Imagine this: it’s still dark, the first rays of the sun are just beginning to touch the branches of the trees — and su…
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Less than one percent of all bird species—around 60 in total—are unable to fly. That’s surprising, since birds are so closely identified with flight. Ostriches, penguins, kiwis, and other species…
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A fossilized skull unearthed in Antarctica links prehistoric birds to their modern descendants, a new study from Ohio State University reports. The find supports the idea that all living birds…
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These small birds may look incredibly cute, with their black heads and wings contrasting against their bright orange bodies. However, few realize that beneath this charming exterior lies a true…
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Puffin chick season has returned to Iceland, and with it a surprising sight: people tossing chicks off cliffs. That sounds cruel, but the locals who practice this long-standing tradition are…
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Modern bird genomes still carry echoes of the asteroid that ended the age of dinosaurs. “By studying the DNA of modern birds, we can uncover patterns in genetic sequences that…
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Mark Twain once wrote, “Man is the only animal that blushes.” But a new study overturns that claim. A team from the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment…
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On high-voltage power lines it’s common to see birds perched there. But why do they sit on wires, and how do they avoid getting electrocuted? The first part is simple:…
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Antarctic penguins probably meet their daily sleep needs in tiny bursts. In fact, their total time spent in fragmented micro-sleeps adds up to about 11 hours. This adaptation lets them…
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A team of Indian scientists has unveiled a study on the behavior of wild Adélie penguins that suggests the birds may have a degree of self-awareness. Researchers Prabir Ghosh Dasthidar,…
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Not all birds molt the same way. Some species undergo a gradual feather change, allowing them to continue flying. Cranes, meanwhile, are highly skittish during their molting period and will…
