Articles tagged with Wild Birds
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
A Cornell University study used a computer model to predict the transmission of bird flu to backyard poultry when migratory mallards stop to rest. The researchers found that mallard ducks are natural carriers of avian influenza and can spread the disease to backyard poultry if they stop to rest in an area with high risk for introduction.
A new study reveals that PFAS are found in larger volumes than before, with a significant increase in the livers of wading birds. The researchers used a new method called the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay to detect these substances.
The CSIC-UNESPA scientific expedition has confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI H5N1) in all species analyzed on six islands north of the Antarctic Peninsula. The virus was detected in dead and live animals, including penguins, seals, and birds.
A new study found a positive association between moth abundance and forest bird population, particularly in the north-boreal zone. The findings highlight the importance of preserving insect populations for bird conservation efforts.
A recent study found that different birds react differently to being infected with bird flu, and microRNAs may play a key role in this variation. The researchers analyzed blood samples from ruddy turnstones and found 163 different forms of microRNA, including two unique to birds.
A study using social media to assess illegal hunting activities in Lebanon identified 212 bird species, 94% of which are protected. The scale of illegal hunting is alarming, with many species experiencing population declines.
A groundbreaking research project is exploring the unique role of kittiwakes in urban ecology, aiming to establish a governance framework that promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. The study will employ various tools, including machine learning and GIS, to assess the impacts of urban development on biodiversity.
A new study found that wind power projects in Oregon and Washington alter the structure of nesting raptor communities. Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks declined in abundance, while Great-horned Owls increased. The research emphasizes the need to consider community composition in raptor conservation.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and the Max Planck Institute have identified a single gene controlling testosterone levels in three male morphs of shore birds, also applicable to vertebrates including humans. This super enzyme (HSD17B2) rapidly breaks down testosterone, producing diverse mating behaviors.
The study highlights the importance of semi-dry forests in Nui Chua NP, which have the highest diversity and occupancy of the silver-backed chevrotain. Conservation efforts should prioritize these transitional habitats to protect this flagship species.
Researchers tracked spur-winged lapwings in urban and rural areas, finding that city-dwellers are more mobile, especially during nesting season. The study also reveals seasonal differences in exploration patterns between males and females, highlighting the complex impact of human presence on bird behavior.
A new study from UC Davis suggests that farmers can co-manage their areas for both agriculture and conservation by assessing the size of bird droppings. Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, making it unnecessary to remove habitat or implement no-harvest buffers.
Researchers analyzed over 100,000 audio recordings from around the world to understand the factors that contribute to the diversity of bird sounds. The study found that larger birds tend to call at lower frequencies, which can indicate hunting pressure in landscapes.
A significant rise in bird diversity across the Yangtze River Basin has been observed, driven by ecological restoration efforts, but challenges persist in downstream regions with wetland degradation. Targeted conservation strategies are crucial for vulnerable wetland areas to halt biodiversity decline and restore ecosystem balance.
The NIH and its partners remain focused on monitoring the H5N1 virus, which has caused sporadic infections among wild birds and poultry farms. Researchers highlight four keys to controlling the current outbreak: timely collaborations, disease surveillance, medical countermeasures, and precautions to prevent exposure.
A new study found that Kirtland's warblers have exceptionally long runs of homozygosity (ROH) indicating very recent inbreeding, while also having a high frequency of potentially damaging genetic variants. This suggests that continued management is necessary to ensure the species' survival.
A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.
Researchers discovered that hummingbird bills are surprisingly flexible and play an essential role in drawing up nectar. The bird's intricate bill movements, combined with its lapping mechanism and Poiseuille flow, make it a rare example of using both fluid collection methods.
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.
Researchers found that birds endemic to islands, lacking flight, and with large bodies and sharply angled wings were more likely to disappear first. The study analyzed 216 bird extinctions since 1500 and identified traits that correlate with extinction timing.
A long-term study found that warmer winters driven by climate change reduce the number of offspring raised annually by the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay by 25% since 1981. This is due to snakes becoming a primary nest predator in warmer weather, leading to increased reproductive effort but lower success rates.
Researchers found that migratory birds rely on magnetic inclination and declination to determine their location, even when other components of the Earth's magnetic field remain unchanged. This challenges the 'map-and-compass' system theory and suggests a more complex internal navigation system.
Research by an international team found that birds, bees, and bats working together increased macadamia nut production by up to four times, while reducing insect infestation by 40%. The effectiveness of these ecosystem services depends on altitude and natural habitats.
A study from University of Vermont researchers suggests that some bird species may be more flexible to habitat changes than previously understood, creating new opportunities for supporting populations through city planting efforts. The team found that space-for-time substitutions, a method for predicting future species counts using hab...
A 2023 avian flu outbreak in Washington state killed 56% of a large breeding colony of Caspian terns and had significant impacts on the Pacific-coast population. The virus was also transmitted to harbor seals, causing an inflammatory response in their brains.
Swallow populations infected with parasites exhibit altered movement patterns, including reduced home ranges and foraging activity. This can lead to decreased foraging success and increased mortality rates.
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.
