birds
North America Has Lost 3 Billion Birds, Scientists Say
Researchers estimate that the bird population has fallen by a quarter since 1970. More than 90% of the loss can be attributed to just a dozen bird families, including sparrows, blackbirds and finches.
The Other Twitterverse: Squirrels Eavesdrop On Birds, Researchers Say
A squirrel wondering if it's safe enough to forage for food apparently listens for the reassuring chatter of nearby birds, a study finds.
Birds Are Trying To Adapt To Climate Change — But Is It Too Little, Too Late?
By breeding and migrating earlier, some birds are adapting to climate change. But it's probably not happening fast enough for some species to survive, according to new research.
Once Nearly Dead As The Dodo, California Condor Comeback Reaches 1,000 Chicks
In the 1980s, there were less than two dozen California Condors left. Today, more than 500 exist in the world, thanks to the efforts of conservationists.
Snowball The Dancing Cockatoo Vogues And Body Rolls On Beat
A new study finds that Snowball, a dancing cockatoo, has a repertoire of at least 14 different dance moves, suggesting that the predisposition to dance is embedded in our animal brains.
Opinion: 1 Million Species Are At Risk Of Disappearing. Humans Should Act Now
This week, the U.N. issued the summary of a report warning of unprecedented declines in biodiversity. Scott Simon makes the case for humankind to assume responsibility for protecting the vulnerable.
Big Cities, Bright Lights And Up To 1 Billion Bird Collisions
When birds migrate, they can become attracted to and disoriented by artificial lights. The result: they end up colliding with skyscrapers and other buildings.
Talkin' Birds: The Great Backyard Bird Count
Bird lovers around the world are counting birds this weekend for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which provides valuable data for avian research.
To Protect Imperiled Salmon, Fish Advocates Want To Shoot Some Gulls
Biologists think gulls are eating more juvenile salmon than they thought, and fish advocates are proposing to kill problem gulls. But opponents say dam modification is what's needed to protect salmon.