Birds in the News

The Bizarre Walk of the Western Grebe Caught on Camera

March 01, 2018 — Western Grebes famously run on water, but few ornithologists have seen them using their aquatic feet to scamper across land.

Why Is This Northern Cardinal Yellow?

February 22, 2018 — Yes, that is a cardinal. We asked experts how this redbird might have gotten its golden feathers.

John James Audubon Made a Mardi Gras Appearance

February 22, 2018 — The Rex parade, New Orleans’ oldest Mardi Gras parade, featured the naturalist in a celebration of the city’s history.

The Search and Recovery of Condor Chick 871, Wildfire Survivor

January 18, 2018 — When the Thomas Fire approached a California Condor nest last month, the chick’s radio signal went dark. Biologists recently returned to the burn area to find her.

BuzzFeed Asked a Bunch of Bird Questions—and We Answered

November 20, 2017 — “I like birds as much as the next guy.” So do we, BuzzFeed. So do we.

Hold Onto Your Bins: Another Blizzard of Snowy Owls Could Be Coming

November 17, 2017 — Will this winter bring an irruption of the Arctic raptors to the continental U.S.? A few clues from up north have Project SNOWstorm predicting yes.

Birders Drop Everything to Behold Rare Corn Crake That Turned Up in New York

November 09, 2017 — For two days, scopes lined a Long Island parkway as birders delighted in the European visitor, which traveled even farther than its audience.

John Oliver Hits the Roseate Spoonbill Where It Hurts

October 30, 2017 — This Sunday on his show, the comedian said the spoonbill looks like a flamingo that got its "stupid bird face stuck into a panini press." Ouch. Learn about the bizarre but beautiful bird here.

The Story of Harvey, a Cooper’s Hawk Rescued in Houston During the Hurricane

August 31, 2017 — After seeking shelter in a taxicab, the bird was eventually taken in by a Houston wildlife rehab center preparing for an influx of injured animals.

Honeyeaters Steal Fur from Sleeping Koalas for Their Nests

August 23, 2017 — Even more surprising: the snoozing marsupials don't seem to mind.