Articles by Kevin Wheeler
News
Birds Have Their Own Disease Problems That Sometimes Become Ours
March 27, 2020 — Avians aren’t the source of COVID-19, but some do harbor pathogens that can infect humans. Here's what you need to know and how to stay safe.
Culture
This Online Art Community Celebrates Birds, and the Results Are Wonderful
March 27, 2020 — The BirdWhisperer Project fosters creativity while bringing artists together from all over the world—no matter their skill level.
Conservation
Federal Land Beats Private Property for Protecting Endangered Species
March 16, 2020 — At a time of rollbacks for public land protections, a new study shows they’re crucial for keeping vulnerable wildlife populations intact.
Science
Hot, Bothered, and Parasite-free: Why Birds Sun Themselves
February 27, 2020 — Avian sunbathing has mystified ornithologists for decades, but some recent research is confirming an old suspicion that the behavior helps fend off lice.
Climate
These Beloved Warblers Migrate North Almost a Week Earlier Than 50 Years Ago
February 21, 2020 — Black-throated Blue Warblers now start spring migration 5.5 days sooner than they did in the 1960s, a new study finds. Is climate change to blame?
News
A Shaky Song Reveals an Old Sparrow's Age to Younger Competition
January 31, 2020 — Birds can lose their singing skills over time, and according to a new study, Swamp Sparrows use these clues to identify territorial threats.
Science
Hummingbirds Owe Their Shimmer to Microscopic Pancake-Like Structures
January 17, 2020 — New research shows how extra-complex melanosomes in hummingbird feathers make light dance in fascinating ways.
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