Explore Birds

An Osprey flies holding grass in its talons.
The World’s Oldest Known Osprey Is an Online Sensation—and a Living Indicator of Watershed Health
May 19, 2025 — At 29, Iris the Osprey has outlived the odds to become a cherished internet star whose brood of offspring is helping track river health in Montana.
A white wading bird in a leafy green canopy
125 Years of Audubon in Florida on Exhibit at the Jacksonsville Airport
May 13, 2025 — Be a part of the oldest conservation organization in the Sunshine State.
A yellow bird with a white ring around its eye perches on a branch.
This Non-Native Songbird Is Taking Over California—Will the Rest of the Country Be Next?
May 06, 2025 — The Swinhoe’s White-eye—a small yellow bird native to Asia—has rapidly spread throughout the state and beyond in the past decade, surprising birders and experts alike.
A plain, gray bird perches on a thin, curvy branch.
Researchers Favor Beautiful, Colorful Birds in Scientific Studies, New Analysis Finds
April 25, 2025 — A review of 50 years of ornithological literature revealed a strong bias for familiar, visually appealing species over avians with drabber features. Here's why that's worrisome for conservation.
Clear liquid trickles out of a hummingbird hovering in midair.
Do Birds Pee? Hummingbirds Do—a Lot
April 23, 2025 — Unlike most other avians, hummers urinate in a stream much like mammals, releasing liquid waste often and out of necessity.
The Ballad of U10: How One Mischievous Bird Taught Me to Love Gulls Even More
April 17, 2025 — After a chance beach encounter with a banded Herring Gull, cartoonist Rosemary Mosco dug deep into the surprisingly popular bird's life and adventures.
Portrait of a ptarmigan in mostly white plumage and a bright red eyebrow.
This Grouse Is Going Viral: Meet the Willow Ptarmigan, AKA the ‘Awebo’ Bird
April 11, 2025 — This charismatic species from the Arctic tundra has become an internet sensation thanks to its bizarre calls and meme-worthy behavior.
A woman stands on a rocky shore holding binoculars and looking into the distance.
Behind the (Birding) Scenes on the Show ‘The Residence’
April 08, 2025 — Bird expert Kenn Kaufman shares his experience as a consultant for the birdy new Netflix series.
A dock with birds on it in a lake with people on a walkway behind
Spotting Banded Black Skimmers in an Unusual Winter Location
April 04, 2025 — The skimmers recorded in North Central Florida are migrants from northeastern states.
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Heron Necks
April 03, 2025 — From how they work to why they're so long, we’ve got answers to all your (maybe?) burning questions.