The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 47

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Geese in flight against a bright blue sky with white clouds
Migratory Birds

Why How Birds Sense Magnetic Fields Might Be the Most Underrated Discovery

The world of ornithology is buzzing with anticipation as we approach 2025, and surprisingly, it’s not a specific bird species capturing researchers’ attention but rather an extraordinary capability that many

A Black-backed Woodpecker clings to a tree trunk, showing its black and white plumage.
Forest Birds

The Species That Prefers Fire Zones to Forests

In the aftermath of devastating wildfires, when forests stand charred and seemingly lifeless, an unexpected phenomenon unfolds. While most creatures flee from flames, certain remarkable species have evolved not merely

A Loggerhead Shrike perches on a branch, showing its black mask.
Birds of Prey

This Tiny Bird Hunts Like a Raptor

In the avian world, hunting prowess is often associated with majestic birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and falcons. However, nature has a surprising twist in its evolutionary tale –

Side view of a harpy eagle perched on a tree branch
Birds of Prey

Top 10 Harpy Eagle Talon Facts Every Birdwatcher Should Know

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) stands as one of nature’s most formidable aerial predators, commanding respect throughout the rainforests of Central and South America. While its impressive wingspan and striking

A close-up of a southern cassowary's blue head with orange eyes and a casque.
Birdwatching

This Bird Changes Its Face Color When Angry

In the diverse world of avian wonders, one species stands out for its remarkable ability to transform its facial appearance in response to emotions, particularly anger. The southern cassowary (Casuarius

Bird perched on the edge of a bird bath drinking water
Birding Tips

Hidden Facts About Helping Birds During a Heatwave That Might Surprise You

In the sweltering grip of summer heat, wildlife faces extraordinary challenges, with birds being particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. While many of us recognize the basic need to provide water

Emerald-chinned hummingbird in mid-flight.
Bird Profiles

The Most Acrobatic Flyers in the Bird World

While all birds fly, some have evolved exceptional aerial abilities that go far beyond simple transportation. These avian acrobats perform stunning feats of mid-air precision, engaging in complex maneuvers that

Starry night sky with a shooting star streaking across the dark sky
Migratory Birds

Could This Be the Most Incredible Way Birds Use Stars to Navigate?

Every year, billions of birds embark on epic migratory journeys, covering thousands of miles with remarkable precision. While humans rely on GPS and maps, birds have evolved sophisticated navigation systems

Lyrebird standing near a tree in a dense forest
Bird Profiles

Could This Be the Most Incredible Lyrebird Mimicry Abilities You’ve Ever Seen?

Deep within the ancient forests of Australia resides a master of sound unlike any other in the animal kingdom. The lyrebird, with its extraordinary vocal capabilities, has long captivated scientists,

Flock of avocets flying through forested area during seasonal migration
Migratory Birds

Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Understand Why Birds Choose the Pacific Flyway

The Pacific Flyway, a vast aerial highway stretching from Alaska to Patagonia, serves as a critical migration route for millions of birds every year. This natural phenomenon has captivated birdwatchers,

Kakapo walking on forest floor surrounded by leaves and moss
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Weirdest-Looking Endangered Bird You’ve Never Heard Of

Deep in the remote forests of New Zealand lives a bird so peculiar that it seems to have emerged from a fantasy novel rather than evolution. The Kakapo, often called

A close-up of a Bearded Barbet with black and red plumage and a large yellow beak.
Birdwatching

The Bearded Barbet That Looks Like a Cartoon

Nature often surprises us with creatures that seem too whimsical to be real. Among these remarkable animals is the Bearded Barbet, a bird so vibrantly colored and uniquely shaped that

Oriole perched on rope with bright orange slices for feeding
Birdwatching

Hidden Facts About Feeding Orioles Safely That Might Surprise You

Orioles, with their brilliant orange and black plumage, are among North America’s most beloved migratory birds. These musical visitors bring color and melody to our gardens each spring, captivating backyard

crow on wooden fence during daytime
Bird Profiles

How the Intelligence of Crows Are Changing the Way We Birdwatch

Birdwatching has traditionally focused on observing the vibrant plumage, distinctive songs, and graceful flights of our feathered friends. However, a paradigm shift is occurring in this beloved pastime, driven by

A spotted owl resting on a tree branch amidst lush green foliage in natural habitat.
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Top 10 Birds Most at Risk in the U.S.

America’s skies and landscapes are home to an incredible diversity of bird species, but many of these magnificent creatures face severe threats to their survival. From coastal shorebirds to woodland

nightjar sitting on a tree branch, blending seamlessly with its surroundings
Bird Profiles

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Secretive Life of Nightjars

In the twilight world between day and night, a group of mysterious birds takes to the skies on silent wings. Nightjars, with their cryptic plumage and nocturnal habits, remain among

Shearwater gliding above the seawater with wings outstretched
Migratory Birds

The Truth About Ocean Currents Guiding Bird Travel and What It Means for Bird Lovers

For centuries, humans have marveled at the precision of bird migration. These remarkable creatures traverse thousands of miles across open ocean, often returning to the exact same locations year after

Black-browed babbler
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Bird Thought Extinct Until Rediscovered in 2020

In the realm of ornithology, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of a species returning from presumed extinction. In 2020, the scientific world was stunned when the Black-browed