Modern Birds
Articles tagged with Modern Birds
Dinosaur dental fossils reveal bird-like parental care bonds
Sunbirds suck their nectar, in dramatic contrast to hummingbirds, which sop it up
A new study reveals that sunbirds employ tongue suction to slurp nectar, a novel mechanism in vertebrates. This finding highlights the power of convergent evolution, where different species adapt to similar ecological challenges in distinct ways.
Young birds learn life skills from their older siblings and flock mates
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...
Research reveals female birdsong may be helpful in finding ‘good dads’
Research by University of the Pacific Professor Karan Odom reveals female songbirds are more likely to sing in stable tropical environments with shared parenting responsibilities. The study identifies male parental care as a key factor driving the evolution of female song, suggesting females use song to attract good dads.
More than just larks and owls!
Researchers used AI to analyze bird songs and calls of 53 European forest bird species, revealing far more activity types than previously thought. The study showed that some species are active around dawn and twilight, and their song patterns need adjustment for breeding bird surveys.
For the first time, all avian evolutionary relationships revealed
Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have created a complete evolutionary tree of bird species by combining data on 9,239 species. The resulting database can be easily shared and updated as new studies are published.
Foraging on the wing: How can ecologically similar birds live together?
Researchers found that foraging behaviors, physical characteristics, and diet are more nuanced than previously thought. The birds partition their habitat by foraging in different areas of the tree, but diet differences are minor.
Unveiling the potential of Japanese bird banding data for avian movement research
Researchers highlight the underuse of Japanese bird banding data in avian movement research, revealing gaps in our understanding of East Asian migratory birds. The study proposes improving data accessibility and integrating traditional methods with modern tracking technologies to advance conservation efforts.
How big brains and flexible skulls led to the evolution of modern birds
Research from the University of Chicago and University of Missouri reveals how modern birds' larger brains led to changes in their skulls, jaw muscles, and feeding mechanics. This evolution allowed for the development of cranial kinesis, enabling birds to move different parts of their skull independently.
China Jurassic fossil discovery sheds light on bird origin
A new study has discovered two Jurassic-era bird fossils in China, shedding light on the early evolutionary history of birds. The fossils, including Baminornis zhenghensis, exhibit characteristics that highlight the role of mosaic evolution in bird development.
ChatGPT for birdsong may shed light on how language is wired in the human brain
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to analyze bird songs, revealing context dependence and underlying neurobiology. The study suggests that auditory feedback plays a key role in creating context dependence, and may hold insights into the neural mechanisms of human language.
Rare bird skull from the age of dinosaurs helps illuminate avian evolution
A new study describes a nearly complete bird skull from Antarctica, revealing insights into the early evolution of today's birds and avian diversity. The skull belongs to Vegavis iaai, an extinct duck-like bird that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Cretaceous fossil from Antarctica reveals earliest modern bird
A nearly complete 69-million-year-old skull from the Cretaceous Period has provided new insights into the evolutionary history of modern birds. The fossil, Vegavis iaai, exhibits traits consistent with those of waterfowl and is now considered one of the earliest known members of this group.
Cretaceous chewing lice eggs provide insight into early coevolution with early bird hosts
A new study reveals fossilized chewing lice eggs in mid-Cretaceous amber, associated with enantiornithine feathers. The discovery provides insight into early coevolution between bird hosts and ectoparasites, shedding light on the origins of modern lice.
Island biodiversity rides on the wings of birds
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that bird wing shape is a key factor shaping biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide. The study revealed how birds' dispersal abilities influence the number of species found on islands, with low-dispersal birds leading to steep species-area relationships.
Bird brain from the age of dinosaurs reveals roots of avian intelligence
Researchers have discovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil bird from the Mesozoic Era, which has been digitally reconstructed to reveal its brain structure. The discovery, named Navaornis hestiae, fills a 70-million-year gap in our understanding of how birds evolved and provides insights into their cognitive abilities.
Fossil of huge terror bird offers new information about wildlife in South America 12 million years ago
A fossilized leg bone of a massive terror bird, found in Colombia, provides new information about the region's wildlife during the Miocene epoch. The discovery suggests that this bird species was relatively uncommon among other animals in the area.
More resources needed to protect birds in Germany
Researchers found that while protected areas show promise for some bird species, many others suffer from limited effectiveness. The study used citizen science platforms to analyze data from over 90 million records and identified a need for better staffing and funding to support endangered species.
Newly discovered Late Cretaceous birds may have carried heavy prey like extant raptors
Fossilized enantiornithine birds from the Hell Creek Formation exhibit powerful leg muscles and feet adapted for carrying heavy prey, similar to modern raptorial birds. These discoveries expand our understanding of Late Cretaceous bird diversity and evolution.
Predatory birds from the same fossil formation as SUE the T. rex
Scientists discovered two new species of predatory birds in the Hell Creek Formation, which lived alongside dinosaurs like T. rex 68 million years ago. The fossils indicate that these birds could have hunted small mammals and baby dinosaurs using their powerful foot bones.
