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About Birds

The Silent Flight of Owls, Explained
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?
Bird Science
How Flamingos Stand on One Leg Without Falling Over
May 27, 2017 — New research shows that the birds are specially built for balancing.
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
What the Heck Is a Lek? The Quirkiest Mating Party on Earth.
March 15, 2017 — Consider this your guide to the mating ritual that shapes the lives of a hundred dancing, singing bird species.
Bird Behavior
Hear the Many Different Hoots of the Barred Owl
February 17, 2017 — The increasingly common owl has more than a dozen calls, including one that sounds like a monkey.
Birding by Ear
So, Apparently Some Woodpeckers Like to Eat the Brains of Baby Birds
January 05, 2017 — Yes, you read that correctly. And there's video evidence.
Bird Behavior
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.
The Common Swift Is No Longer the Fastest-Flying Animal
November 21, 2016 — And here's a surprise: It wasn't even dethroned by another bird.
Bird Questions and Facts
Seven Nifty Jays That Aren’t Blue Jays
October 24, 2016 — Not that there's anything wrong with the Blue Jay, but there is a big, wonderful world of jays out there. Get to know some new ones.
Birding 101
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