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Explore Birds

An aerial landscape of fog over the canopy of a lush, sprawling forest.
Huge Numbers of Migrating Birds Rely on These Five Central American Forests鈥攂ut They're Disappearing Fast
January 16, 2026 — A new study underscores the importance of conservation for the region鈥檚 鈥淔ive Great Forests,鈥 which support nearly half of some beloved species鈥 global populations.
Conservation News
Mark Hauber inspects a nest in a tree using a telescopic mirror.
Got Beef With Cowbirds? This Researcher Wants to Change Your Mind
January 15, 2026 — The brood parasites get a bad rap for making other birds raise their young, but study by study, Mark Hauber and his 鈥淐owbird Lab鈥 have revealed a species worthy of respect.
Bird Science
A Northern Mockingbird hovers around a Crested Caracara perched on a fence post.
What Type of Bird Is That?
January 14, 2026 — See a bird but have no idea what bird you actually saw? Start with this list of types of common birds.
Birding 101
light orange and brown bird perches on some barbed wire
探花精选 Great Plains Announces Bird of the Year Contest
January 13, 2026 — Follow us on social media and vote for your favorite species!
GREATPLAINS About Birds
This Roaming Raptor Has Been Surprising U.S. Birders鈥攁nd More Could Be on the Way
January 07, 2026 — Limited to Central and South America until a few short years ago, Yellow-headed Caracaras are turning heads from California to Delaware as their range expands northward.
Bird News
A macaw eating a green chili pepper its holding in its claw.
Hot Take鈥擲eems Like Birds Can Taste Spice After All
December 23, 2025 — Peppers in the wild grow only so spicy, and new research suggests that may be to satisfy avian palates.
Bird Science
A drone photograph shows the winding, wooden walkway as it stretches through the fall-colored marsh land.
A Stunning Photo Project Shows a Year in the Life of a Local Lake
December 19, 2025 — In a city park just 15 minutes from home, a photojournalist found a meaningful new focus by watching closely, season after season.
Photo Essay
Two owl chicks sit in a nest as their much larger mother, with a rodent in her beak, comes in for a landing atop a broken tree snag.
Dead Trees Support a Bounty of Birdlife, but Preserving Them Isn鈥檛 Always Clear Cut
December 18, 2025 — By studying Great Gray Owls, scientists hope to help more people see that snags offer vital habitat.
Conservation News
Get to Know the Ancient Birds That Lived During the Age of Dinosaurs
December 18, 2025 — Tens of millions of years ago, a diverse array of bird species soared, swam, and thrived amid their scaly reptile cousins鈥攁nd set the stage for modern birdlife.
Dino Birds
3 Ways Street-Smart Birds Hacked Human Infrastructure in 2025
December 17, 2025 — Recent studies have uncovered some of the clever ways our avian neighbors are making the most of the urban environment.
Bird Behavior