Articles tagged with Wild Birds
A study of parrot vocal learning reveals species-specific differences in mimicking human speech, with some birds using words in context. Researchers also found that age and sex are weak predictors of vocal mimicry, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for these complex communicators.
Great tits with higher glucocorticoid levels in cold weather have better heat production capabilities, increasing their survival chances.
A new report reveals that animals are key to forest recovery by carrying a wide variety of seeds into deforested areas. Animals disperse over 80% of tree species in the tropics, and their presence near old-growth forests can improve restoration efforts.
Wild geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands experience significant changes in their behavior after fireworks, including flying further and foraging more, even after the disturbances end. The effects persist for up to two weeks, with birds leaving their sleeping sites and flying hundreds of kilometers non-stop.
Great bustards prefer to eat plants with chemical compounds that kill pathogens in vitro. Corn poppies and purple viper's bugloss contain antiprotozoal and nematicidal compounds, as well as antifungal agents.
A University of Cincinnati biologist is using a novel system to track the daily care of 47 northern bobwhite quail. The system uses wireless QR scanners to record health, food, water, and behavioral enrichment, making it easier to collect detailed data on animal welfare.
Researchers used weather radar to track bird movements and found peak roosting stages shifting earlier due to warmer temperatures. This shift may lead to a shortened pre-migratory season, impacting birds' survival during migration.
Researchers have discovered that the flight patterns of birds can be used to estimate fine-scale environmental conditions and turbulence levels. The team measured bird altitude and motion using GPS and data loggers attached to pigeons, finding a correlation between the birds' behavior and turbulence strength.
The American Ornithological Society has awarded $15,000 Kessel Research Fellowships to Dr. Umesh Srinivasan and Dr. Amberleigh Henschen to support their ornithological research. Dr. Srinivasan will study the biotic and abiotic determinants of altitudinal migration in insectivorous birds, while Dr. Henschen will investigate the genetic ...
A recent study found that juvenile pied flycatchers in Europe can distinguish their own population's song dialects even at 12 days old. This ability is thought to aid in attracting mates and preventing learning other species' songs, highlighting the remarkable specificity of bird behaviors.
Researchers created iPSCs from Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, Blakiston's fish owl, and Japanese golden eagle for conservation. The cells can differentiate into various cell types, providing a valuable resource for evaluating disease risks and pollution.
Researchers found that Australian superb fairy-wrens with 'extreme exploration phenotypes' are more aggressive in the wild. The birds' personalities were measured using a shyness-boldness scale and exploration avoidance behavior, revealing a link between aggression and survival.
The Great Salt Lake is losing freshwater input to agriculture and urban growth, causing salt concentrations to spike. Like Iran's Lake Urmia, it's reaching levels stressful for brine shrimp and brine flies, which are essential for migratory birds.
Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.
A study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that the scaly-breasted wren's song consistently kept time for its duration, even as pauses increased in length. The results suggest that birds can track time more accurately than expected, challenging conventional wisdom on animal cognition.
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.
A new study warns that the Red-billed Leiothrix, a loud and brightly coloured bird from subtropical Asia, could become established in Britain, altering the country's dawn chorus. The species has already been spotted in several parts of Europe and is kept as a cage bird, potentially leading to its escape into the wild.
A new analysis found that citizen science data from apps like eBird can be a valuable resource for researchers and managers, offering insights into wild bird populations. By comparing publicly-produced data with officially tracked numbers, researchers have identified patterns and potential areas for improvement.
A new study reveals which bird species are driving the global spread of avian influenza, identifying ducks and geese as super-spreaders. The research also highlights the crucial role of gulls in transmitting the virus over long distances, with their ability to fly over oceans playing a significant role in its rapid spread.
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.
A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.
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.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
Researchers whole-genome sequenced 375 Salmonella enterica strains from wild birds collected in 41 US states to examine bacterial resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals. They found that only 1% of isolates were multi-antimicrobial resistant, with all cases isolated from waterbirds or raptors, not songbirds.
A University of California, Davis study found that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from birds, including less crop damage and lower food-safety risks. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.
Grackles' ability to inhibit previous behavior is linked to their flexibility, according to researchers. The study used various tests, including a touchscreen computer test, to assess inhibition and flexibility in grackles.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
Researchers at University of Washington documented a mass mortality event among Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, due to extreme heat. The January 2019 heat wave killed at least 354 adult penguins and 90 chicks, with nearly three-quarters of the deceased being adults primarily due to dehydration.
Research found that cacao agroforestry systems support unique bird species in tropical dry forests, while bats are more abundant in these areas than in nearby forests. This suggests that cacao farms can serve as biodiversity-friendly oases, providing food and refuge for birds and bats.
Researchers found bird-singing contests taking place in at least 22 countries using 36 species of birds, with pressure on wild populations like the White-rumped Shama and Orange-headed Thrush. The practice also drives demand for songbirds in Southeast Asia, a region where more species are threatened by trade
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
A new study found that householders' landscaping and management decisions can increase wild bird habitat and influence bird biodiversity in their yard and at the neighborhood and city scale. Yards certified as wildlife habitat support a wider variety of bird species compared to traditional yards.