Highly-sensitive beaks could help albatrosses and penguins find their food
Researchers discovered that seabirds like albatrosses and penguins have sensory receptors and nerves in their beaks that could aid in finding food. This ability might enable the birds to detect tiny vibrations from potential prey, potentially helping conserve these critically endangered species.
Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores, study finds
A University of Arizona study has found a consistent pattern: Animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores. This relationship holds true across major land vertebrate groups, and is linked to the unique digestive challenges posed by plant-based diets.
The ancestor of all modern birds probably had iridescent feathers
Researchers used a family tree of 9,409 bird species to explore the spread of color across the globe. They found that iridescence originated outside of the tropics and in most cases arose 415 times across the bird tree of life, suggesting the common ancestor of all modern birds likely had iridescent feathers too.
Bringing back an ancient bird
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully sequenced the genome of the extinct little bush moa, providing new genetic evidence about its sensory biology. The study sheds light on how and why some birds evolved to become flightless, offering clues for future de-extinction efforts.
Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint
Studies led by the University of Texas at Austin researchers found that bird song and human voice share a common genetic link, with the syrinx and larynx having similar developmental programming. This discovery highlights the shared ancestry between birds and humans in terms of vocal organ structure.
Tree of life for modern birds revealed
A team of scientists has reconstructed the bird family tree using genomic data from over 360 species and nearly 200 fossilized birds. The study found that most modern bird groups appeared within a small evolutionary window, supporting the idea that birds thrived after dinosaurs went extinct.
A new family tree revises our understanding of bird evolution
A new genomic study reconstructed bird evolution using full genome data from 363 species, challenging traditional views on avian relationships. The updated tree resolves debates over Neoaves classification, including the emergence of Elementaves, a diverse group with remarkable ecological niches.
Fossil named “Attenborough’s strange bird” was the first in its kind without teeth
A new species of fossil bird, named Imparavis attenboroughi, has been discovered in northeastern China and is the first of its kind to evolve toothlessness. The bird's unique wing bones suggest it may have had strong wing beats and could have foraged on both trees and ground.
The hidden rule for flight feathers—and how it could reveal which dinosaurs could fly
Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.
Unknown animals were leaving bird-like footprints in Late Triassic Southern Africa
Researchers discovered ancient bird-like footprints in Southern Africa that date back over 210 million years, 60 million years before the earliest known bird fossil. The tracks were found at multiple sites and show a mix of dinosaur and bird-like characteristics.
New near-complete skeleton of a bird-like dinosaur is found in a position which suggests it slept like modern birds
A new alvarezsaurid dinosaur from Mongolia has provided insights into the sleeping behavior of non-avian dinosaurs. The discovery suggests that these ancient creatures may have slept in a similar position to modern birds.
Chinese paleontologists find new fossil link in bird evolution
A new species, Fujianvenator prodigiosus, exhibits a bizarre assembly of morphologies shared with other avialans, troodontids, and dromaeosaurids. The discovery provides insight into the early evolution of birds and their ecological adaptations.
Harnessing big data reveals birds’ coexisting tactics
Scientists at Michigan State University used big data to study bird coexistence in the Albertine Rift ecosystem. They found that birds partition their habitat use along environmental gradients and adopt different strategies to survive, allowing them to coexist without driving each other to extinction.
Fossil unveils leaf eating among earliest birds
The fossil discovery provides the earliest known evidence of birds consuming leafy greens from flowering plants. Analysis of microscopic residues in a 120-million-year-old bird skeleton reveals that Jeholornis was an herbivore, not a predator.
Fossils reveal how ancient birds molted their feathers— which could help explain why ancestors of modern birds survived when all the other dinosaurs died
Researchers studying ancient bird fossils discovered that molting, the process of shedding and regrowing feathers, was more complex than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on how ancient birds, including those that survived the mass extinction event, developed this crucial survival strategy.
How to cool your brain? These warm-blooded animals use their nose
Researchers found that endotherms have well-developed turbinates and larger nasal cavities than ectotherms, helping to cool their brains. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of nasal cooling in warm-blooded animals from their theropod dinosaur ancestors.
Analysis of dinosaur eggshells: bird-like Troodon laid 4 to 6 eggs in a communal nest
A research team from Germany, Austria, Canada, and the USA analyzed Troodon eggshells using a new method, revealing that they were produced at temperatures of 42°C and 30°C. The findings suggest that Troodon females laid eggs in communal nests, similar to modern ostriches.
Hummingbirds use torpor in varying ways to survive cold temps
Researchers found that hummingbirds can enter into deep or shallow torpor, and their ability to do so is tied to their evolutionary conquest of mountain habitats. Torpor duration varies depending on ambient temperature and physical condition.
Eggshells of large, flightless birds evolved along different tracks
A new study analyzes the microstructure of eggshells from living and extinct flightless birds, shedding light on their evolutionary history. The research finds that wedge-like microstructures in rhea eggs evolved from ancient ancestors, while prism-like structures in ostrich and tinamous eggs likely developed independently.
Researchers uncover 92 fossil nests belonging to some of India’s largest dinosaurs
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals the discovery of 92 fossilized egg nests belonging to titanosaurs, some of India's largest dinosaurs. The finds provide insights into the reproductive habits and nesting behaviors of these prehistoric creatures, shedding light on their lives shortly before they went extinct.
