Articles tagged with Wild Birds
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.
Fruit eating birds play a vital role in forest ecosystems by consuming, excreting, and spreading seeds to allow trees to grow and function. The study found that highly fragmented landscapes restrict bird movement, reducing carbon recovery potential by up to 38 percent.
A new study using machine learning reveals that great gray owls congregate near human-made structures, contrary to previous assumptions. The research used artificial intelligence modeling and large datasets to identify suitable habitats for the owl, providing a more accurate representation of its distribution.
Chickadees have unique neural barcodes that represent individual memories of caching food, which are distinct from place cells that trigger location-based responses. This discovery sheds light on how episodic memories are encoded in the brain and may have implications for understanding memory formation and storage.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that Japanese tit birds use wing movements as a symbolic gesture to communicate with their mates, mirroring human-like behavior. The study found that the birds' wing-fluttering display prompted the mate to enter the nest box first, while the one who fluttered entered second.
A University of Illinois team found tropical birds can handle thermal variation, disproving the climate variability hypothesis. The study, which measured metabolic rates across a range of temperatures, suggests that birds in the Neotropics may be more resilient to warming than previously thought.
A study by researchers at the University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that migrating animals refine their behavior with age, suggesting experiential learning plays a crucial role in successful migration. As young birds explore new places during migration, they gradually adopt more direct routes, resultin...
A study found that the avian influenza virus H5N1 has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals, with nearly identical genome sequences detected in four sea lions, one fur seal, and a tern. The virus's ability to infect birds remains unchanged, while its transmission among marine mammals is concerning.
The tawny owl's pale grey plumage is linked to crucial functions aiding survival in cold environments, including energy homeostasis and fat deposition. Genetic analysis reveals a 70-100% accuracy in predicting grey coloration through specific genetic variants.
Fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time, providing a rare and unusual behavior that sheds light on their ecology. This unexpected finding may help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
Researchers found that individual Balearic shearwaters are adapting to climate change by shifting their migratory range northwards, with a speed of 25km per year. However, this flexibility comes with constraints, as the birds have further to fly back in the autumn, and the impact on breeding success and survival is still unclear.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its New York City Virus Hunters program. The program engages high school students in virus surveillance and mapping, tracking circulating avian influenza and paramyxoviruses in wild birds.