Birds

Birds are often envied for their ability to fly, but not all of them can. Learn how birds can manipulate feathers, bone and wing structure to soar through the air and even dive-bomb into the water for food.

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In casual conversation, people often use "chicken" and "hen" interchangeably — but they’re not quite the same. A quick chicken vs. hen comparison clarifies distinctions based on age, sex, and role in poultry farming, meat production, and egg laying.

By Nico Avelle

At first glance, geese and swans seem like large, long-necked cousins in the bird world — and they are. But the goose vs. swan comparison reveals key differences in size, behavior, migration, and even their place in the ecosystem.

By Nico Avelle

The heron vs. crane debate might sound like something only birdwatchers care about, but knowing the difference is key for anyone who loves wildlife or spends time near wetlands.

By Nico Avelle

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When it comes to scavengers of the sky, black vulture vs. turkey vulture identification is easy to misconstrue. These two species often share the same habitats, feast on the same carrion, and roost in the same trees. But they couldn’t be more different in how they fly, feed, and find their meals.

By Nico Avelle

Birds are more than chirps and feathers. Some of the smartest birds rival primates when it comes to solving problems and navigating complex environments.

By Nico Avelle

At first glance, ospreys and eagles might seem like interchangeable kings of the sky. But when making osprey vs. eagle comparisons, you'll find these two impressive birds have more differences than similarities.

By Nico Avelle

If you've ever looked up and wondered which raptor you're watching, you're not alone. The eagle vs. hawk comparison is important to casual birders and nature lovers alike.

By Nico Avelle

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Yellow birds are some of the most eye-catching creatures in the avian world, bringing bursts of bright yellow plumage to forests, grasslands and backyards. Some species have bright yellow bodies, while others display a mix of yellow feathers with black wings or olive green upperparts.

By Talon Homer

White birds are some of the most striking and elegant creatures in the natural world. Whether soaring over lakes, wading through wetlands, or perched in city skylines, these birds tend to capture attention with their brilliant features.

By Talon Homer

If you've ever looked at a pond full of birds and asked yourself, "Wait, is that a goose or a duck?" you're not alone. The goose vs. duck question is one that even seasoned birdwatchers sometimes stumble over.

By Nico Avelle

Orange birds are some of the most brilliantly colored creatures in the avian world! Whether you're strolling through mixed forests or watching your backyard feeder, these fiery-feathered wonders demand attention.

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Brown birds are often ground-dwelling, foraging, nesting birds. In Native American cultures, birds are also sometimes seen as messengers between the spirit world and the physical realm, so a brown bird could be seen as bringing a connection to Earth, home, reliability, simplicity and consistency.

By Ada Tseng

Black and white birds may not be as vibrant as bright-colored birds, but in many parts of the world, birds such as magpies symbolize luck, intelligence or mystery. Black-and-white seabirds such as penguins and razorbills have also become icons of climate change awareness.

By Ada Tseng

The kiwi bird: a small, flightless bird with some seriously strange features! Native to New Zealand, this bird in the world is unlike any other, with hair-like kiwi feathers, nostrils at the tip of its beak and a highly developed sense of smell.

By Zach Taras

Birds of prey are some of nature’s most fascinating creatures, but when it comes to buzzard vs. vulture species, things can get a little confusing.

By Zach Taras

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Two of the largest flightless birds on the planet may look similar but they typically live on different continents and have evolved unique adaptations for survival. How are your emu vs. ostrich identification skills?

By Talon Homer

Turkeys have become a traditional dish to eat during Thanksgiving festivities. But have you ever wondered, what do turkeys eat?

By Ada Tseng

The most colorful birds come in such dazzling hues that they are often the subject of artists and photographers.

By Ada Tseng

The largest bird of prey is a raptor that dominates the air with its massive wingspan, incredible strength and razor-sharp talons. The biggest birds aren't just impressive because of their size; they're also some of the most powerful predators in the avian world, from the highest peaks of South America to the vast forests of Asia.

By Yara Simón

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Flightless species of birds (such as ostriches, which are the largest living birds) tend to outsize any of the largest birds in the sky. Bigger sizes, while a liability in the air, can keep flightless birds safer on land.

By Ada Tseng

The albatross is one of nature's most impressive flyers, soaring effortlessly over the ocean for days or weeks at a time, often without flapping its wings for hours. These majestic seabirds are built for gliding across vast distances as they search for food and connect distant parts of the world.

By Karina Ryan

The most dangerous bird species are also some of the most beautiful. These seemingly innocent creatures can pack a punch — or peck — that you definitely want to avoid.

By Talon Homer

There are three types of ducks: dabbling, diving and perching. Wild ducks are classified based on their habitat and behavior.

By Sascha Bos

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Owls are captivating birds known for their nocturnal habits, distinctive hooting calls and remarkable ability to hunt in near silence. With about 200 species found worldwide, these birds of prey come in various sizes and colors. Here, we dig in to 10 types of owls.

By Yara Simón

You spot a bird of prey, and your friend says it's a peregrine falcon but her partner says it's a hawk. Can you resolve the great hawk vs. falcon debate?

By Sascha Bos