The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting · Page 48

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
A graceful black and white close-up of a swan, showcasing its elegant feathers.
Bird Photography

Why You Should Try Monochrome Bird Shots

In the vibrant world of bird photography, there’s an understated elegance to monochrome imagery that often gets overlooked. While colorful feathers and iridescent plumage certainly make for stunning photographs, black

Monarch butterfly resting on a green leaf, with its vibrant orange and black wings spread
Migratory Birds

Hidden Facts About Monarch Flyway Crossovers That Might Surprise You

The majestic monarch butterfly, with its distinctive orange and black wings, undertakes one of nature’s most remarkable journeys each year. These delicate creatures navigate thousands of miles during their migration,

A man feeds seagulls in a city park with buildings in the background on a clear day.
Birding

Why You Should Learn Bird Calls Before Field Marks

Bird watching, or birding, is a beloved pastime that connects people with nature while sharpening observational skills. Many beginners focus first on identifying birds by their visual characteristics—their field…

Oriole eating a slice of orange on backyard railing
Birdwatching

What Happens If People Feeding Orioles Without Harming Them Suddenly Disappear?

Orioles, with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs, have captivated backyard enthusiasts across North America. These distinctive birds often form special relationships with humans who provide reliable food sources…

Shoebill stork catching a lungfish in its large beak
Bird Profiles

Why the Shoebill Refuses to Blink During Hunting

In the remote wetlands of East Africa stands one of nature’s most peculiar predators—the shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex). With its massive shoe-shaped bill and stone-like stance, this prehistoric-looking bird has

A secretary bird with a distinctive red face walks across a grassy field.
Bird Behavior

What Makes the Secretary Bird Walk Like a Dinosaur

In the grasslands of Africa stalks a peculiar avian predator that seems to have stepped out of prehistoric times. With its distinctive stride, impressive height, and snake-hunting prowess, the secretary

Gull flying over the shoreline with waves crashing below
Birdwatching

Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Identify Long-Distance Flyers You’ve Never Heard Of

Bird watching can be a fascinating hobby, especially when you encounter migratory species that travel incredible distances. However, identifying long-distance flying birds that are uncommon or rare in your region

Club-winged Manakin perched in the middle of a branch surrounded by dense greenery
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Uses Its Wings to Create Buzzing Sounds

Deep in the cloud forests of South America, a remarkable avian performance takes place. The male Club-winged Manakin beats its specially modified wing feathers at nearly imperceptible speeds, producing a

A charming cockatiel perched on a person's hand against a lush green background.
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Challenges of Reintroducing Captive Birds to the Wild

The reintroduction of captive birds to their natural habitats represents one of conservation biology’s most complex challenges. From endangered species rehabilitation to the rescue of illegally trafficked birds, these…

Two painted storks gracefully wading and drinking in a serene lake setting.
Forest Birds

The Bird That Cools Itself With Its Feet

In the vast world of avian adaptations, few mechanisms are as fascinating as thermoregulation strategies. While many birds pant or seek shade to cool down, certain species have evolved a

Close-up of a shoebill stork's intense eye, reflecting its focus during a hunt
Bird Profiles

The Truth About the Shoebill’s Hunting Tactics and What It Means for Bird Lovers

The shoebill stork, with its prehistoric appearance and remarkable hunting abilities, captivates wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Standing up to five feet tall with an imposing bill that resembles a wooden clog,

Pair of barnacle geese flying together against a clear blue sky
Migratory Birds

Could This Be the Highest Altitude Records of Geese You’ve Ever Seen?

When we think of high-altitude flyers, our minds might drift to advanced aircraft or perhaps eagles soaring majestically over mountain peaks. However, some of the most remarkable achievements in high-altitude

A small Little Grassbird with streaky brown plumage is hidden among green reeds.
Bird Sounds & Calls

The Bird That Sings Without Opening Its Beak

The avian world is filled with extraordinary talents and peculiar adaptations, but perhaps none is quite as mystifying as the ability of certain birds to produce melodious songs without visibly

A gull walks on a wet beach with a wrapper in its beak.
Rare & Endangered Birds

How Plastic Pollution Is Harming Seabirds

The vast beauty of our oceans, with their rolling waves and diverse ecosystems, masks a growing crisis that threatens some of their most iconic inhabitants. Seabirds—those remarkable creatures that navigate

Arctic Tern in mid-flight against a backdrop of a blue sky
Migratory Birds

Could The Arctic Terns 44,000 Mile Journey Be the Most Incredible You’ve Ever Seen

In the vast theater of avian migration, one performer outshines all others with an annual journey so extensive it could circle the Earth almost twice. The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea),

A Mockingbird perches on a weathered branch.
Bird Sounds & Calls

The Bird That Sounds Like a Chainsaw – Nature’s Noisy Mimic

In the depths of forests and woodland edges across the United States, an extraordinary natural phenomenon occasionally startles hikers and nature enthusiasts. A mechanical, revving sound pierces the tranquil atmosphere,

A Red-necked Spurfowl stands on dry ground, showing its red head and mottled plumage.
Bird Sounds & Calls

This Forest Bird Can Sing at Infrasound Levels

The natural world is full of extraordinary adaptations, but few are as remarkable as those found in certain avian species. Deep within dense forests around the world, a select group

Kakapo perched on a moss-covered tree branch blending into forest
Forest Birds

Why the Kakapo Might Be the Most Underrated Bird

The kakapo, a pudgy, flightless parrot native to New Zealand, has long been a curiosity in the ornithological world. With fewer than 250 individuals remaining, these nocturnal, moss-colored birds remain