All Stories
1,084 stories and counting · Page 18
What to Do If a Baby Bird Falls From the Nest
Finding a baby bird that has fallen from its nest can be both concerning and confusing. Many people want to help, but aren’t sure what actions might help or harm
How Urban Lights Disrupt Bird Migration Paths
Every year, billions of birds undertake remarkable migratory journeys spanning thousands of miles, navigating by starlight, landmarks, and Earth’s magnetic field. Yet these ancient pathways face a modern threat: the
The Most Common Backyard Birds by State
Bird watching has become one of America’s most beloved hobbies, with millions of enthusiasts setting up feeders and creating welcoming habitats in their own backyards. The diversity of avian visitors
Why Birds Choose Desert Routes Over Forests
When we envision bird migration, we often picture vast flocks traversing dense forests or following coastlines abundant with resources. However, many avian species make the surprising choice to fly over
Why the Common Raven Is a Brainy Trickster
The common raven (Corvus corax) stands as one of nature’s most fascinating intellectual marvels. Far from being just another black bird, ravens possess cognitive abilities that rival those of great
Why Some Birds Take Detours Thousands of Miles Off Course
Every year, billions of birds embark on epic migration journeys, navigating with remarkable precision across continents and oceans. Yet sometimes, these feathered travelers end up thousands of miles from where
How Birds Refuel Mid-Journey With Strategic Stops
Birds are nature’s marathon travelers, with some species covering tens of thousands of miles during their annual migrations. These incredible journeys would be impossible without a sophisticated strategy for refueling
The Bird That Dances to Impress: Meet the Manakin
In the lush rainforests of Central and South America, an extraordinary avian performer has evolved one of the most elaborate courtship displays in the animal kingdom. The manakin, a small
Why Some Birds Fly Over 7,000 Miles Without Stopping
The skies above us serve as highways for some of nature’s most remarkable travelers. While humans celebrate a five-hour flight with a complimentary beverage and perhaps a movie, certain birds
Why Birds Prefer Night Flights Over Daytime Migration
In the vast theater of the sky, a remarkable phenomenon unfolds as darkness descends—billions of birds take flight, navigating the night skies in epic migratory journeys that span continents and
Why Birds Love Mealworms (And How to Offer Them)
Birds fluttering eagerly to feeders filled with mealworms is a delightful sight for any bird enthusiast. These protein-packed larvae have become a staple in backyard bird feeding, attracting species that
Why Birds Sometimes Peck at Your Windows
Birds tapping, fluttering, and sometimes aggressively pecking at windows is a phenomenon many homeowners have experienced. This curious and sometimes concerning behavior has rational explanations rooted in avian…
Why the Superb Lyrebird Is an Acoustic Marvel
In the ancient rainforests of southeastern Australia lives a performer unlike any other in the animal kingdom. The Superb Lyrebird (*Menura novaehollandiae*) stands as perhaps nature’s greatest sound artist, capable
Meet the Bird With a Beak Like a Spoon: The Roseate Spoonbill
With its vibrant pink plumage and distinctively shaped bill, the Roseate Spoonbill stands out as one of North America’s most extraordinary wading birds. At first glance, many mistake it for
The Tallest Flying Bird on the Planet
The natural world consistently demonstrates that truth is often more fantastic than fiction. Among the many wonders that soar through our skies, certain birds stand out for their remarkable height.
The Migration Patterns of Night-Singing Thrushes
In the shadowy world between dusk and dawn, one of nature’s most enchanting phenomena unfolds across continents: the migration of night-singing thrushes. These remarkable birds—encompassing species like the Swainson’s…
What Happens in a Migration Collision Event
Migration collision events represent some of nature’s most dramatic and consequential phenomena, occurring when migratory species encounter obstacles—both natural and human-made—during their seasonal journeys. These…
The Bird That Crosses the Himalayas Every Spring
The natural world is filled with awe-inspiring feats of migration, but few match the remarkable journey of the Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus). Twice annually, these determined birds accomplish what seems