Birds
How Kingfishers Dive Head-First Into Water Without Getting Concussions
Thanks to a new genetic analysis of 30 kingfisher species, researchers are one step closer to understanding the birds' dramatic hunting style
Cher Ami, the Iconic World War I Carrier Pigeon, Makes His Debut at Carnegie Hall
A treasured Smithsonian artifact is reputed to be the heroic savior of the embattled “Lost Battalion” on the Western Front
Why Dozens of North American Birds Will Soon Get New Names
In a bid to make birding more inclusive, the American Ornithological Society will give new monikers to several species named after people
After Getting Stuck in a Sculpture at the National Gallery of Art, This Barred Owl Is Now Flying Free
The bird spent some time recuperating at two rehabilitation facilities and is now back in the wild
Roosters May Recognize Their Reflections in Mirrors, Study Suggests
The findings demonstrate self-recognition could be more common among animals than previously thought
Huge Cicada Broods Have Ripple Effects on Birds, Caterpillars and Trees
When Brood X emerged in 2021, scientists measured how the influx of billions of insects affected the ecosystem near Washington, D.C.
Artist John Akomfrah Is Having a Moment
The works of the recently knighted filmmaker address contemporary issues in two different Smithsonian museums
Can Every Living Thing Be Traced to a Single Cell? And More Questions From Our Readers
You’ve got questions. We’ve got experts
New Synthetic Horseshoe Crab Blood Could Mean Pharma Won't Bleed the Species Dry
The “living fossils” have been vital for testing intravenous drugs, but a few large pharmaceutical companies are using a lab-made compound instead
Editing Chicken Genes Could Slow the Spread of Bird Flu, Study Suggests
Using CRISPR technology, researchers edited a protein gene that increased chickens' resistance to the virus. But the process is far from practical use
'Love Locks' at the Grand Canyon Could Be Harming Endangered California Condors
Park service officials urged visitors to stop attaching padlocks to fences and throwing keys into the canyon below, where the birds could eat them
See 12 Winning Images From the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest
The stunning entries showcase the behaviors of ancient and elusive species, from horseshoe crabs to tapirs and orcas—as well as the threats they face
During the Age of Dinosaurs, Some Birds Sported Toothy Grins
The often overlooked animals thrived for millions of years
Almost 1,000 Birds Died in One Night From Striking a Chicago Building
Another 1,000 were killed in window collisions across the downtown area, amid calls for more bird-friendly architecture and reduced light pollution
These Birds Will Switch Companions to Earn Food but Stick With Family, Study Suggests
Jackdaws, cognitively complex relatives of crows, have intricate social dynamics and mate for life
Flamingos Spotted in Wisconsin for First Time on Record Amid String of Rare Appearances
Following Hurricane Idalia, the conspicuous pink birds have been sighted in at least 11 states where they don’t typically live
See Ten Stunning Images From the Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
The annual contest unveiled its winners this month, recognizing skilled captures from a striking falcon to grouse performing a courtship display
Are Wild Animals Really Just Like Us?
A summer of news reports about orca, otter and bird “attacks” has the public wondering if trying to understand animal behavior in human terms is misguided
Four Amazing Impacts of This A.I.-Powered Bird Migration Tracker
A reimagined tool called BirdCast is helping birders, scientists and even farmers
Songbirds That Learn to Make New Sounds Are the Best Problem-Solvers
Birds—and humans—are vocal learners, meaning they can imitate new vocalizations and use them to communicate
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