The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 20

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Majestic shoebill stork surrounded by lush greenery, captured in its natural habitat.
Bird Profiles

Why the Shoebill Is Nature’s Most Intimidating Bird

Standing motionless in the swamps of East Africa, the shoebill stork presents one of nature’s most imposing silhouettes. With its massive shoe-shaped bill, penetrating stare, and prehistoric appearance, this remarkable

An Eastern Bluebird takes flight.
Birding

What Time of Day Birds Are Most Active and Why

The melodious chirping of birds is a natural alarm clock for many of us, announcing the arrival of dawn with enthusiastic songs. This isn’t merely a coincidence – birds follow

Two bar-headed geese fly against a clear blue sky.
Migratory Birds

The Truth About The Altitude Records of Geese and What It Means for Bird Lovers

When we gaze skyward during migration season, we might catch a glimpse of geese flying in their characteristic V-formation. But how high can these remarkable birds actually fly? The altitude

Egyptian vultures in a dry, rural landscape captured in vivid detail showcasing wildlife beauty.
Bird Profiles

The Vulture That Uses Tools to Feed

Tool use was once considered an exclusive trait of highly intelligent species like corvids and parrots. However, deep in the forests of Africa, an unexpected avian genius has joined their

A brown and blue bird flying.
Birding

How to ID Bird Species Just by Their Silhouette

Birds add incredible beauty and diversity to our natural world, but identifying them can sometimes be challenging, especially when they’re in motion or far away. One powerful tool for bird

Birds fly across a blue, cloudy sky.
Migratory Birds

How Baby Birds Know Where to Migrate Without Parents

Each year, millions of birds embark on incredible journeys spanning thousands of miles, navigating with precision to destinations they’ve never seen. Perhaps most remarkable is that many young birds make

Four African penguins stand together.
Bird Profiles

The Secret Behind the Penguin’s Tuxedo

The classic black and white coloration of penguins has long captured human imagination, earning these flightless birds the nickname of “nature’s gentlemen in tuxedos.” While their distinctive appearance might seem

Birds flying over a city, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Migratory Birds

Why Migration Is Getting Earlier Every Year

When autumn leaves give way to winter’s chill, many of us have grown accustomed to the rhythmic departure and return of migratory species. Yet in recent decades, scientists have documented

Crested Caracara with a yellow beak and black and white patterned feathers.
Bird Profiles

The Bird With a Built-In Sun Visor: Meet the Crested Caracara

The animal kingdom never ceases to amaze with its remarkable adaptations and unique species. Among these fascinating creatures stands the Crested Caracara, a distinctive raptor that appears to sport nature’s

Three Common starlings bathe in a puddle, splashing water.
Uncategorized

Why You Should Pay Attention to Helping Birds During a Heatwave This Spring

As spring transitions into summer, many regions experience unexpected heatwaves that can have devastating effects on local wildlife, particularly birds. While we humans can retreat to air-conditioned spaces and hydrate

Bar-headed geese are on a green field.
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Change Routes Mid-Migration

The journey of migratory birds has fascinated humans for centuries, with their remarkable ability to navigate vast distances across continents and oceans. These feathered travelers follow established routes that have

Flock of Bar-tailed Godwits together during migration.
Migratory Birds

What It Takes to Survive a 5,000 Mile Migration

The epic journey of migratory species represents one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. Across continents and oceans, countless creatures embark on journeys spanning thousands of miles, facing tremendous physical…

Bird Profiles

Hidden Facts About How Hummingbirds Hover in Place That Might Surprise You

Hummingbirds represent one of nature’s most remarkable engineering marvels. While we’ve all marveled at their ability to hang seemingly motionless in midair while feeding, the mechanics behind this aerial feat

A Hoatzin with a prominent crest spreads its wings among green leaves.
Bird Profiles

Why the Hoatzin Is Called the “Stinkbird”

The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is one of the most peculiar and fascinating birds in the world, renowned for its unusual characteristics and evolutionary distinctiveness. Among its many nicknames, “stinkbird” stands

A Yellow Weaver takes a bath.
Birding

Why a Dirty Birdbath Is Worse Than No Birdbath at All

Birds bring joy, color, and music to our yards, and many wildlife enthusiasts set up birdbaths to attract these delightful visitors. However, what many well-intentioned bird lovers don’t realize is

Bird perched on top of a green garden hedge
Birdwatching

Why You Should Never Trim Shrubs During Nesting Season

As spring unfolds its vibrant tapestry of renewal, many homeowners eagerly reach for their pruning shears, eager to tidy up winter-worn shrubs and prepare their gardens for the growing season.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis)
Bird Profiles

Hummingbirds That Shimmers Like a Gemstone

Among the jewels of the avian world, few creatures capture the imagination quite like hummingbirds with their iridescent plumage. These tiny marvels of evolution possess feathers that transform light into

A brown kiwi with a long beak stands near some green plants.
Bird Profiles

How the Kiwi Navigates Without Seeing Clearly

In the dense undergrowth of New Zealand’s forests dwells one of nature’s most peculiar avian wonders – the kiwi. These flightless birds have captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, not