One bird"s joy is another bird"s sorrow
Ruffs are characterized by three supergene variants that lead to different appearances and courtship behavior in males. Whether these variants affect females was previously unknown. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence,.....»»
Mimicking a bird"s sticky spit to create cellulose gels
Using a small bird's nest-making process as a model, researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a nontoxic process for making cellulose gels. The freeze-thaw process is simple, cost-effective, and can create cellulose gels that a.....»»
Solar Storms Can Hinder Bird Migration
New research suggests that solar storms interfere with the magnetic compass that birds use for long-distance travel.....»»
Gene-edited chickens in the fight against bird flu
Scientists have used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals......»»
Space weather disrupts nocturnal bird migration, study finds
It's well-known that birds and other animals rely on Earth's magnetic field for long-distance navigation during seasonal migrations......»»
Vaccine may save endangered California condors from succumbing to bird flu
Avian flu vaccines are being used on birds for the first time in the US. Enlarge / A numbered and tagged California Condor in the wild. (credit: Educational Images via Getty) Early March last year, an endangered Californ.....»»
Bewick"s swans choose wintering areas based on the weather, shows long-term GPS data study
Bewick's swans fly less far during their autumn migration when the weather is warm. Climate change has therefore led to a shift in their common wintering areas. Now, for the first time, bird researchers from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the.....»»
It wasn"t just a tree: Why it feels so bad to lose the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and others like it
The famous Sycamore Gap tree was felled last week, prompting global expressions of sorrow, anger and horror. For some, the reaction was puzzling. Wasn't it just a single tree in northern England? But for many, the tree felt profoundly important. Its.....»»
Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study finds
Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent num.....»»
AI analyzes bird sightings to help conserve species
For the first time, big data and artificial intelligence are being used to model hidden patterns in nature—not just for one bird species, but for entire ecological communities across continents......»»
Bird species changing faster than expected in protected areas
A recent study by University of Helsinki researchers has found that bird communities inside and outside protected areas are beginning to resemble each other as a result of climate change. In both areas, southern species increased in abundance, while.....»»
"Invasion" of tropical birds known as limpkins reported in Illinois—invasive snails may be attractive food source
While on a recent visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ann Harness spotted a creature she'd never seen before. The tall brown bird with a long bill looked like a cross between a rail and a heron......»»
Research: Electrons in a strange metal world
Imagine a flock of birds as they wheel across the sky: surging into a mass, flowing into ribbons that twist and turn again into fantastic shapes. If you follow one bird within the flock, you can describe its actions, the way it flaps its wings or use.....»»
France to vaccinate millions of ducks against bird flu
France on Monday began Europe's only vaccination campaign against bird flu in ducks, hoping to avoid mass culls of millions of birds that have dearly cost the industry in recent years......»»
Bird flu kills 400 seals, sea lions in Uruguay
An estimated 400 seals and sea lions have turned up dead on the coast of Uruguay in recent weeks, blamed by authorities on bird flu......»»
Dopamine-releasing brain cells reflect song bird intentions during courtship
His mind might have been set on finding water or on perfecting a song he learned as a chick from his dad. But all of that gets pushed down the to-do list for an adult male zebra finch when he notices a female has drawn nigh......»»
New insect genus discovered in one of the most biodiverse rain forest regions in the world
The Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve in Peru has often been described as the most biodiverse rainforest in the world. For example, in recent decades, scientist have discovered several new bird species from the region. Researchers at the University.....»»
Avian flu hits bird paradise of Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos National Park said Tuesday that it had detected its first cases of avian flu on the remote islands, home to unique bird species that helped inspire the theory of evolution......»»
Grackle study finds behavior is the secret to success for a range expansion
While many species are undergoing drastic declines in their numbers and geographic ranges, other species seem to be thriving. Researchers investigating the great-tailed grackle, a bird that has been establishing new populations across North America i.....»»
Wild animals leave DNA on plants, making them easier to track: What scientists found in a Ugandan rainforest
The world is losing animals at an alarming rate due to habitat degradation, climate change and illegal human activities in the wildlife protected areas. In fact, it is estimated that, by 2100, more than half of Africa's bird and mammal species could.....»»
Fifty-year study reveals climate change and avian flu impact on UK seabirds
A scientist who has dedicated his life to studying seabirds has revealed how climate change has led to mass mortality events, altered breeding times and how the population is now being devastated by bird flu, in one of the world's longest running stu.....»»