Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The Red-headed Woodpecker Doesn’t Make Sense

By Kenn Kaufman
October 13, 2017 — It’s popular and unmistakable. But why is this bird in decline, and why are its habits so hard to understand?
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

Being a Good American Kestrel Dad Comes at a Cost

By Kenn Kaufman
August 08, 2017 — Why do male kestrels lose out to females for the best wintering sites? It goes back to their roles as breadwinners during the breeding season.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The Catbird Has a Simple Trick to Outsmart Brood Parasites

By Kenn Kaufman
May 24, 2017 — When it comes to protecting its nest from the Brown-headed Cowbird and other nest invaders, the quirky Gray Catbird is especially talented.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The Barn Swallow Is Slowly Conquering the World

By Kenn Kaufman
April 27, 2017 — By expanding its breeding range in an unprecedented way, the adaptable swallow continues its spread—while baffling bird experts along the way.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The Fascinating and Complicated Sex Lives of White-throated Sparrows

By Kenn Kaufman
March 29, 2017 — With their quadruple personalities, those little brown birds at your feeder are a lot more interesting than they might appear.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

Even John James Audubon Couldn't Tell the Difference Between Scaup Ducks

By Kenn Kaufman
February 22, 2017 — Audubon and his rival, Alexander Wilson, disagreed about the habits of scaup ducks. But that's because they were describing two different birds.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

Unwelcome by Some, the Ring-necked Pheasant Is an American Success Story

By Kenn Kaufman
January 24, 2017 — It might not be native to the U.S., but like so many other immigrants, the bird has thrived here.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The White-winged Crossbill Is the Bird That Never Goes Home

By Kenn Kaufman
January 10, 2017 — A continuous search for spruce cones makes this crossbill the ultimate avian nomad.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

How the Stealthy Saw-whet Owl Duped Scientists for a Century

By Kenn Kaufman
December 20, 2016 — Once thought to be rare and non-migratory by researchers, it turns out this little owl is just the opposite.
Kenn Kaufman's Notebook

The Mighty Ringed Kingfisher Has Invaded Texas

By Kenn Kaufman
December 06, 2016 — Once a rarity along the border, this ‘King Kongfisher’ has become a year-round resident. Why is still a mystery.