BIRDS

Ruddy ducks in the Prairie Pothole Aviary.

Smithsonian National Zoo’s New Bird House Highlights Migratory Birds’ Incredible Journeys

The zoo presents familiar birds in a fresh, unified way—and drives home the message that people can take simple steps to protect birds’ future.

Snow geese, sandhill cranes, and ducks make New Mexico's Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge their fall and winter home.

9 Astounding Facts About Bird Migration

Long-distance bird migration is one of the natural world’s most inspiring phenomena—and how we learned about it is just as fascinating.

A common raven looking pretty pleased with itself.

15 Amazing Facts About 15 Birds

Here's a flock of facts about everything avian, from brilliantly colored hummingbirds to farting thrushes.

10 Brilliant Facts About Peacocks

With their massive tails and iridescent colors, peacocks have long fascinated their human observers—and we’re still learning their secrets.

What’s the Difference Between Pigeons and Doves?

What’s the actual scientific difference between the birds we call 'doves' and those we label 'pigeons'? The answer might surprise you.

15 Facts About Owls

Owls are enigmatic birds, by turns mysterious, lovable, or spooky, depending on whom you ask. Here are some key facts about these wise guys.

This Valentine’s Day, You Can Watch a Raptor Eat a Rat Named After Your Ex

’Tis the season to celebrate love—and also see your ex symbolically become hawk food.

Turkeys don’t really rise from the ashes like phoenixes do.

The Tragic Tale of Charles Dickens’s Last Christmas Turkey

Charles Dickens appreciated a prize turkey as much as Ebenezer Scrooge did. And on Christmas Eve 1869, his was missing.

A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards

’Tis the season for Victorian Christmas cards featuring dead robins and murdered frogs.

10 Big Facts About Turkeys

Don’t be fooled by the rumors that turkeys are silly. These impressive birds are smarter than you think.

What? Did you say something? Say it again.

‘Demonic’: Derek the Jackdaw Is Currently Menacing Children in South Yorkshire

The bird’s wild mood swings have some residents living in fear of his winged wrath.

An adult telling their offspring about the puffling toss, probably.

The Icelandic Tradition of Tossing Baby Puffins Off Sea Cliffs

If you see pufflings being chucked off cliffs in Iceland, don’t be alarmed.

A window strike can really ruin a bird's day—or even end their life.

8 Ways to Prevent Birds From Crashing Into Your Windows

Nothing ruins the joy of watching backyard wildlife like the sudden thunk of a bird smashing into your window.

Mike had a bit more head than these sorry creatures.

Mike the Headless Chicken: How a Botched Beheading Birthed a Sideshow Celebrity

Mike was supposed to be dinner. Instead, he became a national treasure.

Three Eastern Bluebird eggs in a nest box.

Why Are Some Bird Eggs So Colorful? Blame an Evolutionary Arms Race

It may come down to what researchers call an evolutionary arms race.

14 Fascinating Facts About Ostriches

Not only are ostriches the world’s largest living birds, they’re also the speediest land animals on two legs.

An osprey flies while carrying a fish in its talons.

11 Facts About Ospreys

Ospreys were once threatened by hunting and pesticides, but these birds of prey made a dramatic comeback.

Rin Tin Tin and trainer Lee Duncan prepare to go before cameras in 1935.

10 Facts About the Biggest Animal Stars in Hollywood History

Rin Tin Tin was found on a World War I battlefield in France before making his way to Hollywood, while poor Arnold the Pig was rumored to have been eaten after 'Green Acres' was canceled.

5 Animals That Eat Brains

You don’t have to watch The Walking Dead to catch some brain-eating action. In yet another example of the truth being stranger than fiction, it turns out that the animal kingdom has produced some consummate noggin-nibblers… including a few that might surp

By the Numbers: The Billions of Animals Killed by Cats

A Same-Sex Penguin Couple Recently Welcomed a Chick at a New York Zoo

Elmer and Lima, two gay penguins who coupled up last fall, are now proud foster parents of a healthy baby chick.

Crows are taking over Sunnyvale, California.

Caw and Order: This California City Is Using Lasers in Its Struggle Against Crows

In Sunnyvale, California, anxious residents constantly stepping in bird poop are hoping laser pointers, scary sounds, and fake crow corpses will help scare off the crows that are taking over the town.

This Australian Bird Can Mimic the Sounds of Cameras, Chainsaws, and Car Alarms

The talented lyrebird can mimic almost any sound it's exposed to, including those of cameras, chainsaws, and car alarms.

Cosmo the crow gave some kids in Oregon a lesson in swearing.

A Profane Crow Made Friends at an Elementary School Before Being Expelled

The crow, known as Cosmo, made a stir at Allen Dale Elementary by teaching kids a few choice expletives.