient species of the genus. This study found that 45% of eggs in experimental nests showed signs of being blown out, highlighting the importance of egg burial in these birds.
A recent study found that boosting the pink pigeon's numbers is not sufficient to prevent its extinction in the future. The species has a high genetic load of bad mutations, which puts it at risk of collapse if conservation efforts do not continue.
Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.
A recent study reveals that approximately 48% of existing bird species worldwide are undergoing population declines, with only 6% showing increasing trends. The study identifies key threats including natural habitat loss, direct overexploitation and climate change.
The article examines the avian literary motif in the Standard Babylonian Gilgameš Epic, exploring its cultural significance and literary devices. Bird calls are linked to deities and assign specific sounds to each bird, with some foreshadowing events like Enkidu's transgressions against the gods.
Researchers found a correlation between Parkinson's gene alpha-synuclein and vocal production in zebra finches. The study suggests that this link could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments for Parkinson's patients.
Researchers created a warbler distribution map to identify areas important for conservation, indicating places where habitat improvement and restoration can benefit the species. The model suggests promoting woodlands with high tree canopy cover, 60–80% Ashe juniper composition, and tree heights over 3 meters.
A new study by Oregon State University finds that bird species in eastern Canada are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss caused by forestry activities. The researchers estimate that between 33 and 104 million birds were lost due to forest degradation over 35 years.
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that crows and ravens' diverse traits enabled their rapid global expansion. Their intelligence allowed them to adapt to new environments, while their big bodies gave them a competitive advantage.
A recent study found that four Alpine bird species will undergo a range contraction towards higher elevations in response to climate change. The analysis predicted that ~15,000 km² of areas will remain suitable for at least three species in the future, with 44% currently designated as protected areas.
The Bird Language Diversity app provides a 'birds eye view' of vital information on bird species globally. Researchers found that 1587 species have 10 languages or more spoken within their distributions, highlighting the importance of overcoming language barriers for effective conservation measures.
Researchers developed nationwide maps of bird species to aid conservation efforts, providing fine-resolution data for individual counties or forests. The maps predict bird diversity based on traits such as nesting habits and environmental factors like forest cover and temperature.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A study of isotopes found in bird samples reveals long-term patterns in the short-tailed albatross' foraging behaviour, which disappeared after hunting. The research suggests this hyper-specialised foraging could re-emerge as populations recover, highlighting the need for close monitoring.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...
A genome-based study reveals how Amazonian rivers contribute to bird biodiversity by isolating populations and sparking speciation. The research highlights previously unknown species at risk of extinction due to dynamic river systems.
Research by the University of Bath found that weaver birds eating seeds live in colonies and have polygamous breeding, while those eating insects are solitary and monogamous. The study statistically supports an ecological hypothesis on social behavior first proposed 58 years ago.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
A study found that light pollution levels are increasing in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Southeastern US, Mexico, and Central America, threatening nocturnal migrating bird populations. The authors suggest reversing light pollution trends to save a substantial number of migrating birds.
A study led by Max Planck researchers found that parrots with large relative brain sizes have longer lifespans, averaging up to 30 years. This suggests that increased cognitive ability may help parrots navigate threats and enjoy longer lives.
Researchers used AI to detect dialects in zebra finch songs, showing they play a key role in mate choice. Females prefer males who sing the same dialect as their parents, indicating cultural trait importance over physical appearance.
A fossilized owl skeleton has been discovered in China's Tibetan Plateau, showcasing an extinct species that was active during the day. The study reveals that this ancient owl, Miosurnia diurna, was part of a group of owls that evolved to be diurnal.
A study using century-old museum collections and modern data shows that about a third of bird species in Chicago are laying eggs nearly a month earlier than they did a hundred years ago. Climate change is believed to be the main culprit behind this shift, with rising temperatures affecting nesting habits.
A new study found that re-wetting drained peatlands can support bird diversity and sustainable oil palm farming without affecting yields. The research suggests restoring peatlands can conserve biodiversity and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
Researchers found that voles in Inner Mongolia, China, trim tall grasses when shrikes are nearby, decreasing predation risk. The voles' behavior is an example of ecosystem engineering, where they modify their environment to improve survival.
A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.
Researchers tested the learning abilities of California scrub-jays and Mexican jays using a novel food puzzle. Contrary to expectations, both species showed similar abilities to learn, with Mexican jays relying more on social learning and scrub-jays on individual problem-solving.
A new study reveals that global warming is responsible for half of the changes in key physical and behavioral traits of European birds since the 1960s. Non-climate environmental factors also contribute to these changes, with their effects often compounding those of climate change.
A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.
A comprehensive analysis of 1,800 bird species found that adult sex ratios are the main driving force behind differences in sex roles. Climate, life histories, and social environment were not significant factors. The study provides new insights into the evolution of sex roles in birds.
A study published in Ibis used machine learning to predict population trends of 801 bird species worldwide, estimating nearly half are declining. Fragmented populations, particularly non-migratory birds in tropical forests, were found to be the top predictor of population declines globally.
A new analysis has identified common demographic and life history traits among species at risk of extinction. The study found that these traits contribute to patterns of vulnerability, with some species exhibiting higher extinction risks due to factors like smaller population sizes and slower reproductive rates.
A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
Researchers found that different types of ornaments in male yellowthroats are linked to the same superior genes that enhance survival of offspring. Females prefer larger-sized features such as a large black mask or large yellow 'bibs' depending on their location.
The study found that parent birds cut earthworms into smaller pieces and feed them to their nestlings, suggesting a specialized prey preparation behavior. The researchers believe this helps younger nestlings swallow food better.
Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.
Researchers found that eastern whip-poor-wills from the Midwest breed in a small area of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and east Texas before migrating to Mexico and Central America. The birds' synchronized trip south poses a danger to their population, which has declined by nearly 70% due to habitat loss and urban bird collisions.
A new study by University of Western Ontario researchers finds that fear of predators can reduce prey population growth rates over generations. The study, led by Professor Liana Zanette, demonstrates for the first time in any free-living wild animal that fear itself can halve populations in a short period.
Researchers discovered multiple levels of torpor in hummingbirds, including shallow and deep states, as well as a transition stage between normal sleep and torpor. This flexible control allows hummingbirds to conserve energy while minimizing potential costs, such as increased vulnerability to disease or predation.
Nagoya University researchers have discovered how bird brains compute time differences between sounds reaching each ear to determine their location. This process relies on the clustering of nerve junctions in specialized dendrites dedicated to low-frequency sounds.
Scientists sequenced DNA and measured Island Monarchs, revealing they settle down more readily than expected after colonizing an island. The study confirms the importance of island regions in species evolution, adding new knowledge to biogeography.
Researchers found that males keep track of the order of their songs and how often each one is sung for up to 30 minutes. This complex behavior allows them to curate both their current playlist and the next one, with variations in song order and repeats.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a new host protein interaction in chickens that triggers a strong immune response against viral infections. The discovery sheds light on the differences between bird and human immune responses to zoonotic viruses.
A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.