birds

Genetics, seasonal changes, and Earth's magnetic field all play a role.

Birds are a noisy bunch, and there's a lot of variation when it comes to avian vocalizations.

A northern hawk owl snoozes in a tree cavity.

At some point, whether during the day or at night, all birds need to sleep. How do they do it?

A beautiful barn owl sneaks up on its prey.

Owl feathers’ special structures help the wise birds sneak up on their meals.

Parrots are among the longest-living birds.

A single number for birds’ lifespans is difficult to pin down, but the ability to fly is one of the keys to their longevity.

Though they’re excellent hunters, it turns out owls probably aren’t any smarter than a lot of other birds.

A quartet of northern pintail ducks in flight.

Discover fascinating facts about ducks, from their adaptation to cold temperatures to their rude nesting habits.

Shellshocked? Nah. Shell-curious? Oh absolutely.

Discover the fascinating ways eggs provide everything a baby bird needs, including oxygen through a sophisticated system of membranes and air pockets.

Uncover the secrets of the dawn chorus and why birds choose to sing in the early hours.

You can tell this is a Cooper’s hawk by its finger-like wing feathers and menacing red eyes.

Uncover the key features that set hawks and falcons apart, including their flight patterns, eye color, size, and hunting techniques.

Why go by the jellyfish’s English name when you could go with its more delightful French moniker instead?

En français, the name for ‘jellyfish’ comes from a famous figure in Greek mythology—can you guess which one?

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

Buffalo Games Hummingbird Garden Jigsaw Puzzle (left), Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

If bird lovers are on your gifting list this year, look no further than these fun and useful ideas.

Pigeons aren’t known to be particularly talkative birds.

Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers in John James Audubon's ‘Birds of America.’

Here’s your introduction to this legendary, (maybe?) extinct avian—and a look-alike species that might be the source of all the rumors.

The loose flesh that hangs from a turkey’s neck isn’t the most attractive part of the bird—to humans, at least.

Scare crows may deter crows and blackbirds, but you'll have to make some modifications for them to really work.

Pythons, peacocks, and monkeys have all made the Sunshine State their home.

Turtle mating makes for some funny sound effects.

From turtle mating to what really turns big cats on, animal sex can be a lot weirder (and funnier) than you probably expected.

Jacques Barraband, ‘Carolina Parakeet’ (1801)

The North American parrots vanished mysteriously in the early 20th century. Now scientists are closer to solving their disappearance.

Sandhill cranes over Nebraska's Platte River.

BirdCast tells you how many birds are flying overhead on a given night, which species are coming and going, and more.

Bird's Impressive Courtship Dance Moves Fail to Impress Partner

A safari group in South Africa witnessed one bird’s epic failure to woo a female.

For at least 500 years—and maybe more—pigeon fanciers have bred wonderfully bizarre-looking pigeons.

Crows are among the brainiest birds, able to recognize faces and hold grudges. Read on for more about these crafty corvids.

Why Do Birds Fly South for the Winter?

Why Do Some Birds Sing, While Others Caw?

How Do Birds Sleep?

How Do Owls Fly So Silently?

How Long Do Birds Live?

Are Owls Actually All That Wise?

10 Delightful Facts About Ducks

How Do Baby Birds Breathe Inside Their Eggs?

Why Do Birds Sing at Dawn?

Hawks vs. Falcons: What’s The Difference?

15 Delightfully Descriptive French Animal Names

What’s the Difference Between Pigeons and Doves?

12 of the Best Gifts for Bird Lovers

Why Is an Informant Called a ‘Stool Pigeon‘?

10 Facts About Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers, North America’s Most Famous (Probably) Extinct Bird

What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?

Do Scarecrows Actually Work?

9 Animals That Have Invaded Florida

10 Surprising Facts About Animal Sex

The Curious Extinction of the Carolina Parakeet: An Avian Cold Case

Which Birds Are Migrating Through Your Area? This Interactive Tool Tells You

Female Bird Unimpressed by Male’s Overzealous Tap Dance

9 Bizarre and Beautiful Fancy Pigeons

12 Fascinating Facts About Crows