Fossils reveal dinosaurs of prehistoric Patagonia
A study in Patagonia has uncovered fossils of theropod dinosaurs, including megaraptors with large sickle-like claws, and bird species from two distinct groups. These finds shed light on the diversity of ancient life in Patagonia before the mass extinction event.
Diving birds are more prone to extinction, says new study
A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.
Chinese fossil shows modern bird skull evolved from a mixture of dinosaur and bird features
A 120-million-year-old bird fossil called Yuanchuavis kompsosoura reveals a mosaic of dinosaurian and bird traits, including a feathered body with wings, a toothed mouth, and an immovable dinosaurian palate. The study provides clues about the origin of cranial kinesis, a fundamental feature of modern bird skulls.
Fossil overturns more than a century of knowledge about the origin of modern birds
A new species of ancient bird, Janavis finalidens, has been found with a mobile beak, challenging the long-held assumption that modern birds evolved from a 'ancient jaw' group. The fossil shows a fused palate bone, similar to those of ostriches and their relatives.
Old bone links lost American parrot to ancient Indigenous bird trade
Research by a University of Texas at Austin doctoral candidate reveals that some American parrot remains may have been captured locally rather than imported from Mexico. The study suggests that the ecology of the past can be different from today's, and natural history collections are essential for research.
Fossil bird’s skull reconstruction reveals a brain made for smelling and eyes made for daylight
Researchers digitally reconstructed a Jeholornis skull, shedding light on its vision and sense of smell. The study found that Jeholornis had a larger olfactory bulb than modern birds, suggesting it relied heavily on its sense of smell.
These female hummingbirds evolved to look like males — apparently to evade aggression
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.
The shape of things to come: tropical birds are changing because of us
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.
New fossil birds discovered near China's Great Wall – one had a movable, sensitive 'chin'
Researchers identified two new species of ancient bird fossils found in northwestern China. One species, Brevidentavis zhangi, had small peg-like teeth and a movable bony appendage at the tip of its lower jaw that may have helped it root for food.
Rare dinosaur embryo exquisitely preserved inside the egg suggests bird-like pre-hatching posture
A rare dinosaur embryo discovered in southern China exhibits a bird-like posture before hatching, suggesting that oviraptorosaurs may have developed avian-like postures late in their incubation. This finding challenges current understanding of non-avian theropod behavior and opens up new avenues for research.
Exquisitely preserved embryo found inside fossilized dinosaur egg
A 72-66-million-year-old dinosaur embryo discovered in a fossilized egg is found to have a bird-like posture, similar to modern bird embryos. The discovery suggests that these postures may be an evolutionary precursor to the tucking behavior seen in modern birds.
Bird with tall, sickle-shaped beak reveals hidden diversity during the age of dinosaurs
A newly discovered bird fossil, Falcatakely, sheds light on the evolution of complex anatomy and provides new perspectives on bird facial structure. The species boasts a unique, scythe-like beak shape and is part of an extinct group known as Enantiornithes.
Studying pterosaurs and other fossil flyers to better engineer manmade flight
Researchers study pterosaur fossils to understand their wing anatomy and flight capabilities, revealing novel tactics for bioinspired flight technology. By analyzing the morphology and predicted flight mechanics of these ancient creatures, scientists may be able to overcome hurdles still hindering man-made flight.
'Wonderchicken' fossil from the age of dinosaurs reveals origin of modern birds
The discovery of a nearly complete 66.7-million-year-old bird skull, nicknamed the Wonderchicken, provides direct insight into the early evolution of modern birds. The fossil, found in Europe, combines features common to chicken- and duck-like birds, suggesting it is close to the last common ancestor of modern chickens and ducks.
Filter-feeding pterosaurs were the flamingos of the Late Jurassic
A recent study from Uppsala University and Polish Academy of Sciences describes the contents of three Jurassic pterosaur coprolites, revealing a diet rich in foraminifera, small shells, and polychaete worms. The findings suggest that these Late Jurassic pterosaurs were filter feeders, similar to modern flamingos.
Most complete enantiornithine bird fossil from North America
The newly described fossil, Mirarce eatoni, is the most complete enantiornithine bird skeleton found in North America, providing insights into the evolution of flight. Its unique features, including quill knobs and a deeper keel on its sternum, indicate that it was a strong flier.
Rare fossil bird deepens mystery of avian extinctions
A newly discovered fossil from a 75-million-year-old bird reveals that enantiornithines were as advanced as modern birds in terms of flight. The fossil's unique features, including a deeper keeled breast bone and V-shaped wishbone, suggest a stronger and more agile wing structure.
Original dinosaur claw sheath proteins preserved for 75 million years
A 75-million-year-old Mongolian oviraptor fossil preserved the original keratinous claw sheath that covered its digits. The study adds to evidence that organic materials can preserve over time, revealing details about how proteins might be preserved.
Queen's researcher examines the evolution of flight
A Queen's University researcher has challenged traditional explanations for the origin of birds' flight. His findings suggest that wings may have initially served signaling or sexual selection purposes rather than flying.