Ryan F. Mandelbaum is a science writer at Gizmodo and birder living in Brooklyn.

Articles by Ryan F. Mandelbaum

A Cedar Waxwing and a Bohemian Waxwing perched on a branch, both holding a berry in their mouth.
News

Stylish and Social, Winter Waxwings Provide a Wonderful ID Challenge

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
December 16, 2022 — Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings look very similar and are more likely to intermingle in the colder months. Here’s how to tell them apart.
News

Why Did the Siskin Cross the Continent?

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
July 21, 2022 — A bird banded in Maryland two years ago turned up this spring in British Columbia, highlighting the nomadic lifestyle of one finch species.
News

Oldest Ring-billed Gull on Record Discovered by Cleveland Birder

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
March 23, 2021 — At 28, the gull is a year older than the previous title holder, further expanding our knowledge of the species' longevity.
News

This Winter Marks an Incredible 'Superflight' of Hungry Winter Finches

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
December 11, 2020 — Across the country, birders are being treated to one of the biggest irruption years of boreal birds in recent memory.
News

Researchers Reveal the Mysterious Fall Movements of a Familiar Backyard Bird

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
October 30, 2020 — New studies suggest that northern populations of White-breasted Nuthatches might also have irruptive years—and 2020 is one of them.
News

The Man Behind the Brilliant Winter Finch Forecast Is Passing the Torch

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
September 17, 2020 — Ron Pittaway might be retiring, but fear not, finch fans: His collaborator Tyler Hoar will continue the highly anticipated reports.
News

A Mallard Duckling Is Thriving—and Maybe Diving—Under the Care of Loon Parents

By Ryan F. Mandelbaum
July 12, 2019 — Scientists discovered the surprising bird family on a Midwestern lake, and so far, all parties seem to be getting along swimmingly.