birds
Why did birds survive extinction while dinosaurs died out?
The brain of an ancient bird offers clues to the survival of its modern-day relatives.
Cockatoos teach each other the secrets of dumpster diving
Australian parrots have worked out how to open trash bins, and the trick is spreading across Sydney.
Baby beasts: Love and evolution in the animal kingdom
Evolutionary success is not about the number of one's children, but one's grandchildren: the children need to survive and pass on their genes.
Why do some species evolve to miniaturize?
The island rule hypothesizes that species shrink or supersize to fill insular niches not available to them on the mainland.
Scientists confirm quantum response to magnetism in cells
University of Tokyo scientists observe predicted quantum biochemical effects on cells.
Isolated island group is now one of the world’s largest animal sanctuaries
One of the world's most isolated island groups has just been made one of the world's largest ocean reserves.
Crows are self-aware just like us, says new study
Crows have their own version of the human cerebral cortex.
Woodpecker wars are intense and even draw a crowd
Acorn woodpecker battles over prized territory are serious business.
You’re not going far from home – and neither are the animals you spy out your window
Maybe you've been wondering if you're seeing one persistent squirrel or a rotating cast of characters.
Flamingos form long-term friendships and “cliques”
These pink feathered folk form complex social networks and are choosy about who they spend their time with, according to a new study.
Scientists teach birds new songs by implanting them with false memories
Groundbreaking neurological research on songbirds provides insight on human learned behavior and speech.
Full Moon Syncs Migratory Birds’ Autumn Flight
New research provides insights on the effect of the lunar cycles on wildlife behavior.
Should we blame biology for our biosphere-bashing behavior?
Determining whether human nature is short-sighted when it comes to survival-necessary situations
Bedbugs sucked blood in the age of dinosaurs
Despite the moniker, bedbugs evolved long before mattresses and even survived the K-T extinction.
Five Hawks Down: watch the tragic migration of six Californian raptors
Tracking project establishes northern Argentina is wintering ground of Swainson's hawks
A pleasure to burn: Why do people like spicy foods?
Spicy foods are enjoyed the world over, but scientists don't know why people partake in culinary masochism.
Famous fossil is not an Archaeopteryx feather after all
Lasers solve the mystery of the missing quill.
Dinosaurs are alive! Here’s how we know, and why it matters
Feathery dinosaurs are the perfect case study of how scientific revolutions happen.
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How extreme beauty might defy survival of the fittest
Is beauty always a proxy for genetic health and fitness? Charles Darwin didn't think so.
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Why birds fly south for the winter—and more about bird migration
What do we see from watching birds move across the country?