The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 30

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Small brown bird perched on stone with open beak
Birdwatching

Why Birdsong Gets Louder in Spring — Even in the City

As winter’s grip loosens and daylight hours extend, a remarkable transformation occurs in our soundscape. The world awakens to a symphony of trills, whistles, and melodies as birds across urban

Sparrow perched on wooden backyard fence
Birdwatching

The Daily Rituals of Backyard Birds — A Closer Look at Morning Life

The Song Sparrow’s Sunrise Solo As the first light filters through suburban gardens, the Song Sparrow perches high, singing its bright, bubbly tune. Each note is a proclamation of territory

Common Nightingale singing while perched on a tree branch
Birdwatching

The Surprising Science of Birdsong and What They’re Really Saying

Somewhere in the early morning hush, a tiny singer belts out a tune that’s traveled through generations. Birdsong isn’t just background music — it’s packed with secret codes, love songs,

A close-up of a Harpy Eagle's head and upper body.
Birds of Prey

Harpy Eagle 101 The Jungle Predator With a Monster Reputation

Deep within the lush canopies of Central and South American rainforests dwells one of nature’s most formidable aerial predators—the Harpy Eagle. With its massive talons, impressive wingspan, and piercing gaze,

Fossil specimen of Anchiornis huxleyi displayed at the Beijing Museum of Natural History
Pre-historic Birds

What Fossil Feathers Reveal About Earth’s Ancient Climates

Ever wondered how a single feather can tell the story of a world long gone? Fossilized feathers are like time machines—each delicate strand whispering secrets of ancient skies, vanished forests,

Two sparrows perched on a barbed wire fence.
Birding

Meet the 5 Backyard Birds That Wake Up the Whole Neighborhood

Waking up to the symphony of birdsong is a quintessential part of the morning experience. However, some feathered neighbors are particularly enthusiastic, ensuring the entire neighborhood is up and about.

A black-headed Gouldian finch with vibrant plumage perches on a textured branch.
Birding

6 Common Backyard Birds (and What They’re Really Thinking)

Ever wondered what’s going on in the minds of the feathered visitors to your backyard? Let’s delve into the lives of six common backyard birds and uncover the secrets behind

A museum exhibit features a large, feathered replica of a Terror Bird, with an open beak, observing visitors.
Pre-historic Birds

The Terror Birds That Once Ruled South America No Wings Needed

Imagine a world where giant, flightless birds reigned as the top predators—no wings required. These “terror birds,” or phorusrhacids, dominated ancient South America with beaks sharper than any raptor’s talon,

A nightjar with mottled brown and black plumage perches on a branch.
Bird Profiles

Could This Be the Most Revealing Look at the Secretive Life of Nightjars You’ve Ever Seen?

In the shadowy realms between dusk and dawn, a family of birds conducts its mysterious affairs largely unseen by human eyes. Nightjars, with their cryptic plumage and nocturnal habits, represent

A majestic Bald Eagle with an open beak perches on a rock, wings slightly spread.
Pre-historic Birds

Ancient Innovations 9 Bird Adaptations Still in Use Today

When we look to the skies, we see more than just beautiful creatures soaring above—we’re witnessing the results of millions of years of evolutionary engineering. Birds have developed remarkable adaptations

A powerful Red-tailed Hawk soars with wings fully extended against a clear blue sky.
Birds of Prey

Desert Survivors — 6 Raptors That Thrive in Harsh Heat

Deserts represent some of the most challenging environments on Earth, with scorching daytime temperatures, frigid nights, and scarce water sources. Yet within these harsh landscapes, certain birds of prey have

An eagle showcasing its sharp beak and striking feathers.
Birds of Prey

Raptors With Style — 10 That Have Crown-Like Crests

Raptors, the majestic birds of prey, are renowned for their formidable hunting skills and striking appearances. Among these, certain species boast crown-like crests that add an extra touch of regality

A majestic Bald Eagle with a white head and yellow beak gazes intently.
Birds of Prey

What a Bald Eagle’s Day Really Looks Like

America’s national bird, the majestic bald eagle, has captured our collective imagination for generations. While we often see these impressive raptors soaring high above or perched regally in trees, few

Wren peeking outside the entrance hole of a wooden nesting box.
Birding

How Building a Nesting Box for Wrens Are Changing the Way We Birdwatch

The humble wren, with its cheerful song and energetic personality, has captured the hearts of birdwatchers across North America. As these small, cavity-nesting birds face habitat loss due to urban

Close-up of Hesperornis skull showing teeth
Pre-historic Birds

Why Some Prehistoric Birds Had Teeth And What They Ate

In a world 150 million years away from our own, the skies were filled with birds unlike any we know today. Among their most striking differences: rows of sharp, deadly

Group of sparrows feeding from bird feeder
Birdwatching

Small Change, Big Impact 7 Bird Feeder Placement Tips That Matter

Bird feeding is more than just hanging a feeder and hoping for feathered visitors. Strategic placement can transform your backyard into a bustling avian hub or leave it disappointingly quiet.

An Anna's hummingbird with iridescent pink and green feathers perches on a bare branch.
Birding

Bird Behavior Decoded — 9 Actions That Actually Mean Something

Birds are more than just feathered creatures flitting through our skies; they’re complex beings with behaviors that often mirror human actions. Let’s dive into nine fascinating bird behaviors and uncover

A Long-eared Owl with brown and striped plumage perches on a bare branch against a dark night sky.
Birds of Prey

The Secret World of Raptors That Hunt in Silence

In the shadowy realms of forests and meadows, an elite group of aerial predators conducts their deadly business without a sound. Unlike their more vocal cousins who announce their presence