Walking on Egg Shells: Understanding how Life History Contributes to Successful Egg Hatching in Birds.
Featured Image Caption: Altamira Oriole (Icterus gularis) constructs a nest in preparation for laying eggs. Photo by Ian Becker (author)
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The Florida Scrub Jay: Cooperative Breeding Behavior
Featured Image Caption: An adult Florida Scrub Jay, Florida’s only endemic bird species. Image Source: ‘Florida Scrub-Jay’ by Mary Keim,
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Making Sense of Senses: How Well Can Birds Smell?
Many vertebrates in the animal kingdom have a highly-developed sense of smell, but what about birds? This article highlights what we know about how birds use olfaction to traverse their daily lives, and outlines what is still unknown.
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Birds of a feather flock to bad weather: Study reveals how seabirds chase cyclones
Oceanic seabirds can spend weeks at a time traveling thousands of kilometers in search of food on the open ocean. A new study finds a perplexing and never-before-seen behavior in which birds intentionally follow cyclones across the north Atlantic. Researchers compared the trajectories of storms with GPS tracks of birds and examined how ocean conditions change in the wakes of cyclones. They conclude that cyclones enhance mixing of ocean waters and bring prey to the surface where they are easily accessible food sources for birds.
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Avian Urbanites: Which Species Can Make it in the Big City?
Specific traits – including longevity, small size, and having a broad diet – predict whether birds will thrive in urban environments
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Raptors on the Brink: Population Declines Over Africa’s Savannas
Savannas across Africa have fewer hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures and secretary birds than in previous decades. Which species are the most at-risk, and what can be done to protect them?
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Biologists go the distance for the safe release of migratory birds
Migrating birds have embarked on treacherous voyages for hundreds of thousands of years. Yet, habitat loss and climate change might be their biggest challenge. With many species on the brink of extinction, conservation programs aim to return and sustain wild populations of the world’s most vulnerable species. Captive breeding programs must select the fittest birds to survive such a perilous flight. Researchers find that sharper wing tips might improve survival during the first migration. There’s no time for winging it.
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For birds, drab is in fashion in our cities
Color has the power to affect our feelings and emotions. For many animals, color signals status or condition. Factors such as food quality, stress, and pollution can cause changes in animal coloration. The color of the background can also have significant effects on how animals perceive color. Cities introduce drab, grey buildings and pavement, pollutants, and reduced plant complexity. A recent study shows that city birds produce darker, duller feathers with less complex patterns. Click to find out how cities may be hindering the color and diversity of wildlife.
Read MoreHow Air Pollution Regulation Can Affect Bird Populations
Although we have strong evidence that air pollution poses significant health risks to humans, how air pollutants affect plants and animals is not well studied. Birds are especially susceptible to air pollution because they have a unique way of breathing and interacting with air. Therefore, a group of scientists conducted a study on how air pollution affects North American birds and how air quality regulations, which were initially created to benefit humans, can also benefit these bird species.
Read MoreIf trees could hear, is human noise a threat?
Sources of noise, like gas well compressors, are known to affect many animals negatively. But could the noise be impacting plant communities? Researchers sought an answer by comparing pinyon and juniper seedling growth near quiet or noisy gas well pads in the woodlands of New Mexico. Throughout the twelve-year study, noise harmed tree communities. Trees struggled to recover even several years after the noise was removed. Now is the time to listen to the trees because the trees are tired of listening to us.
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