Articles for tag: Birds

new emperor penguin colonies

Discovering New Emperor Penguin Colonies from Space

Andrew Alpin

The discovery of new emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica marks a significant advancement in wildlife research. Using satellite mapping technology, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have located previously unknown colonies, bringing the total known emperor penguin colonies around Antarctica to 66. This discovery is notable as half of these colonies have been identified ...

Puffin Day: How Puffins Use Tools and Form Lifelong Bonds

Puffin Day: How Puffins Use Tools and Form Lifelong Bonds

Jan Otte

Imagine a bird with the intelligence to use tools and the heart to form lifelong bonds. Enter the world of puffins, the charismatic seabirds that are full of surprises. Known for their colorful beaks and waddling gait, puffins are more than just adorable creatures; they are fascinating subjects of study in animal behavior. Their ability ...

The Battle to Save the Hawaiian Crow: A Bird With a Tool Belt

The Battle to Save the Hawaiian Crow: A Bird With a Tool Belt

Annette Uy

Imagine a bird so clever it crafts its own tools, a feathered genius whose very existence teeters on the edge of extinction. The Hawaiian crow, or ‘Alalā, isn’t just another pretty bird in paradise. It’s a symbol of intelligence, resilience, and the fierce struggle against the odds. Once a vibrant presence in Hawaii’s forests, this ...

Crows Hold Funerals—And Sometimes Bring Gifts to Humans

Crows Hold Funerals—And Sometimes Bring Gifts to Humans

Annette Uy

Have you ever wondered if animals grieve like humans do? Imagine a scene where crows gather solemnly around a fallen comrade, their dark feathers shimmering in the sunlight, as if they are mourning. This isn’t a figment of a storyteller’s imagination; it’s a fascinating reality. Crows, the intelligent birds often associated with mystery and magic, ...

The Bird That Can Nap While Flying: How Albatrosses Pull Off the Ultimate Power Nap

The Bird That Can Nap While Flying: How Albatrosses Pull Off the Ultimate Power Nap

Annette Uy

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep while soaring through the sky? For the majestic albatross, this isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a reality. These remarkable birds have mastered the art of napping mid-flight, a skill that has fascinated scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. Imagine gliding over vast ocean expanses, wings outstretched, ...

What Modern Flightless Birds Can Tell Us About Feather Function in Dinosaurs

What Modern Flightless Birds Can Tell Us About Feather Function in Dinosaurs

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where enormous creatures roamed the earth, their bodies adorned with feathers that fluttered in the prehistoric breeze. Dinosaurs, majestic and mysterious, have captured our imagination for centuries. But what if the answers to some of our questions about these ancient beasts lie not in fossils, but in the living, breathing birds of ...

How Modern Birds Still Carry Ancient Dinosaur DNA in Their Feathers

How Modern Birds Still Carry Ancient Dinosaur DNA in Their Feathers

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where mighty dinosaurs roamed vast landscapes, their presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Fast forward millions of years to today, where the descendants of these colossal creatures flutter through our skies, delighting us with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs. Yes, modern birds are the living legacy of dinosaurs, and their feathers are ...

Baya weaver

The Birds That Build Hanging Nests with Built-In Weatherproofing

Annette Uy

In the vast tapestry of avian architecture, few constructions are as fascinating and intricate as the hanging nests built by certain bird species. These nests, dangling gracefully from tree branches, are not only a marvel of engineering but also a testament to the adaptive ingenuity of birds. By weaving together natural materials with precision, these ...