Science

A Pair of Common Loons Adopted a Lucky Goldeneye Duckling, and It Was a Big Deal
September 13, 2016 — This summer, a rare example of inter-species adoption was made even more special by the fact that these two birds typically don't get along.
How Hawaii’s Kalij Pheasants Remind Us That Social Behavior Can Be Flexible
September 08, 2016 — A secluded population of the non-indigenous ground bird breeds completely differently from birds in their original Himalayan habitat.
The Wild Way Scientists Hope to Save Darwin's Finches from Parasitic Flies
August 23, 2016 — To battle the bloodthirsty larvae decimating the Galapagos Islands' song birds, researchers are looking to take a long shot.
The Saltmarsh Sparrow Is Creeping Dangerously Close to Extinction
August 23, 2016 — The bird’s survival hinges on the ocean, but rising waters and shrinking habitat are causing populations to plummet—with no clear solutions.
The Surprising Way Marine Mammals Are Poisoning California Condors
August 17, 2016 — More than 40 years after being banned, DDT has reared its ugly head again.
New Clues Point to When Dinosaurs Began Reproducing Like Modern Birds
August 15, 2016 — A recent study identifies the Mesozoic Era as the time when the reproductive biology of modern birds began to take shape.
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.
Pitch (Not So) Perfect: Inbreeding Could Cause Birds to Sing Off-Key
August 09, 2016 — A new study finds that inbred birds seem to be less musically talented than outbred ones, possibly hurting their chances of mating.
Risking Life and Limb in Antarctica to Find the Frozen Ancestors of Birds
August 04, 2016 — Extreme fossil hunting on the icy outcrops at the bottom of the world.
Genes Play a Big Role in Songbirds' Travel Plans
July 29, 2016 — New research shows that Swainson's Thrushes use a "genetic map" to pick their migration routes.