Bird Science

A large open field, made up of brown, dormant wild grass.
In Alabama’s Black Belt, Scientists Are Banding Birds In Rare Patches of Prairie to Aid Restoration Efforts
June 25, 2026 — Most of the South’s historic prairie is lost. Alabama ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is researching how birds use what remains—and how to piece together more grassland habitat.
Illustration of two people looking out at birds flying.
These 5 Research Projects Show How AI Is Revolutionizing Bird Conservation
June 24, 2026 — Scientists are using artificial intelligence to analyze troves of images and audio, gaining unprecedented insight into the lives of birds and how to more effectively protect them.
Two women installing boxes on a pole with an expansive green landscape behind them.
Meet the Students Roadtripping Across Canada to Install a New Generation of Bird-Tracking Tech
June 04, 2026 — Since April, Madison Bygrove and Natalie Emerick have been setting up a cutting-edge, continent-wide Motus Audio network to record migrating birds—and having a grand adventure.
Shorebird chick in vegetation
Wanted: Shorebird Chicks (Alive)
May 22, 2026 — Some chicks make it, many don’t. What are the hallmarks of a good breeding area? Shorebird parents and researchers both want to know.
Shorebird on tundra
There’s No Bog Like Home
May 15, 2026 — Shorebirds are back in Alaska for the breeding season. How much depends on Cook Inlet’s bogs?
Tower surrounded by birds
Rebuilding a Tower That Seabirds—and Science—Depend On
May 01, 2026 — From storm damage to critical repairs, a research tower on Middleton Island in the Gulf of Alaska helps scientists track seabird signals in a warming North Pacific.
A flock of geese flying overhead in a V-shaped formation.
Why Do Birds Fly in a V Formation? Breaking Down a Brilliant Migration Hack
May 01, 2026 — From geese and pelicans to cranes and cormorants, many birds use a V-shaped flock to master the aerodynamics of long-distance flight. Here is the science behind this clever energy-saving strategy.
Three Scarlet Macaws perch in a leafy tree full of green fruits.
Do Birds in the Tropics Have a Breeding Season—or Do They Just Mate All of the Time?
April 28, 2026 — You might think that the neotropics are one big mating party, but even in places that stay green and vibrant year-round, raising chicks comes with trade-offs.
Why Are These Rare Female Thrushes Disappearing?
April 20, 2026 — Scientists are unraveling the conservation risks to the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush.
An American Robin bends down holding its head close to the grass.
How Do American Robins Find Worms? Behold the Rich Sensory World of Birds
April 09, 2026 — From robins to owls and woodcocks, birds have brilliant ways of locating food underground.