Researchers have identified global hotspots where bird malaria is spreading rapidly, with significant impacts on bird populations. The study found that climate and forest conditions play a crucial role in predicting infection risks, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect bird species from this deadly disease.
Researchers at Texas A&M University applied the methods of globally recognized free-flight trainer Chris Biro to establish new bird flocks in the wild. The trained birds learned to recognize natural dangers, forage for food, and navigate their environment, paving the way for parrot conservation.
A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.
A study by the University of Helsinki found raccoon dogs to be a significant threat to ground-nesting bird populations in Northern Europe. The invasive species was found to destroy nests and prey on farmed mallard eggs, contributing to the decline of waterbird populations.
The emergence of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses has led to significant mortality in wild and farmed birds, with at least one spillover event reported in Russia. Global surveillance and rigorous infection control measures are crucial to prevent further human infections and devastating pandemics.
The critically endangered regent honeyeater is losing its 'song culture' due to declining populations. Research found that males sing simplified or incorrect songs when birds are rare, affecting their ability to communicate with females.
A new study identifies three main groups of Indonesian songbird owners: hobbyists, contestants, and breeders. The research suggests that up to 7 million households represent the greatest threat to Indonesia's avian biodiversity, with a preference for convenience and availability driving demand.
Scientists analyzed geochemical data from mummy remains to determine if they were bred or hunted. The results indicate that the birds were wild and migrating seasonally, suggesting mass hunting and capture. This discovery sheds light on ancient Egyptian practices and their impact on the environment.
In a recent study published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, researchers isolated two H16N3 subtype influenza viruses that can bind to both human and avian-type cell receptors. The viruses showed evidence of genetic material from other species, suggesting they could infect humans and animals in the future.
A recent study published in Biological Reviews found no conclusive link between wild birds and human illness involving E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. The researchers highlighted the need for more definitive research to determine the risks of bird populations on food safety before taking action.
For the first time, researchers have shown that young wild sparrows can learn to sing a new tune by listening to experimental vocal tutors. The birds then pass on these new songs to subsequent generations, confirming the ability of wild birds to learn and adapt their songs through exposure to adult birds.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that the EU's 2005 bird import ban drastically decreased global wild bird trade from 1.3 million to 130,000 annually. The ban has minimized the risk of exotic birds spreading worldwide and reduced biodiversity loss.
Researchers analyzed viral samples and wild bird migration patterns to understand the spread of H5N8 avian influenza. The study found two main migration routes for the virus, suggesting direct or indirect contact with infected birds as likely transmission methods.
A global study suggests that tracking migrating birds' routes could provide early warning of potential bird flu outbreaks. Researchers found that long-distance flights of infected birds from Asia to Europe and North America via their breeding grounds in the Arctic are a key factor in spreading deadly strains of avian flu.
A novel picornavirus has been found to be a key suspect in the development of Avian Keratin Disorder, a debilitating condition causing beak overgrowth and impairing feeding and preening behaviors. The discovery provides a critical lead in understanding the emergence of this disease in wild bird populations worldwide.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.
Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.
Research by Uppsala University and colleagues found that small passerine birds have ultra-rapid vision, with some species able to detect changes at rates of up to 146 Hz, outpacing human vision by 50 Hz. This fast vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting moving insects.
In a study by Oxford University researchers, wild birds chose to stay close to their partners over accessing food, even when it meant spending less time foraging. This demonstrates the importance of social relationships for wild birds and shows how individual behavior can be shaped around maintaining key relationships.
Researchers at Australian National University trained fairy wrens to recognize unfamiliar alarm calls and flee when threatened, demonstrating birds' ability to eavesdrop on other species. This breakthrough could aid in training captive animals to detect danger signals before release.
The USGS has detected a novel, mixed-origin HPAI H5N1 avian flu virus in a green-winged teal in Washington State, differing from the well-known Asian H5N1 HPAI virus. The population-level impact of this virus on free-living wild bird species is currently unknown.
A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals that H7N9 avian flu viruses evolved from distinct H9N2 viruses through a two-step process. The viruses originated in wild birds and then continued to evolve in domestic birds, resulting in genetically diverse strains that could potentially spread among humans.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that winter feeding of wild blue tits resulted in smaller, lower-weight chicks with lower survival rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that providing extra food during winter benefits bird populations.
Researchers discovered that wild birds were previously exposed to the West Nile virus before their arrival in Greece during autumn migration. The study found 14 positive serum samples from birds up to 8 months prior to the human outbreak, and genetic determinants of increased virulence were present in these samples.
New research suggests that wild migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, may contribute to the spread of bird flu by carrying the virus between domestic farms and wetlands. The study found a significant link between Tibet, Qinghai Lake, and H5N1 outbreaks in both wild and domestic birds.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
A three-year study found wild birds opt for conventional food due to its higher protein content, challenging the notion that organic food is preferred. The study's findings suggest that consumers may be misled about the nutritional benefits of organic food.