Matt Soniak is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. 

Articles by Matt Soniak

News

The Origins of Our Misguided Hatred for Pigeons

By Matt Soniak
November 14, 2016 — Perhaps the problem with those “rats with wings” lies with us, not them.
News

In Homing Pigeon Flocks, Bad Bosses Quickly Get Demoted

By Matt Soniak
September 14, 2016 — New research shows how the birds keep flock leaders with bad information from throwing them off course.
News

What’s Got Bird Beaks in a Twist?

By Matt Soniak
July 27, 2016 — Thanks to a major lead, scientists are hot on the trail of a never-seen disease, which could help them crack a cold case wide open.
News

Why Black Larks Build Poop Fortresses

By Matt Soniak
April 08, 2016 — Female larks borrow dung from grazing animals to create a force field around their nests.
News

New Details Emerge on a Notorious Bird-Killing Bacteria

By Matt Soniak
March 28, 2016 — Research shows that climate change and invasive species are spreading a toxin that causes paralysis in birds.
Birds in the News

How Does a Cowbird Learn To Be a Cowbird?

By Matt Soniak
February 25, 2016 — New research explains how these brood parasites—who are raised by other species—still manage to become cowbirds.