Audubon

Science

"What's the Deal With Birds?" a New Paper Asks—While Making a Point

"What's the Deal With Birds?" a New Paper Asks—While Making a Point

April 22, 2020 — In the world of academia, predatory journals with almost no vetting process abound. One researcher had enough.
The Most Innovative Birds Stand the Best Chance of Survival

The Most Innovative Birds Stand the Best Chance of Survival

April 10, 2020 — A new global study finds that species willing and able to try new foods or forage creatively have a lower risk of extinction.
For Scientists Who Study Birds, This Spring Is Without Precedent

For Scientists Who Study Birds, This Spring Is Without Precedent

April 8, 2020 — Due to COVID-19, many researchers who track avian health have stopped or limited work just as migration, breeding, and nesting season ramps up.
When Yellow Warblers Warn of Brood Parasites, Red-winged Blackbirds Listen

When Yellow Warblers Warn of Brood Parasites, Red-winged Blackbirds Listen

April 6, 2020 — A new study found that the bird’s distinct warning call for Brown-headed Cowbirds might also benefit eavesdropping neighbors.
Whooping Cranes Need to Socially Distance, Too, According to New Report

Whooping Cranes Need to Socially Distance, Too, According to New Report

April 2, 2020 — The endangered birds’ flocks are too big, putting them at risk of disease outbreak. Breaking up the large groups requires wetland restoration.
To Get By in the Big City, Birds Need to Have a Large Brain or Lots of Sex

To Get By in the Big City, Birds Need to Have a Large Brain or Lots of Sex

March 25, 2020 — A new study reveals two traits that help some species meet the challenges of city life in a quickly urbanizing world.
When Female Birds Are Overlooked, Conservation Suffers

When Female Birds Are Overlooked, Conservation Suffers

March 23, 2020 — Ornithologists are trying to correct biases and misguided assumptions that can undermine environmental efforts and scientific knowledge.
20 Days, 7,500 Miles: Desertas Petrels’ Mind-Boggling Foraging Trips

20 Days, 7,500 Miles: Desertas Petrels’ Mind-Boggling Foraging Trips

March 13, 2020 — Using regional winds to their advantage, these rare seabirds fly as far and fast as they can to search out patches of food.
Ancient Bird Fossil Smaller than a Hummingbird Discovered in Amber Trove

Ancient Bird Fossil Smaller than a Hummingbird Discovered in Amber Trove

March 11, 2020 — The teeny skull, from a bed of 99 million-year-old fossils from Myanmar, suggests bird diversity was vast before the dinosaurs went extinct.
An Ode to Nature’s Hotdogs: Moth Caterpillars

An Ode to Nature’s Hotdogs: Moth Caterpillars

March 4, 2020 — Get 'em before they're gone (especially if you're a bird).