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About Birds

The Silent Flight of Owls, Explained
July 28, 2017 — Even large owls, like Barred and Barn Owls, manage to fly nearly silently through the trees. How do they pull it off—and why?
Meet the Tiniest Owl in the World
March 20, 2017 — Native to the American Southwest, Elf Owls are slightly larger than a soda can, but that doesn't stop them from being determined predators.
Hear the Many Different Hoots of the Barred Owl
February 17, 2017 — The increasingly common owl has more than a dozen calls, including one that sounds like a monkey.
A Photo ID Quiz That's Perfect for Beginner Birders
December 14, 2016 — Test your birding knowledge with 10 species often found during the Christmas Bird Count.
The Common Swift Is No Longer the Fastest-Flying Animal
November 21, 2016 — And here's a surprise: It wasn't even dethroned by another bird.
Scientists Finally Have Evidence That Frigatebirds Sleep While Flying
August 11, 2016 — According to a new study, the birds can stay aloft for weeks by power napping in ten-second bursts.
The Shoebill: Or, the Most Terrifying Bird in the World
August 05, 2016 — Are you ready for this thing? I don't think you're ready for this thing.
Where Do Hummingbirds Get All That Energy?
April 13, 2016 — A lifestyle like theirs can only be matched by multiple sugar highs.
Is This House Finch Feeling The Bern?
March 28, 2016 — Here's how ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ IDed the bird that upstaged Bernie Sanders in Oregon.
13 Fun Facts About Owls
October 15, 2015 — Unravel a bit of the mystery shrouding these amazing birds of prey.