Perching Birds

Perching birds, or songbirds, are the most common birds on Earth. From cardinals to wrens, explore the different types of perching birds.

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The Secrets and Science Behind Starling Murmurations

Starlings are short and thick, with dark feathers and long, pointy bills. Collectively, however, they transform into something else entirely.

By John Donovan Aug 9, 2019 Birds / Perching Birds

How Birds Get Berry, Berry Drunk

Berries are a great food source for birds, but this diet can backfire when the fruit starts to ferment.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 15, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Only Birds Have a Syrinx and That's Why They Sing

Only birds have a special voice box — the syrinx — and it's what they use to sing. But what's so unique about the syrinx is that it's actually an evolutionary anomaly.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 12, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Oh, Birds! Please Don't Fly Into Our Windows

Why do birds do that? A global citizen science project wants you to help them find out.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Sep 25, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Not All Birds Fly South for Winter: Partial Migration Is on the Rise

Partial migration — where some animals or birds in the same species migrate regularly and others don't — is more common than you'd think. But what explains that behavior?

By Mark Mancini Aug 13, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Swamp Sparrow: Singing the Same Tune for Generations

The American swamp sparrow has created an oral tradition that's lasted more than a millennium.

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 2, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Why Mockingbirds Mock

What benefit does one bird get from copying another bird's calls?

By Mark Mancini Jun 20, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

American Crows and Ravens: What's the Difference?

It's easy to mistake a crow for a raven or vice versa. But the two birds are actually pretty different.

By Mark Mancini May 29, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

We Need to Know Why the Female Bird Sings

Most of the scientific attention to birdsong has been paid to the male of the species. But many female birds sing too — and scientists are starting to understand how important it is to study them as well.

By Alia Hoyt Mar 27, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

Can Different Bird Species 'Talk' with Each Other?

Does your parakeet understand the cardinal chirping outside its window? Can a pigeon's noises mean anything to a crow? Yes, it can.

By Mark Mancini Jan 12, 2018 Birds / Perching Birds

These Little Sparrows Judge Potential Mates on Dance Moves, Not Song

Sure, your voice is great. But can you move? That's what female Java sparrows want to know before they get busy, a new study finds.

By Chris Opfer Apr 19, 2017 Birds / Perching Birds

American Crow

From tail to beak the American crow appears totally black. In the right light, however, a green or bluish tinge suddenly makes a showing.

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American Goldfinch

The bright yellow plumage of male birds give the American goldfinch its name. A black forehead and black wings with white accents stand out against the yellow body.

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American Kestrel

This small, but colorful falcon is a bird of prey or raptor. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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American Robin

Catching sight of this gray bird with a brick-red belly usually signifies the start of spring. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Barn Swallow

As its name suggests the barn swallow frequently takes up residence in barns and is, therefore, seen in the skies above farms and agricultural lands. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee feeds on insect eggs and larvae by hanging upside down while clinging to the undersides of tree branches. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Blue Jay

The blue jay can be seen roaming the skies in deciduous forests, but is also a common sight in city parks and back yards. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Brown-Headed Cowbird

True to its name the head of the brown-headed cowbird is brown. The cow part of its name comes from the fact that this bird tends to associate with cows or horses while foraging for food.

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Chipping Sparrow

Chipping sparrows spend winters and summers in grassy woodlands, along rivers and lakes, and even in city parks. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Dark-Eyed Junco

This medium-sized sparrow can vary in color, but is generally slate gray with a white belly and, of course, dark eyes. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Eastern Bluebird

True to its name the male eastern bluebird is colored a brilliant blue along its back, wings and tail. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Eastern Kingbird

Contrary to its name, the eastern kingbird can be seen in the skies throughout North America as well as in the Amazon. Read on to learn more about this bird.

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Eastern Phoebe

These birds are relatively unafraid of people and will sometimes locate nests on buildings and bridges if other natural nesting sites, such as a cliff, are not available. Read on to learn more about this bird.

Birds / Perching Birds