Why vultures thrive in altered landscapes
GPS-tracked birds consistently selected roosting locations near roads and in fragmented landscapes. Read More “Why vultures thrive in altered landscapes”
Science
Discoveries about birds, behaviors, migration, and more. Plus, Eldon Greij’s popular column, “Amazing Birds.”
Study: Seabirds eating plastic accumulate chemicals in their bodies
Seabirds from Gough Island in the south Atlantic, Marion Island near Antarctica, and the coasts of both Hawai’i and Western Australia have a dangerous habit: … Read More “Study: Seabirds eating plastic accumulate chemicals in their bodies”
Understanding potential brain damage in woodpeckers
A 2018 study found signs of CTE in some woodpecker brains, but it’s unclear if the birds suffer from brain damage from hammering on trees. Read More “Understanding potential brain damage in woodpeckers”
Why some female hummingbirds look like males
New study finds female jacobins that have male-like plumage get more food. Read More “Why some female hummingbirds look like males”
How male Acorn Woodpeckers father more chicks
Males in polygamous breeding groups with one or two other male woodpeckers sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes. Read More “How male Acorn Woodpeckers father more chicks”
Changes to North America’s bird list in 2021
American Ornithological Society announces splits among gulls, owls, and wrens among other taxonomic changes. Read More “Changes to North America’s bird list in 2021”
Acoustic array detects possible new Upland Sandpiper route
The species is observed regularly east of the Continental Divide and only rarely west of it. Read More “Acoustic array detects possible new Upland Sandpiper route”
Help researchers learn which birds eat periodical cicadas
So far, a survey has found almost 50 bird species preying on cicadas, including some that have never before been observed eating the crunchy critters. Read More “Help researchers learn which birds eat periodical cicadas”
New study sounds the alarm for the world’s seabirds
Researchers: “The prognosis for sustained breeding productivity of Northern Hemisphere fish-eating and omnivorous breeding seabirds is poor.” Read More “New study sounds the alarm for the world’s seabirds”