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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Swamp Sparrow: Singing the Same Tune for Generations
The American swamp sparrow has created an oral tradition that's lasted more than a millennium.
Why Mockingbirds Mock
What benefit does one bird get from copying another bird's calls?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
American Kestrel
This small, but colorful falcon is a bird of prey or raptor. Read on to learn more about this bird.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
European Starling
Smaller than a robin, this black bird turns a striking iridescent purple and green in the spring. Read on to learn more about this bird.
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