The Journal

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1,084 stories and counting

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
A seagull standing on a rocky beach holding a fish in its beak against a scenic seascape.
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Can Catch Fish Without Getting Wet

In the avian world, where many birds dive into water to catch their prey, there exists a remarkable exception – the kingfisher. This extraordinary bird has mastered the art of

eagle on flight
Birding

How to Predict Bird Behavior Based on Wind

Birds are masters of the air, adapting their behaviors in response to atmospheric conditions that we humans may barely notice. Among these conditions, wind stands as perhaps the most influential

A person in a red jacket holds a camera with a large lens.
Bird Photography

How to Master Backlit Bird Photography

Bird photography presents many challenges, but few scenarios create more striking images than when your subject is backlit. Backlighting occurs when the primary light source is behind your subject, creating

hummingbird in flight drinking nectar from Texas sage blossoms
Birding

What Happens If Why Birds Love Native Plants Suddenly Disappear?

The relationship between birds and native plants represents one of nature’s most intricate and vital partnerships. Birds rely on native plants for food, shelter, and nesting sites, while plants depend

Curve-billed thrasher perched on cactus with blurred background, displaying wildlife in its natural habitat.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Cross the Sahara Without Water

Spanning over 3.6 million square miles, the Sahara Desert presents one of the most formidable barriers on Earth – a vast, scorching landscape where temperatures regularly exceed 120°F and water

orange and black oriole perched on a tree branch
Birdwatching

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Feeding Orioles Without Harming Them

Orioles, with their brilliant orange and black plumage, are among North America’s most beloved songbirds. These vibrant visitors bring joy to backyard bird enthusiasts from spring through fall, captivating us

A black raven stands on a rocky surface.
Bird Profiles

The Crow Funeral – Why These Birds Gather Around Their Dead

In the world of avian behavior, few phenomena are as haunting and intriguing as the “crow funeral.” When a crow dies, something remarkable happens – other crows gather around their

A termite mound sometimes used as a nest by some kingfisher species.
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Digs Tunnels for Its Nest

In the diverse world of avian architecture, most birds build nests in trees, bushes, or on cliff ledges. However, some feathered engineers take a dramatically different approach, choosing to excavate

A Secretary Bird with distinctive feathers, showcasing beauty of wildlife.
Bird Profiles

The Most Iconic Birds of the African Savannah

The African savannah, with its sweeping grasslands and scattered acacia trees, provides a unique habitat for some of the world’s most fascinating avian species. These vast ecosystems, stretching across much

A zebra finch with grey, white, and brown plumage perches on a branch.
Bird Sounds & Calls

Regional Dialects in Bird Calls – A Global Map

Just as humans develop distinct accents and linguistic patterns across different regions, birds too exhibit fascinating variations in their vocalizations based on geography. These avian “dialects” represent one of…

Two fluffy owlets rest on a pine tree branch in a serene forest setting, captured in a crisp close-up.
Birding

How to Choose a Bird-Friendly Tree for Your Garden

Creating a garden that welcomes birds requires thoughtful planning, especially when selecting trees. The right trees can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant ecosystem that provides food, shelter, and

Close-up of a black-headed gull soaring with wings spread wide against a clear blue sky.
Bird Profiles

The Birds That Perform Aerial Acrobatics to Defend Their Nests

In the vast theater of nature, few performances match the breathtaking aerial displays of certain bird species defending their nests. When predators threaten their young, these remarkable avian parents transform

Flamingo on body of water during daytime.
Bird Culture

The Myth of the Phoenix – Based on a Real Bird

Throughout human history, mythical creatures have captivated our imagination and become embedded in cultural narratives across civilizations. Among these legendary beings, the phoenix stands out as one of the most

A striking Palm Cockatoo showcasing its vibrant plumage in a natural outdoor setting.
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Uses Rain as Part of Its Mating Display

In the lush forests of Central and South America dwells a remarkable avian species that has evolved one of nature’s most unusual courtship behaviors. The male palm cockatoo, sometimes called

Superb Lyrebird(Menura novaehollandiae)
Bird Profiles

The Bird That Can Mimic Doorbells and Ringtones

In the dense forests of Australia lives a remarkable avian virtuoso whose vocal talents surpass those of any other bird on Earth. The lyrebird possesses an extraordinary ability to mimic

A little pied flycatcher resting on a branch amidst green foliage, captured in natural light.
Birding

The Best Times of Day to See Backyard Visitors

The quiet symphony of nature often plays just beyond our windows, inviting us to witness the comings and goings of various wildlife visitors throughout the day. From the early morning

A bird's nest, likely for American Robins, sits securely in the bare branches of a tree.
Bird Profiles

The Most Unusual Nesting Materials Ever Found

When we think of bird nests, images of carefully woven twigs, soft feathers, and natural plant fibers typically come to mind. However, throughout the natural world, birds have proven themselves

A red-footed booby bird resting in its natural habitat, showcasing its distinctive red feet and vibrant plumage.
Birding

How Birds Experience Pain – What Science Reveals

When we observe a bird with an injured wing fluttering in distress or notice a songbird avoiding a garden where it was previously threatened by a predator, we’re witnessing behaviors