Science

Good Grammar Is a Matter of Life or Death for Japanese Tits
August 09, 2017 — These chatty birds string their sentences together in a specific order to rally friends and fend off foes.
Being a Good American Kestrel Dad Comes at a Cost
August 08, 2017 — Why do male kestrels lose out to females for the best wintering sites? It goes back to their roles as breadwinners during the breeding season.
Mites Take Flight on Hummingbird Beaks
August 02, 2017 — Sean Graesser’s larger-than-life photos reveal a fascinating, tiny world where hummingbirds carry passengers aloft.
The Silent Flight of Owls, Explained
July 28, 2017 — Even large owls, like Barred and Barn Owls, manage to fly nearly silently through the trees. How do they pull it off—and why?
New Research Further Proves Native Plants Offer More Bugs for Birds
July 27, 2017 — The study found that oaks and other native trees deliver a major chunk of the Carolina Chickadee’s insect-intensive diet.
These Birds Like to Wear Makeup
July 21, 2017 — Only a handful of species in the world exhibit a rare behavior that researchers call 'avian cosmetics.' Why, though, isn't always clear.
Watch: Female Hog Island Osprey Defends Remaining Chick From Great Horned Owl
July 21, 2017 — Having already lost two chicks to the raptor, Rachel has been remaining close to the nest and on high alert in a fascinating display of adaptation.
Even a Little Bit of Oil Can Wreck a Bird's Ability to Fly, New Study Shows
July 13, 2017 — Western Sandpipers with oil on less than one-fifth of their feathers have a tough time flying—a finding that underscores the dangers offshore drilling and spills pose on migratory birds.
Like Humans and Apes, Ravens Have the Foresight to Save Up for the Future
July 13, 2017 — A new study proves what birders have long known: Ravens are really, really smart.
As Climate Change Threatens to Push the Bicknell’s Thrush North, Scientists Are Protecting Its Future Habitat Now
July 10, 2017 — In a warmer world, to save rare species, scientists have to proactively protect their future ranges. For this alpine thrush, that means working with foresters in the Canadian mountains.