The Journal

All Stories

1,084 stories and counting · Page 6

Bird ProfilesBirdwatchingBirdingMigratory BirdsBirds of PreyBirding TipsBird Sounds & CallsPre-historic BirdsBird CultureBird PhotographyRare & Endangered BirdsForest Birds
Yellow-legged gull standing near ancient ruins.
Bird Culture

Why Birds Were Once Believed to Predict the Future

Birds have fascinated humans throughout history not just for their ability to soar through the skies, but also for the mysterious powers many cultures attributed to them. Among these supposed

A person with binoculars is looking at birds.
Birding

The Rise of Virtual Birding – Watch Birds Live From Your Couch

The gentle warble of a songbird at dawn, the majestic soar of an eagle against azure skies, the comical waddle of penguins across Antarctic ice—these natural wonders have captivated human

A green and brown kākāpō rests among leaves.
Bird Profiles

Meet the World’s Only Flightless Parrot – And Its Strange Life

In the dense, ancient forests of New Zealand dwells one of the world’s most peculiar birds—a pudgy, moss-colored parrot that has forgotten how to fly. The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), also

gray orange and white bird
Migratory Birds

The Bird With a Built-In Compass – How It Always Knows North

In the vast theatre of animal navigation, one performer stands out for its extraordinary ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field with remarkable precision. The European robin and several other migratory

A seagull rests on a railing above a body of water in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
Bird Sounds & Calls

How Birds Use Calls to Warn Each Other About Predators

In the intricate tapestry of nature, birds have developed sophisticated communication systems that go far beyond mere singing. Among their most critical vocalizations are alarm calls—specialized sounds that serve as

Wren
Birding

How to Attract More Birds to Your Backyard

In the hustle of modern life, there’s something deeply rewarding about creating a haven for wild birds right in your own backyard. Beyond the simple joy of birdwatching, attracting these

Gentoo penguin on nest during snowfall.
Rare & Endangered Birds

The Secretive Bird That Nests Underground

In the world of avian wonders, most birds build their nests in trees, shrubs, or other elevated locations to protect their offspring from predators. However, nature always finds ways to

A Spotted Bowerbird with a blue object near its bower.
Birding

The Bird With the Most Decorative Nest in the World

In the fascinating world of avian architecture, one bird stands out as the ultimate designer of nature’s most elaborate home. The male bowerbird, particularly the Vogelkop bowerbird (Amblyornis inornata) of

A women smiling while taking a photo of a bird with her smartphone.
Bird Photography

How to Take Bird Photos With a Smartphone – Pro Tips

Bird photography has traditionally been the domain of professional photographers with expensive gear, but smartphone cameras have evolved tremendously in recent years. With the right techniques and a bit of

A bright yellow Yellow Warbler perches on a branch with green needles.
Migratory Birds

How Birds Time Their Departure Using Plant Cues

In the grand theater of nature, timing is everything. For migratory birds, departing at precisely the right moment can mean the difference between successful breeding, finding abundant food sources, or

A flock of sandpipers flies over the water.
Migratory Birds

Why Some Birds Fly in Loose Flocks Instead of V-Formations

When we think of birds flying together, the iconic V-formation of migrating geese often comes to mind. However, not all birds follow this orderly pattern. Many species opt for loose,

A New Caledonian crow holds a tool in its beak.
Bird Profiles

The Smartest Bird You’ve Never Heard Of

When we think of intelligent birds, ravens, crows, and parrots typically come to mind. These feathered celebrities have earned their reputation through remarkable problem-solving abilities and complex social behaviors…

A gathering of gulls and other birds at night.
Bird Profiles

Why Certain Birds Are Only Active at Dawn and Dusk

In the quiet moments when day transitions to night and night gives way to dawn, a remarkable phenomenon occurs in the avian world. As most creatures either prepare for sleep

two black-and-white birds
Bird Sounds & Calls

Why Some Birds Sing Duets With Their Mates

In the melodious world of avian communication, a remarkable phenomenon occurs when certain bird species synchronize their voices in perfect harmony. Unlike the familiar solo performances that echo through forests

Several colorful macaws with vibrant red, blue, and green plumage perch on branches.
Migratory Birds

The Most Colorful Birds Found Only on Remote Islands

Remote islands stand as nature’s laboratories of evolution, fostering some of Earth’s most extraordinary examples of avian splendor. Isolated from mainland predators and competitors, these feathered inhabitants have…

Intimate close-up of baby robins nestled in a natural bird's nest amidst lush green foliage.
Bird Profiles

How Birds Reuse Old Nests – And Which Ones Don’t

Birds are remarkable architects, creating nests that range from simple scrapes in the ground to elaborate, woven structures that can withstand the elements for years. While many people assume birds

A brown hummingbird is flying in mid-air during the day.
Bird Profiles

Why Some Birds Sing While They Fly

This aerial symphony, where birds produce melodious sounds while navigating the skies, represents a fascinating intersection of physical ability, evolutionary advantage, and biological necessity. From the ethereal song…

love birds
Bird Profiles

How Do Birds Recognize Their Own Species?

In the diverse and colorful world of birds, with over 10,000 species inhabiting our planet, the ability to recognize members of their own kind is crucial for survival and reproduction.