Australian black swans at high risk of avian flu
The immune system of black swans leaves them particularly vulnerable to avian flu. When exposed, the virus could kill them within three days.
Climate change threatens songbird breeding
Too much rain and more days of extreme heat may take a toll on the breeding success of songbirds, a new study finds.
Fossils offer peek at Patagonia dino and bird diversity
New fossils provide a glimpse into dinosaur and bird diversity in Patagonia during the Late Cretaceous, researchers report.
900 pet parrots reveal range of vocal mimicry
New research finds that many parrots use words in appropriate contexts and uncovers species differences in vocal mimicry.
900 pet parrots reveal range of vocal mimicry
New research finds that many parrots use words in appropriate contexts and uncovers species differences in vocal mimicry.
Can a rare bird’s enzyme improve human health?
Using an enzyme from the crested ibis, scientists developed cells engineered to express therapeutic proteins, specifically a thrombin inhibitor.
Brain evolution clarifies why woodpeckers peck
The specialized brain area that helps songbirds learn songs also exists in woodpeckers, suggesting their communicative rat-a-tat-tat evolved the same way.
Brain evolution clarifies why woodpeckers peck
The specialized brain area that helps songbirds learn songs also exists in woodpeckers, suggesting their communicative rat-a-tat-tat evolved the same way.
Female hummingbirds evolved a trick to keep males at bay
Some female hummingbirds have evolved to look like males. A new study shows it’s a way to keep passionate males at bay and spend more time at feeders.
How gulls reshape wings to fly through wind gusts
Modeling how gulls respond to wind gusts by changing wing shape could improve the flight of drones or other aircraft, say researchers.