The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 45

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
A Common murre with brown head and white underparts stands on a dark, uneven rock.
Migratory Birds

This Bird Drops Feathers Mid-Flight to Lose Weight

In the vast and varied world of avian adaptations, few are as peculiar and fascinating as the molting strategy of the Common Murre (Uria aalge). While most birds replace their

Tree Swallow perched on top of a weathered wooden post
Migratory Birds

The Insect-Eating Bird That Times Its Flight With a Hatch

In the intricate dance of nature’s timing, few performances are as precisely choreographed as the relationship between certain bird species and insect hatches. Among these remarkable synchronizations, there exists a

An Azure-shouldered Tanager perches on a fruit, its blue and yellow plumage striking.
Birdwatching

How to Safely Offer Fruit Without Attracting Pests

Offering fruits to wildlife or displaying them in outdoor settings can create beautiful, natural feeding stations and decorative arrangements. However, these sweet treats often attract unwanted visitors like insects…

A white Java Sparrow with a pink beak and red eye-ring perches on a tree branch.
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Rarest Albino Bird Sightings Ever Recorded

In the vast tapestry of avian diversity, few sights captivate birdwatchers and ornithologists more than an albino bird. These ghostly apparitions—feathered beings lacking the pigment melanin—represent some of nature’s…

A snow bunting with brown, black, and white feathers perches on a surface.
Bird Behavior

5 Birds That Change Color With the Seasons

In the avian world, feathers serve as more than just a means of flight; they’re also remarkable displays of color that can transform dramatically throughout the year. Some bird species

A Red-mantled Rosefinch perches on a branch, showing its rosy-red and brown plumage.
Bird Profiles

This Bird’s Beak Never Stops Growing

In the diverse world of avian adaptations, few features are as remarkable as the continuously growing beak of the crossbill. While most birds have beaks that maintain a relatively stable

An Atlantic Puffin with a large, colorful beak and white face stands in green grass.
Bird Profiles

Top 7 Birds With Faces That Tell Stories

The avian world is filled with remarkable species that captivate our imagination, but perhaps none more so than birds whose facial features seem to tell stories of their own. Beyond

A common starling with speckled feathers and a yellow beak perches on a branch.
Birdwatching

This Bird Uses UV Patterns Humans Can’t See

The natural world is filled with hidden realms of perception that exist beyond human senses. Among the most fascinating examples are birds that utilize ultraviolet (UV) patterns invisible to the

A ruby-throated hummingbird is captured mid-flight, its wings a blur.
Migratory Birds

The Bird That Refuels Mid-Migration Using Backyard Feeders

Most of us have marveled at the epic journeys birds undertake during migration – traversing continents and crossing vast oceans with seemingly tireless wings. But what if I told you

A tranquil scene of a photographer capturing the golden hour at a seaside, with a seagull perched on a rock.
Bird Photography

Top 10 Mistakes in Bird Photography (and How to Fix Them)

Bird photography represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding forms of wildlife photography. The combination of fast-moving subjects, unpredictable behavior, and often challenging lighting conditions creates a…

A cardinal perched on wooden fence in backyard
Birdwatching

The Secret to Getting Cardinals to Nest Nearby

Cardinals, with their vibrant crimson plumage and melodious songs, are among North America’s most beloved backyard birds. Their striking appearance against winter snow or summer greenery makes them a prized

Metal wind chime hanging from a tree branch in a peaceful backyard
Birding Tips

Why Your Wind Chimes May Be Scaring Off Birds

For many garden enthusiasts and bird watchers, creating a welcoming environment for local avian visitors is a top priority. We plant native species, install bird baths, and set up feeders—all

Wandering Albatross soaring in flight over forested mountains
Migratory Birds

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Long-Distance Flyers You’ve Never Heard Of

Birds like eagles and albatrosses might dominate our conversations about long-distance fliers, but the animal kingdom contains numerous remarkable yet lesser-known marathon travelers that deserve recognition. From tiny…

A close-up of an Oilbird with brown and white speckled plumage and large dark eyes.
Forest Birds

Why the Oilbird Is the Only Nocturnal Fruit-Eater

The animal kingdom is filled with fascinating creatures that have evolved unique adaptations to fill specialized ecological niches. Among these remarkable animals, the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) stands out as one

Bird perched on top of a garden sprinkler in a backyard
Birdwatching

Why Your Sprinkler May Be a Bird Magnet

Birds are fascinating creatures that can bring joy and life to our gardens. While birdbaths and feeders are common attractions for our feathered friends, you might have noticed that your

A kiwi bird with its long beak.
Bird Profiles

The Only Bird That Can Smell Water Underground

In the diverse world of avian species, one bird stands out for its extraordinary ability to detect water beneath the earth’s surface. The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird and beloved

A close-up of a bearded vulture with white, orange, and black feathers looks over its shoulder.
Bird Behavior

The Bird That Grew a Beard to Impress a Mate

When it comes to courtship displays in the animal kingdom, few are as visually striking as the development of specialized plumage in birds. Among these evolutionary marvels is a fascinating

A Baya Weaver perches on grass, showing its yellow head.
Birdwatching

This Songbird Builds a Nest That Defies Gravity

The avian world is full of architectural marvels, but few are as impressive as the gravity-defying nests constructed by certain songbirds. Among these master builders, the pendulous nests of the