Birds

What’s the best place to hang a birdhouse?

May 9, 2018 in Natural Sciences

If you go to all the trouble to hang a birdhouse, you definitely want to put it in the right place. But which is better: Sun or shade?

When two raven species become one

March 14, 2018 in Natural Sciences

On the outside, they look similar, but common ravens in North America contain a counterintuitive tale about evolution in their genes.

Why do starlings dance in the sky?

November 8, 2017 in Natural Sciences

Flocks of several hundred thousand starlings can fly swiftly in coordinated and mesmerising formations, even when trying to evade predator birds. Why do they do it, and more significantly, how?

Be careful not to overfeed wild birds

October 26, 2017 in Natural Sciences

It gives advantages to certain species but can make life – and survival – harder for others, warns an ornithologist.

Northern European peatland birds down more than one third since 1981

October 25, 2017 in Environment

But urgent conservation actions could reverse this trend.

Clever ravens can plan one step ahead

July 30, 2017 in Natural Sciences

The birds are as good at planning as a four-year-old child or a chimpanzee.

Birdsong is genetically coded

July 2, 2017 in Natural Sciences

Nature or nurture? Until now, ornithologists assumed that birds passed on their unique songs predominantly via social learning. But a new Swedish study shows that genetics may be a bigger factor.

Zebra stripes keep birds from colliding with aircraft

February 1, 2017 in Natural Sciences

Colliding with birds can cause an airplane to crash. Researchers are working on ways to scare birds away from planes, and zebra stripes have so far proven effective.

Uncovering the secrets of Arctic seabird colonies

June 9, 2016 in Natural Sciences

Seabirds nest by the hundreds of thousands in colonies along the Norwegian coast. Now, scientists have uncovered the factors that help determine the location of seabird nesting colonies.

Why do female birds mate with more than one male?

May 27, 2016 in Natural Sciences

Possibly for protection, according to one study. The potential fathers will work together to stop predators from attacking their young. Ths challenges established ideas about the passive female, says philosopher.

News from our partners

Chickens do best when they can play, climb and bathe

May 23, 2018 in Agriculture & Fisheries

Chickens play more if they grow up in a varied environment with hay bales to peck at, boxes to climb onto and bedding in which to dust bathe. They become more active and build stronger bones, according to a new study.

Latest news

May. 23

Birds

What’s the best place to hang a birdhouse?

When two raven species become one

Why do starlings dance in the sky?

Be careful not to overfeed wild birds

Northern European peatland birds down more than one third since 1981

Clever ravens can plan one step ahead

Birdsong is genetically coded

Zebra stripes keep birds from colliding with aircraft

Uncovering the secrets of Arctic seabird colonies

Why do female birds mate with more than one male?

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