Wild turkey numbers are falling in some parts of the US – the main reason may be habitat loss

Wild turkeys were overhunted across the US through the early 1900s, but made a strong comeback. Now, though, numbers are declining again. Two ecologists parse the evidence and offer an explanation.

William Gulsby, Associate Professor of Wildlife Management, Auburn University • conversation
April 19, 2024 ~10 min

Migratory birds are on the move and nature-friendly farms can help them on their way

As climate change threatens their food supply, migratory birds may find help in an unlikely place.

Yali Si, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Leiden University • conversation
April 17, 2024 ~5 min


The great tits in this Oxford wood are adapting their breeding times as climate changes – here’s how

Great tits being studied at a woodland near Oxford are adjusting the timings of their breeding season as the climate changes.

David López Idiáquez, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Oxford • conversation
April 12, 2024 ~7 min

Swifts need more nest boxes but that alone won’t be enough - here’s why

Swifts migrate long distances yet face many threats along their journey. Lack of nest sites is a big problem but installing swift boxes and bricks won’t be the only solution.

Robert Robinson, Associate Professor, Ornithology, University of East Anglia • conversation
April 11, 2024 ~7 min

Coastal wetlands can’t keep pace with sea-level rise, and infrastructure is leaving them nowhere to go

A coastal scientist explains why marshes, mangroves and other wetlands can’t keep up with the effects of climate change, and how human infrastructure is making it harder for them to survive.

Randall W. Parkinson, Research Associate Professor in Coastal Geology, Florida International University • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~8 min

During the 2024 eclipse, biologists like us want to find out how birds will respond to darkness in the middle of the day

Since an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, you need more than just a handful of scientists running around collecting data on bird activity. That’s where a new app comes in.

Liz Aguilar, Ph.D. Student in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Indiana University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~8 min

The next pandemic? It’s already here for Earth’s wildlife

Bird flu is decimating species already threatened by climate change and habitat loss.

Diana Bell, Professor of Conservation Biology, University of East Anglia • conversation
March 11, 2024 ~7 min

A brief guide to birdwatching in the age of dinosaurs

If you love learning about dinosaurs don’t let crowdpleasers like the T Rex distract you from the fascinating birdlife that once roamed the Earth.

Abi Crane, Postgraduate Researcher in Palaeontology, University of Southampton • conversation
March 11, 2024 ~6 min


The chickadee in the snowbank: A 'canary in the coal mine' for climate change in the Sierra Nevada mountains

These tiny songbirds have extraordinary memories for the tens of thousands of spots where they hide food. But that doesn’t help when heavy snow blocks their access.

Benjamin Sonnenberg, Ph.D. Candidate in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno • conversation
Jan. 4, 2024 ~10 min

What makes a good bird name?

North American ornithologists are seeking to replace all bird species named after people - but what should they be called instead?

Andrew Gosler, Professor of Ethno-ornithology, University of Oxford • conversation
Jan. 3, 2024 ~7 min

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