Ask Kenn!

Ask Kenn: How Do Birds Keep Themselves Clean?
March 24, 2025 — Staying fresh is a matter of survival in a bird’s life—and a treat for birders to observe.
Bird Questions and Facts
Ask Kenn: Is There a Difference Between Bird Songs and Calls?
June 23, 2022 — Also this month: Why good bird habitat isn't always the same as good birding habitat.
Are American Robins Really a Sign of Spring? Kenn Kaufman Answers
March 28, 2022 — American Robins are present year-round across much of the U.S., but most individuals move nomadically through winter following patchy fruit supplies. Bird expert Kenn Kaufman explains when they genuinely signal the arrival of spring.
Bird Questions and Facts
Ask Kenn: What’s Up With Bird Color Morphs and Phases?
November 24, 2021 — In some species, many adults wear different color patterns from others. Kenn Kaufman explains the phenomenon, and the lingo to describe it.
Bird Questions and Facts
Ask Kenn: Do Migrating Birds Take the Same Routes in Spring and Fall?
September 30, 2021 — In this month's column, bird expert Kenn Kaufman explains the phenomenon of "loop migration."
Ask Kenn: Why Have Roseate Spoonbills Invaded the North This Summer?
August 31, 2021 — Also this month: Is fall really the hardest season for identifying birds? Kenn Kaufman doesn't think so.
Bird Questions and Facts
Ask Kenn: Egret, Ibis, Flamingo, Heron, Stork—What's the Difference?
July 30, 2021 — Wading birds may appear similar, but looks can often be deceiving, explains Kenn Kaufman in this month's Ask Kenn!
Bird Questions and Facts
Ask Kenn Kaufman: Why Do Some Birds Have Such Extreme Mating Rituals?
June 30, 2021 — While certain avian pairs dance to reaffirm their bonds, it's the bird world's bachelors that perform almost unbelievably ornate displays.
Ask Kenn: What Exactly Is a Warbler?
May 28, 2021 — Species bearing the name warbler are found around the world, but how they're classified can be complicated, explains bird expert Kenn Kaufman.
Illustration: Joe Ciardiello
Ask Kenn Kaufman: Are Yellow Northern Cardinals Becoming More Common?
April 28, 2021 — Also answered in this month's column: Why are some birds such better mimics than others?