News

How a Kingfisher's Call Concealed an Unknown Species of Frog
February 08, 2017 — In India, a group of herpetologists recently discovered a new amphibian that sounds a lot like a White-throated Kingfisher.
Hundreds of Former EPA Employees Write Letter to Oppose Scott Pruitt's Nomination
February 07, 2017 — In a letter, nearly 500 former employees make a convincing case for why Scott Pruitt is unfit to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
These Cleverly Furnished Bird Feeders Are Just Delightful
February 06, 2017 — Thanks to one Maine artist and birder, the next tiny-house trend is here.
Backyard Birding
Why Some Birds' Names Have Changed
February 06, 2017 — Remember the Rufous-sided Towhee?
Podcast
Are You Sure You're Saying That Bird's Name Right?
February 04, 2017 — Odd spellings, multiple pronunciations, complicated histories—bird names can create plenty of awkward moments in the field.
Why Closer Is Not Always Better When Photographing Birds
February 03, 2017 — The impulse to shoot your subject at close range can be powerful, but there are several reasons why that's not best for the animal—or the image.
Ethics
[UPDATED] The Gas Industry Leaks Enough Gas to Power Three Million Homes Each Year. Congress Is About to Say That's Fine.
February 03, 2017 — A rule that restricts wasteful gas leaks and keeps a powerful greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere will likely get overturned any day now. Here's why that's bad for everyone.
Birdist Rule #7: Take a Kid Birding
February 03, 2017 — Helping the next generation learn the joys of birding is important, but first you have to make it fun. Try these tips.
The Birdist’s Rules of Birding
A Beak Boom Millions of Years Ago Created the Diversity of Bird Bills We Know Today
February 02, 2017 — The variety of fantastic bill shapes we know today first came about in a sudden burst, and then slowly evolved over the next 65 million years, according to a new study.
New Federal Lead Rule Will Have Hunters and Fishers Looking to Safer Alternatives
February 01, 2017 — Twenty-five years after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banned lead shot for waterfowl hunting, the agency is expanding its protections.