BIRDS

Who would have thought a woodpecker could be so destructive.

Locals Shield Their Cars From Vandal Woodpecker in Rockport, Massachusetts

A territorial woodpecker has broken dozens of car mirrors in a bizarre springtime rampage.

10 Things You May Not Know About Cardinals

These crested songbirds add a welcome dash of color to yards throughout much of the United States. Let’s get a little better acquainted with our rosy, non-migratory neighbors.

The Dark History Behind the Phrase ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’

Any early warning sign can be a canary in a coal mine. But the original meaning was more specific.

‘Why, yes, I am from Long Island! How did you know?’

Do Animals Have Regional Accents?

Can a Boston dog bahk?

Why Is the Vlasic Pickles Mascot a Stork?

Vlasic has used a stork to market its pickles for decades. But how did a bird known for bringing babies suddenly start selling pickles?

10 Fascinating Facts About Ravens

Edgar Allan Poe knew what he was doing when he chose the raven to croak “nevermore” in his famous poem.

The Best States for Birdwatching, Mapped

Use this map to plan your birding schedule ahead of the spring migration.

10 Times Animals Changed History

History is teeming with unlikely heroes—these ones just happen to have feathers and fur.

These penguins are going to be living their best lives.

Older Penguins Moved to the New England Aquarium’s New ‘Retirement Island’

The New England Aquarium’s retirement area for penguins offers specialized healthcare and a peaceful habitat for elderly birds.

An adorable black-capped chickadee posing in a white spruce.

10 Charming Facts About Chickadees

These active backyard birds are more than just cute—they’re hardy survivors that have conquered the continent and are teaching scientists new things about avian evolution.

Customers will have to hold off on bulk-buying eggs for a while.

These 6 Grocery Chains Are Placing Limits on Egg Purchases

Avian influenza is causing top grocery chains to put restrictions on egg purchases.

The Chimborazo hillstar is native to the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia.

Hummingbirds Found Nesting Together in Groups in Surprising First

An ornithologist discovered a hummingbird “hive” in Ecuador‘s High Andes—a major departure for the solitary animals.

Why Do We Say Storks Deliver Babies?

There comes a point in every child’s life when they ask where babies come from, and some parents—not wanting to explain the details of reproduction just yet—turn to the story of storks. We explore the origins of a myth that has been around for centuries.

Scotland Has “No Intention” of Banning Cats, First Minister Confirms

The Scottish government won’t be rounding up people’s pets any time soon.

A scene from the La Brea Tar Pits with models of Ice Age animals.

10 Fascinating Facts About the La Brea Tar Pits

There’s a gooey time capsule in the heart of Los Angeles, left over from an era when saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, camels, and giant sloths prowled southern California.

The Bizarre Story of Britain’s Last Great Auk

Was the animal a bird, or a witch?

Are Eggs Dairy?

What are eggs, really? It's complicated.

Bird Flu: 8 Fast Facts You Should Know

Bird flu is one of the reasons egg prices have skyrocketed. Here’s what else you should know about the current outbreak of the H5N1 virus among U.S. poultry and dairy cows.

Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach

Lost Emperor Penguin Who Washed Up in Australia Returns Home

A penguin named Gus captured people’s hearts when he appeared on an Australian beach not long ago. Now he’s ready to go back home.

An eagle pair in Alaska tend to their gigantic nest.

Minnesota Launches New Bald Eagle Livestream After the First Ends in Tragedy

The 20-year-old nest that starred in the state agency’s first livecam was destroyed by a snowstorm. Now, viewers can tune into watch another eagle pair raise their family at a new spot.

Fine Feathered Fiends: 6 Bizarre Turkey Attacks

Your Thanksgiving turkey is harmless, but the live bird stalking your backyard might not be.

14 Bold Facts About Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are powerful symbols of America—but there's much more to know about these quirky birds.

A 911 Call About a Raccoon Invasion Is a Good Reminder Never to Feed Wild Animals

Where there is one hungry raccoon, there are likely dozens, as one unfortunate woman found out.

A black-throated green warbler perches on a funerary statue at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

From Snakeroot to Salamanders, Life Thrives in Cemeteries

Three historic cemeteries, designed as refuges of the dead, are bringing their landscapes back to life for native plants and animals.