Birds

Scientists find new bird species in little-known outpost of South America

Scientists have identified the Subantarctic rayadito, a 16-gram brown bird with black and yellow bands, in the Diego Ramirez Islands, 100 kilometres from southern Chile's Cape Horn.

Zoos hide birds as avian flu sweeps North America

So far no outbreaks have been reported at zoos, but there have been wild birds found dead that had highly contagious and potentially deadly avian influenza.

Screaming trees seek help: predators to the rescue

In an experimental study involving oak trees, caterpillars that eat oak leaves, and predators that eat caterpillars, a complex web of interaction is revealed.

Thousands of cranes die in Israel's 'deadliest wildlife disaster'

Bird flu kills at least 5,200 cranes in the northern region, forcing farmers to cull chickens, as authorities race to pick up carcasses of the migratory birds.

Cockatoos blow the lid off garbage bins, and others learn by example

Cockatoos in Australia have figured out how to scavenge for food from standardised garbage bins, opening the lids with their beaks and diving in. The behaviour has spread to other cockatoo communities nearby, proving the case for social learning.

Face masks pose new threat to wildlife

Campaigners are urging people to use more washable masks and bin disposables properly after cutting off their straps.

France confirms highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu outbreak on duck farm

France’s first farm outbreak of the virus this year comes as bird flu spreads rapidly in Europe, putting the poultry industry on alert after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds.

Ever notice birdhouses on Istanbul’s buildings? They carry a lot of history

In Istanbul, high up on the sunny facades of mosques and other historical buildings, you may see elaborate houses built for birds if you look carefully enough.

For Singapore penguins, shuttered zoo is flippin' fun

With the zoo closed to the public as the country battles a worsening virus outbreak, the African penguins had little in the way of stimulation without passers-by stopping to admire them.

North America loses 3 billion birds in 50 years

More than 90 percent of the losses are from 12 species including sparrows, warblers, blackbirds, and finches. Scientists say their findings signaled a widespread ecological crisis.

Illegal hunting threatens songbird prized as delicacy: study

About 300,000 of the birds pass through southwestern France, where they fall prey to hunters who for decades have defied bans on harvesting them in the name of gastronomic tradition.

Endangered Kakapo sees population boost

More than 70 chicks have been born. Though not all are expected to make it to adulthood, the current 147 adult population is expected to see a dramatic increase.