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.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
Researchers studied an isolated population of sparrows on Lundy Island and found that older birds tend to have fewer friends, similar to humans. The study suggests that there is no 'evolutionary pressure' to maintain social connections in older age, leading to a decline in friendships.
A new study published in PLOS Biology suggests that male birds contribute less to helping their families because they prioritize scouting for new habitats and breeding opportunities. This trade-off with dispersal may explain why one sex invests more in family help than the other across various animal societies.
A new study predicts that climate change will threaten the survival of up to 2,000 resident bird species in the Neotropics by 2100. However, a more optimistic future scenario suggests that only 90 bird species will be exposed to longer dry seasons.
A recent study led by University of Wyoming scientists found that managing free-roaming horses within the Bureau of Land Management's maximum appropriate management levels would benefit sage grouse populations. Grazing by wild horses can reduce shrub density, vegetation cover, and abundance of key forbs used by sage grouse.
A new study published in Journal of Biogeography finds that malaria-like blood parasites increase in prevalence with the number of bird species present, highlighting the importance of host diversity. The research also shows that parasites can spread more rapidly when they specialize in closely related or functionally similar bird species.
In Dominica, Hurricane Maria killed most Purple-throated caribs, allowing other birds to pollinate heliconia plants. Researchers found that specialized pollination systems can become generalized after natural disturbances, showing resilience in ecosystems.
A new study found that the Kirtland's Warbler's home range and core area are linked to vegetation age and food resource distribution in the Bahamas. Conservation efforts at a landscape scale are necessary to sustain patches with sufficient food resources for this near-threatened species.
Researchers found that migrating blackbirds do not save energy in warmer climates, but instead reduce their metabolism before departure. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism used by migrants to save energy prior to migration, and suggests alternative physiological adaptations may offset the energy costs of migration.
New research using satellite technology tracks the movement of albatrosses and petrels, finding that they use sea ice-affected parts of the ocean for feeding and scavenging. The study suggests that Antarctica's shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further or alter their food patterns, affecting ecosystems.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
The kākāpō evolved two color types to avoid detection by Haast's eagle and Eyles' harrier. Genome sequencing shows olive feather coloration emerged around 1.93 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of these predators.
A study on mountain chickadees reveals that enhanced spatial learning and memory abilities are linked to longer lifespan. Birds with better cognitive skills can successfully retrieve cached food, allowing them to survive harsh environments and climate change.
Researchers led by Daniela Vallentin successfully rewired zebra finches' brains using optogenetics, expanding their vocal repertoire. The findings have implications for human aging and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and learning impairments.
Vultures, like young humans, explore new sites and socialize frequently when they're young. However, as they age from around 10 years old, they scale back on socializing and prefer to stay at the same roosting site, similar to humans who tend to stay home.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have reviewed 400 years of scientific literature to correctly classify the Dodo and its closest relative. The study confirms that both birds were members of the columbid family and challenges common misconceptions about their extinction.
New research reveals that flamingos are 'middle of the road' when it comes to preening time among waterbirds. The study found that captive flamingos actually spend less time preening compared to wild birds and other waterbird species like pelicans and gannets.
A Cornell University study reveals efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. The virus shows high tropism for the mammary gland and infectious viral loads in milk.
Researchers found that certain flu viruses can use a second entry pathway, MHC class II protein complexes, to infect human and animal cells. This ability helps the viruses infect different species and potentially jump between animals and humans.
A global database of animals with four feet has identified significant gaps in tetrapod knowledge, including biases in biodiversity data. Researchers used artificial intelligence to predict missing data and improve the accuracy of ecology, evolution, and conservation studies.
New research reveals surprising differences in songbirds' diets and gut microbiomes in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Contrary to expectations, birds growing up in radiologically contaminated habitats have a higher diversity of insects in their diet.
Researchers found that blue and great tits possess 'episodic-like' memory, recalling past experiences such as food availability, location, and timing. This ability may help the birds cope with environmental stress and fluctuation influenced by climate change.
A recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Finnish fur farms resulted in severe disease and widespread inflammation in infected animals. The virus caused significant adaptations to mammalian hosts, increasing the risk of potential human infection.
Researchers found a universal equation that approximates the frequency of wingbeats and fin strokes across different animal groups. The equation shows a proportional relationship between body mass, wing area, and wingbeat frequency, revealing a relatively constant pattern across diverse species.
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
A new Cornell University study suggests that smaller bird skeletons evolve more freely due to reduced stress on their bones. This allows for greater variability in wing proportions among small bird species.
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.
Researchers uncover how mitochondria adapt to long-distance migrations, increasing oxygen and nutrient capacity, and processing energy for high-energy flights.
A recent study found highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in 6 city birds in New York City, collected through a community involvement program. The researchers found the virus belonged to two different genotypes and highlighted the critical role urban wildlife rehabilitation centers play in viral surveillance.
Residents in the UK have complex views on the introduced ring-necked parakeet, with acceptance of urban presence but resistance in rural areas. Concerns include competition with native birds and unknown impacts on local ecosystems. The study suggests a possible generational divide in perceptions.
A study found that male baby chickens play more than females, with males engaging in social and object play. The researchers suggest that this difference may be due to the high degree of sexual dimorphism in adult junglefowl.