Bird News

Many Birds Are Shrinking and Growing Longer Wings as the World Warms. Why?
February 07, 2022 — A growing body of research suggests a warming world could mean smaller birds with longer wings, but nothing about the findings is settled.
A plump gray bird with a black head and dark wing and tail tips perches on a slim branch, standing out against the green canopy behind it.
The Encouraging Comeback of the Azores Bullfinch
January 04, 2022 — At a time when most European bird populations are shrinking, the recovery of a Portuguese songbird is a bright spot that underscores the importance of habitat restoration.
The ‘Kill Bill Tanager,’ a Species New to Science, Finally Has a Real Name
November 16, 2021 — A bird sighting on Kosñipata road in southeastern Peru led to a 20-year quest to confirm the new species: the gloriously yellow Inti Tanager.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker to Be Officially Declared Extinct in the United States
September 29, 2021 — After decades of debate and searching, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed removing the bird along with 22 other species from the endangered species list.
You Could Use Some Good Bird News
September 10, 2021 — Stop doomscrolling and check out these hopeful stories.
Why the Kirtland’s Warbler Should be Michigan’s State Bird
August 26, 2021 — And while we’re at it, we should change its name to Jack Pine Warbler.
Emperor Penguins Proposed for Listing Under Endangered Species Act
August 04, 2021 — The Antarctic seabirds may qualify as a ‘threatened’ species due to climate change. But without reducing carbon emissions, can the listing help them?
Congress Is Set to Remove a Longstanding Barrier to Listing Greater Sage-Grouse Under the Endangered Species Act
July 22, 2021 — For years, an obscure budget provision has blocked the federal government from protecting the fast-declining birds. That may be about to change.
Three lost birds that have been rediscovered in the last two decades. Left to right: Black-browed Babbler, Blue-eyed Ground-Dove, and the Madagascar Pochard.
The Quest for ‘Lost’ Birds Delivers Highs and Lows
July 13, 2021 — Thousands of species exist in a liminal space of conservation—they haven't been seen in a long time, but that doesn't mean they are extinct. Groups hope to crowdsource more rediscoveries.
Scientists Still Searching for the Pathogen Behind the East's Songbird Epidemic
July 08, 2021 — In a new report, experts ruled out a range of causes, but they still recommend taking down feeders until the source of the disease is identified.