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Bird Questions and Facts

Get to Know the Bee Hummingbird, the World’s Smallest Bird
September 17, 2018 — Only found in Cuba, these birds lay their eggs in nests the size of a quarter.
No, That's Not an Owl Outside Your Window
August 31, 2018 — It's probably a Mourning Dove. Here's the difference between their calls.
Better Know a Bird: The American Coot and Its Wonderfully Weird Feet
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.
About Birds
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
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.
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.
Why Do Some Seabirds Eat So Much Plastic? It Smells Like Food.
November 09, 2016 — New research shows that certain seabirds associate a scent produced by common plastics with potential meals—much to their detriment.
Bird Science