The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 13

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Two brown pelicans with large pouches beneath their beaks are perched against a pale sky.
Birding

The Best Time of Day to Spot Different Bird Species

The captivating world of bird watching offers endless opportunities for discovery and wonder, but timing can make all the difference between a successful outing and a disappointing one. Birds follow

A Pink-headed Warbler perches on a branch, its vibrant plumage standing out.
Bird Profiles

The Curious Case of the Pink-Headed Warbler

The Pink-headed Warbler (Cardellina versicolor) stands as one of nature’s most enchanting anomalies – a small songbird adorned with a stunning raspberry-pink head that seems almost too vibrant to be

Flock of white birds migrating
Migratory Birds

How Long Do Migratory Birds Rest Before Taking Off Again?

Every year, billions of birds embark on incredible journeys spanning thousands of miles, navigating across continents and oceans with remarkable precision. These migratory marathons push birds to their physiological…

A King Vulture is perched, looking forward in a close-up shot.
Bird Profiles

What Makes the King Vulture So Striking

Deep within the tropical forests of Central and South America soars one of nature’s most remarkable paradoxes – the King Vulture. While most people associate vultures with death and decay,

osprey
Bird Profiles

How Birds Can Navigate Using the Earth’s Magnetic Field

Among the many marvels of the natural world, few phenomena are as fascinating as birds’ ability to navigate across vast distances with remarkable accuracy. Whether it’s the Arctic Tern’s 44,000-mile

Vibrant scarlet macaw close-up, showcasing its vivid feathers while eating a nut outdoors.
Bird Profiles

How Some Birds Use Tools to Crack Tough Nuts

In the fascinating world of avian intelligence, certain bird species have evolved remarkable abilities to use tools for accessing hard-to-reach food resources. Perhaps one of the most impressive demonstrations of

Bird perched on a plant stem exposed to sunlight
Birdwatching

How to Help Birds Survive a Heat Wave

When temperatures soar, our feathered friends face significant challenges that can quickly become life-threatening. Birds lack sweat glands and must rely on alternative cooling mechanisms that can fail during extreme

Two tree swallows near a birdhouse.
Birding

The Best Natural Materials for DIY Birdhouses

When it comes to creating homes for our feathered friends, natural materials offer both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. DIY birdhouses made from natural materials blend seamlessly into garden environments,

Flock of migratory birds soaring above the trees in a forested area.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Use Earth’s Magnetic Field to Find Their Way

The vast expanse of our planet holds many mysteries, but perhaps one of the most fascinating is how birds navigate with extraordinary precision across thousands of miles without maps, compasses,

Elegant Trogon perched gracefully on a broken tree branch
Bird Profiles

The Beautiful but Elusive Elegant Trogon

In the lush, mountainous forests of the southwestern United States and Mexico lives a bird so striking, so magnificent in its appearance that early birdwatchers nicknamed it the “painted redbird.”

A Red-faced cormorant with dark green and blue plumage perches on a rock.
Bird Profiles

What Makes the Red-Faced Cormorant So Mysterious

In the rugged, wind-swept coastlines of the North Pacific, a peculiar seabird with a striking crimson face guards its secrets well. The Red-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax urile), draped in iridescent plumage

A White-capped Albatross with a white head and dark wings flies over the deep blue ocean.
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Inspired Ancient Mythologies Across Cultures

Throughout human history, certain animals have captured our collective imagination, inspiring myths, legends, and religious symbolism across diverse cultures and geographical regions. Among these creatures, birds hold a…

A Cut-throat finch perches near its woven nest while another flies nearby against a clear sky.
Bird Profiles

Why Certain Birds Only Nest Once Every Few Years

Birds captivate us with their diverse and fascinating nesting behaviors. While many familiar species faithfully build nests and raise young each spring, a remarkable subset of birds marches to a

A group of greater flamingos wade in shallow water.
Bird Profiles

Why Flamingos Stand on One Leg – The Real Reason

The iconic image of a flamingo balanced perfectly on a single slender leg has captivated humans for centuries. This peculiar posture, often maintained for hours on end, has been the

Pileated Woodpecker on the side of a tree
Bird Profiles

The Fastest Beak Strike in the Avian World

The animal kingdom is filled with remarkable feats of speed and precision, but few can rival the lightning-fast strike of certain bird species. Among the diverse adaptations that birds have

A tawny frogmouth with grayish-brown plumage is seen in a close-up profile view.
Bird Profiles

What Makes the Tawny Frogmouth Australia’s Sleepiest Bird

Australia’s diverse wildlife encompasses many fascinating creatures, but perhaps none embody the art of relaxation quite like the tawny frogmouth. Often mistaken for owls, these distinctive birds have earned a

A man with an eagle on his glove in front of the stunning Cathkin Park landscape.
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Can Fly Backward – A Rare Aerodynamic Feat

In the vast world of avian flight, few abilities captivate our imagination quite like backward flight. While most birds are restricted to forward movement through the air, nature has gifted

Jacana bird in flight over wetland pond surrounded by tall stems
Bird Profiles

Why the Jacana Is Called the ‘Jesus Bird’

The animal kingdom is filled with extraordinary creatures that have earned distinctive nicknames based on their remarkable abilities or physical characteristics. Among these, the jacana stands out with its biblical