Birds

A schematic representation of an owl hunting a rodent at night, illustrating the interplay of radiometric quantities affecting camouflage. The owl's white underparts reflect light, while the diagram shows arrows representing light from the moonlit sky, ground reflectance, and other radiometric factors, demonstrating how the owl blends into the background. The rodent, depicted below the owl, observes the scene. Various mathematical symbols label radiometric quantities, including sky radiance, ground reflectance, and light interactions.

Beneath the Hunter’s Gaze

Barn owls’ white plumage camouflages them against moonlit skies, enabling stealthy hunting by blending into their background and avoiding detection.

A vibrant painting depicting numerous warblers in mid-flight over a lush, tranquil meadow with a winding stream, set against a backdrop of soft, pastel-colored skies.

Where Migration Ends

Research on migratory songbirds shows reduced survival due to poor non-breeding conditions, highlighting the impact of climate change on bird populations.

Chromatic Change

Scientists studied over 9,000 bird species to find out why there are so many colourful birds in the tropics and how these colours have spread over time.

Rats and Restoration

Restoring island habitats by eradicating invasive rats and reintroducing native plants can boost seabird populations, enhancing nutrient cycles and ecosystem health.

Pink and Swollen Shores

Soda lakes, vital for diverse species like the Lesser Flamingo, face threats from rising water levels and declining phytoplankton, stressing the need for improved management and monitoring in East Africa.

Fettering their Nests

A 2013-2021 study on 6,000 species of birds revealed only 22% thrive in urban areas, underscoring the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies.

Feathering Their Nests

Birds globally use human waste in nest-building, a trend that offers some benefits but also poses risks.

Sprung too Soon

The climate crisis is altering seasonal timings, causing bird breeding and vegetation ‘greening’ to fall out of sync. This phenological mismatch is leading to decreased productivity and potential declines in North American bird populations.

Wings of Change

Climate change drives the world’s birds to evolve at varying speeds, transforming their bodies and wings in a race against time.

Storms of Extinction

Entire populations of Antarctic seabirds are failing to breed due to extreme, climate-change-related snowstorms.