Vegetarian birds more sociable than insect eaters
Weaver birds that eat seeds flock together and nest in colonies more commonly than those species that eat insects, suggests new research by an international team of scientists led by the Milner Center for Evolution at the University of Bath. For the.....»»
What happens in a crow’s brain when it uses tools?
Researchers trace the areas of the brain that are active when birds are using tools. Enlarge / Sure, they can use tools, but do they know where the nearest subway stop is? (credit: Jonas Adner) "A thirsty crow wanted wat.....»»
Research reveals the secret sites where America"s migrating songbirds stop to rest and refuel
Every year, billions of birds migrate thousands of miles from their summer breeding ranges to their warmer wintering ranges and back. However, the question of where these birds stop to rest and refuel along the way has long stumped ornithologists......»»
Study finds configuration of green spaces in cities determines the characteristics of their birds
An international team including researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) and the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), has studied the distribution of 115 species of birds in spring and 72 that spend the winter in nine European cit.....»»
Millions of birds lose precious energy due to fireworks on New Year"s Eve, research reveals
Birds are affected by the mass use of fireworks on New Year's Eve up to a distance of 10 km away. With data from weather radars and bird counts, an international team of researchers revealed how many birds take off immediately after the start of the.....»»
Seeing the forest for the birds: Ten principles for bird-friendly forestry
Most of the world's natural forests are subject to logging operations, many of which are highly detrimental to forest birds and other wildlife, and demand for timber is expected to continue to grow. Europe has the highest proportion of the world's fo.....»»
Snake charm: Four reasons to love snakes
Picture this: the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you're enjoying a hike in nature. You haven't a care in the world until you round the corner on your favorite walking trail. And then you see it......»»
How bird feeders help small species fight infection
Every day, throughout the world, people put huge quantities of food out at feeding stations for birds and other wild animals......»»
Grunt or whistle: Successful honey-hunters know how to communicate with wild honey-seeking birds
In many parts of Africa, humans cooperate with a species of wax-eating bird called the greater honeyguide, Indicator indicator, which leads them to wild bees' nests with a chattering call. By using specialized sounds to communicate with each other, b.....»»
DNA analysis of bat droppings shows astonishingly high number of insect species
Adequate food supply is a fundamental need and requirement for survival. To protect a species, it is often very helpful to know what that species prefers and frequently consumes. Through the analysis of DNA traces in the droppings of a Leisler's bat.....»»
Bird behavior study finds jays jump in while crows hold out for the treat
New research has found that two similar species of birds—both capable of displaying self-control through delayed gratification—behave very differently around their favorite food when they have company......»»
Capital, canaries, or catalysts: Insurance industry"s role in tackling climate change risks
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, canaries were used in coal mines to assess the risk of toxic gases. If the birds became ill or passed away, their fate served as a warning for miners to vacate the premises......»»
Roar of cicadas was so loud, it was picked up by fiber-optic cables
Brood X made itself known in a way that could change how we monitor insect populations. Enlarge / BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ (credit: astrida via Getty Images) One of the world’s most peculiar test beds stretches above Prince.....»»
Protecting poultry from bird flu
With winter approaching, birds are migrating south to escape the cold and take advantage of more abundant food sources......»»
Identifying Australia"s most elusive birds
University of Queensland scientists have analyzed more than 3.8 million volunteer hours of birdwatching data to identify Australia's most elusive species. The research is published in the international journal Emu......»»
Minnesota turkey farmers say expanded rural broadband could help detect bird flu sooner
Just over 5 miles from where folklore has long claimed Vikings scribbled Scandinavian etchings on a runestone, Erica Sawatzke surveys thousands of chirping baby birds in her long barn......»»
Protected Texas songbirds show up in pet stores abroad, due to elusive trafficking industry
In 1970, there were approximately 10 billion birds in North America. Now, there are around 7 billion, representing a loss of over a quarter of the continent's birds......»»
Fossil unearthed in Mongolia"s Gobi Desert suggests some dinosaurs slept in same position as modern birds
A team of paleontologists and biologists from Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University Museum, North Carolina State University and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, has uncovered a previously unknown species of dinosaur that appears to have slept in.....»»
Digitized records from wildlife centers show the most common ways that humans harm wild animals
At hundreds of wildlife rehabilitation centers across the U.S., people can learn about wild animals and birds at close range. These sites, which may be run by nonprofits or universities, often feature engaging exhibits, including "ambassador" animals.....»»
Like the phoenix, Australia"s giant birds of prey rise again from limestone caves
Australia's only vulture, and a fearsome extinct eagle, are among the earliest recorded birds of prey from the Pleistocene period more than 50,000 years ago—and now Flinders University researchers are bringing them to life again......»»
Hemp cannabinoids may have evolved to deter insect pests
Cannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds found in hemp plants, may have evolved to deter pests from chewing on them, according to experiments that showed higher cannabinoid concentrations in hemp leaves led to proportionately less damage from inse.....»»