birds Archives

Norwegian Sea Eagles

August 4, 2021August 4, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, nature, Norway, raptors

Scientifically known as Haliaeetus albicilla, these large raptors are commonly known as sea eagles or white-tailed eagles. By Steven Spence Two Names for One Eagle: Which Is Right? Scientifically known as Haliaeetus albicilla, these large raptors are commonly known as sea eagles or white-tailed eagles. “Sea eagle” is an accurate translation of the genus name, Haliaeetus, while “white-tailed” is accurate for the species name, albicilla. Since I photographed these birds in Norway, I shall refer to them as sea eagles, which is what the locals called them (Norwegian: Havørn). Where…

Biology Zoology

Why Are Eggshells So Strong?

July 6, 2021July 12, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, chickens, nanostructure

For millions of years, birds have been evolving to make the perfect eggshell. But how are eggshells so strong, and yet still breakable?

Ornithology Physics

Structural Coloration in Bird Feathers

June 16, 2021June 16, 2021 Science Connectedbirds

Learn about structural coloration in bird feathers and how humans are learning to use the same technique to make color-changing paint.

Environment Ornithology

Osprey: A Bird of Many Names

April 29, 2021May 3, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, wildlife photography

This bird may be called an osprey, a fish hawk, a river hawk, a sea hawk, or even a fish eagle! Learn more about the osprey.

Biodiversity and Conservation Botany Ecology Environment

Organic Gardening and Alternatives to Pesticides

March 25, 2021June 6, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, garden, insects, plants

Gardens inevitably attract insect pests. How can you use organic gardening techniques to protect your plants from pests and maintain a garden that is safe for pollinators and other animals?

Blogs Citizen Science Ornithology SciStarter Blog Zoology

Revolutionizing Bird Watching with Radar

November 6, 2020November 5, 2020 SciStarterbird behavior, bird watching, birds

Ecologists can now forecast bird migrations like meteorologists forecast the weather. But without on-the-ground citizen science observations, it’s hard to tell a songbird from a goose.

Black Birders: Deja Perkins, a graduate student using citizen science to research birds, is one of the organizers of Black Birders Week. (Credit: North Carolina State University)

Biodiversity and Conservation Citizen Science Diversity in Science Ornithology SciStarter Blog Zoology

Black Birders, Scientists Push for Equality

June 25, 2020June 24, 2020 Science Connectedbirds, citizen science projects, diversity

Black Birders Week helped show the world that Black scientists exist in the great outdoors. Now, participants hope to keep the conversation going.

Citizen Science Ecology Get to Know a Scientist SciStarter Blog

STEM Career Q and A with Joe Siegrist

September 6, 2019May 2, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, citizen science, ornithology, science projects, STEM careers

In this STEM Career Q and A, we talk with the lead of Project MartinRoost. Learn about his STEM career and how you can get involved in a citizen science research project. To meet more scientists and learn about their work, check out our Get to Know a Scientist series. Q: What citizen science project do you represent? Three projects: Project MartinRoost, Project MartinWatch, and the Scout-Arrival Study. Q: What’s your professional background? I have worked as a zookeeper, a naturalist, a field biologist, an educator, and now am president…

Citizen Science Ecology SciStarter Blog

Project Martin Roost: A Scavenger Hunt in Your Backyard

August 30, 2019August 29, 2019 Science Connectedbird watching, birds, citizen science, ornithology

This is part one of three in a collaboration between SciStarter and Career in STEM, in which writers will spotlight different citizen science projects, interview project leaders about their careers, and create educational content for teachers and students. This series is available from Science Connected, Career in STEM, SciStarter, and Discover Magazine. As the sun sinks low below the horizon and the crisp night air begins to descend, a miraculous sight can be seen in many areas across the continental United States. Hundreds of thousands of birds will suddenly appear…

Paleontology Zoology

Another Early Toothed Bird Raises Its Head

June 5, 2018May 3, 2021 Science Connectedbirds, evolution

A team of paleontologists reveals new details about one of the most striking transformations in evolutionary history: a toothed bird. By Kate Stone Sometimes what you seek is right under your nose. Using fossils found in the 1870s, paleontologists have pieced together the skull of a toothed bird that represents a pivotal moment in the transition from dinosaurs to modern birds. “Right under our noses this whole time was an amazing, transitional bird.” Ichthyornis dispar is a key member of the evolutionary lineage that leads from dinosaurian species to today’s…