About Birds

How Orioles Build Those Incredible Hanging Nests
August 06, 2019 — The delicate-looking structures are stronger than they seem, and come in a variety of shapes and materials.
Bird Nests and Breeding
7 Hummingbirds That Wear Pants With Flair (Plus One Bonus)
December 14, 2018 — Meet the "puffleg” birds of the Latin American tropics, covered in feathers all the way down.
Bird Science
The Origins of Hummingbirds Are Still a Major Mystery
July 12, 2018 — There is a dazzling diversity of the tiny birds in the Americas, but recent discoveries trace their evolution back to Europe—where today there are no nectar-feeding species.
Bird Science
Is It Okay to Remove Cowbird Eggs From Host Nests?
June 06, 2018 — It can be tempting to interfere with these brood parasites. But there are many reasons—legal and behavioral—to leave tampering to the pros.
Bird Nests and Breeding
Research Reveals Exactly Why Peregrine Falcons Are so Deadly
April 13, 2018 — Cameras and simulations are finally enabling scientists to study the nuances of the raptors' extreme hunting techniques.
Bird Science
Meet the Tiniest Owl in the World
March 20, 2017 — Native to the American Southwest, Elf Owls are slightly larger than a soda can, but that doesn't stop them from being determined predators.
Bird Questions and Facts
A Photo ID Quiz That's Perfect for Beginner Birders
December 14, 2016 — Test your birding knowledge with 10 species often found during the Christmas Bird Count.
Scientists Finally Have Evidence That Frigatebirds Sleep While Flying
August 11, 2016 — According to a new study, the birds can stay aloft for weeks by power napping in ten-second bursts.
Bird Science
The Shoebill: Or, the Most Terrifying Bird in the World
August 05, 2016 — Are you ready for this thing? I don't think you're ready for this thing.
Where Do Hummingbirds Get All That Energy?
April 13, 2016 — A lifestyle like theirs can only be matched by multiple sugar highs.
Bird Questions and Facts