About Birds

August 13, 2018 — The odd-looking foot is perfectly built for getting around on land or water. It's not bad for a little wrestling, either.

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.

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.

April 13, 2018 — Cameras and simulations are finally enabling scientists to study the nuances of the raptors' extreme hunting techniques.

April 06, 2018 — A new translation of Homer’s Odyssey corrects the record: The Sirens' seductive power lies with their otherworldly, avian knowledge.

July 28, 2017 — Even large owls, like Barred and Barn Owls, manage to fly nearly silently through the trees. How do they pull it off—and why?

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.

February 17, 2017 — The increasingly common owl has more than a dozen calls, including one that sounds like a monkey.

December 14, 2016 — Test your birding knowledge with 10 species often found during the Christmas Bird Count.

November 21, 2016 — And here's a surprise: It wasn't even dethroned by another bird.