Birds

Mysterious illness Affects Birds in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia
June 22, 2021 — Here's what we know so far about the disease and what you can do to help your birds.
Periodical cicadas from Brood X during their last emergence in 2004. Michael Ventura/Alamy
Birds May Hold Clues to the 'Bizarre' Life Cycle of Brood X Cicadas
April 19, 2021 — Billions of cicadas will emerge in the eastern United States this spring, presenting a once-in-a-17-year opportunity for scientists to understand how they shape populations of birds and other species.
Rare Photos Reveal the Secretive Life of the Banded Ground-Cuckoo
April 07, 2021 — A photographer and scientist collaborated for over a decade to capture stunning images of the endangered bird
10 Fun Facts About the Baltimore Oriole
June 10, 2020 — From their brief taxonomic hiatus to their intense sugar cravings, there’s a lot to know about these brilliant birds
An Annual Birding Competition Adapts to the Pandemic By Going Global
May 28, 2020 — Every spring, birders at the American Museum of Natural History vie to see the most birds in Central Park. This year, competing from their quarantine spots around the world brought unexpected benefits.
The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day Is a Time for Reflection and Action
April 22, 2020 — Even in the face of enormous challenges, we can do great things to secure a better future for birds and people.
Chuck-will's-widows Sometimes Swallow Songbirds Whole, Apparently?
April 21, 2020 — A handful of scientific records make this one of the few things researchers know about these mysterious, big-mouthed nightjars.
Discover the Joy of Birds
April 17, 2020 — They can bring us happiness in so many ways.
The Wild Blue Turkey That Blew My Mind
November 26, 2019 — Appreciating the avian diversity that’s there to astound us—if only we look.
The Bald Eagle Nest Cam That Hatched a Global Community
November 29, 2016 — A pair of the raptors nesting in Pennsylvania have transformed hundreds of strangers into a tightknit group.