Research on birds and their behavior. Covers birdwatching and wellbeing, birds as pest control, birdsong, and migration.
Researchers found woodpeckers have brain regions similar to those in songbirds that control vocal learning and production. The study suggests drumming is a learned behavior with complex motor movements and adaptations for territorial defense.
Researchers create mammalian cells that synthesize a noncanonical amino acid, which can be used to make therapeutic proteins. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases.
A new study reveals that brightly colored songbirds are more likely to be traded as pets and are at a greater risk of extinction. The researchers found that certain color hues, like azure and yellow, are especially common in the trade.
Researchers found that unique coloration makes songbirds more sought after as pets, threatening their populations and the aesthetic value of nature. The study identifies nearly 500 bird species at risk due to their colors, emphasizing the need for sustainable trade regulations.
A study by MIT and WHOI scientists found that shy albatross males are more likely to divorce their mates, while bold males are more likely to stay together. This is the first study to link personality and divorce in a wild animal species.
In southern Sydney, cockatoos have developed a unique behavior of opening garbage bins to eat food waste. Humans have responded by using various inventive methods to secure the bins, sparking an 'arms race' between the two species.
Researchers found that bird neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neurons, allowing for high cognitive abilities and complex brain structures. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary advantages of birds' brains.
Research on white-necked jacobin hummingbirds found that about 20% of females retain male-like plumage into adulthood, engaging in deceptive mimicry to avoid aggression and increase access to food sources. These females' strength and body size are similar to those of males.
A study of bird survey data reveals that iconic backyard birds are experiencing declines in prevalence in urban areas, while introduced species are on the decline. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and conservation action in suburbs to protect biodiversity.
A new University of Washington study found that bird behavior was not significantly affected by the reduced human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, many birds were observed in highly developed urban areas, suggesting that green spaces may serve as important refuges for urban birds.
Researchers observed a decline in blue and yellow colouration among two blue tit populations over 15 years due to rising temperatures and falling rainfall. This change may affect mating patterns as traits like coloration serve as signals to indicate quality.
The Sixty-third Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds updates bird classifications, including meadowlark species splits, hummingbird recognitions, kite separations, and the addition of a giant-petrel. New subspecies are also recognized for some bird species, reflecting advances in genetic analysis.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that birds with higher numbers of neurons in the pallium, a brain region involved in memory and learning, are also more innovative. Longer development times in the nest may play a crucial role in the evolution of intelligence.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
A new study using 4.4 million citizen science observations found that competition from other species limits the elevation ranges of tropical mountain birds. The research suggests that when bird species overlap with each other, their ranges become smaller.
Research predicts that bird species extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. Birds with extreme features are most likely to be affected, including the largest and smallest species, as well as regions like the Himalayan mountains and south Vietnam/Cambodia.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
At least 30 out of 114 North American bird species have become less well-adjusted to their climate over the last 30 years, according to a recent study. Climate decoupling, where species distributions and abundances diverge from climate conditions, is particularly prominent among habitat specialists.
Researchers found that woodpeckers do not absorb the shock of their beak impacts with trees, which contradicts the long-held theory of shock absorption. Their smaller brains can withstand deceleration shocks exceeding the concussion threshold for humans and monkeys.
Genomic data reveals two distinct species of scrub jays: A. sumichrasti, endemic to southern Mexico, and A. texana, found only in Texas. The study's findings support the recognition of these new species based on phenotypic, behavioral, and genetic differences.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
A Baycrest study found that expert knowledge helps memorize new information by providing a mental organizational structure. Experts grouped birds based on specific features, while non-experts relied on superficial characteristics like color. This structure supports memory and may mitigate age-related decline.
Birdwatchers spent nearly $378 million in Alaska in 2016, supporting around 4,300 jobs. The industry provides a sustainable boost to the economy and incentivizes habitat conservation.
Research by Oregon State University shows that songbirds can use social information about food shortages to adapt their behavior and physiology. By receiving advance warning of declining food resources, birds can better conserve body mass and intestinal mass during times of scarcity, leading to improved survival.
Researchers found that zebra finches' short vocalizations during flight are followed by an upward movement of the calling bird, which helps other birds observe its position. The birds also use vision to coordinate horizontal position changes, such as brief shoulder checks, to avoid collisions.
A study published by Oregon State University found that evening grosbeak numbers have declined by an average of 2.6% per year over the last four decades, with a significant decrease in migration stop-over sites on campus. The decline may be related to disease, climate change, or shifts in land use, but the exact cause is still unknown.
The BirdNET app uses AI to automatically identify bird species by sound, allowing users to contribute data without expertise. Since its launch in 2018, over 2.2 million people have contributed data, successfully replicating known patterns of song dialects and mapping bird migration across continents.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that urban density has a stronger correlation with house sparrow health than other environmental factors like light pollution or noise levels. The researchers also discovered high lead levels in the birds' bodies, which could be linked to bioaccumulation from food sources.
John Kershner, a Lehigh University PhD candidate, has been awarded a Fulbright research grant to continue his work on owl-inspired aero-acoustics in Germany. He will collaborate with researchers at Brandenburg Technical University and the DLR to experimentally test these designs.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.