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Bird Questions and Facts

Clear liquid trickles out of a hummingbird hovering in midair.
Do Birds Pee? Hummingbirds Do—a Lot
April 23, 2025 — Unlike most other avians, hummers urinate in a stream much like mammals, releasing liquid waste often and out of necessity.
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Heron Necks
April 03, 2025 — From how they work to why they're so long, we’ve got answers to all your (maybe?) burning questions.
Ask Kenn: How Do Birds Keep Themselves Clean?
March 24, 2025 — Staying fresh is a matter of survival in a bird’s life—and a treat for birders to observe.
A chickadee perches on a sunflower extracting a seed with its beak.
How Plant Seeds Reshaped the Lives—and Evolution—of Birds
March 04, 2025 — Plants didn't always use seeds to reproduce, but once they did, early avians were more than happy to indulge in the nutrient-rich morsels, kicking off a symbiotic relationship that persists today.
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A large flock of gulls stand in a parking lot.
Why Do Gulls Like Hanging Out in Parking Lots?
February 24, 2025 — A question we've all wondered. An answer that might surprise you.
A hummingbird perched on a snowy, mossy branch flutters its wings.
Where Do Hummingbirds Go in the Winter? Do They Migrate?
January 17, 2025 — Some species migrate to far-off places while others keep it local. Here's a rundown of who goes where.
Two female blackbirds in flight next to a male perched on a branch.
10 Fun Facts About the Red-winged Blackbird
December 10, 2024 — One you’ll want to remember: They really, really like their personal space.
A Killdeer standing in grass with its beak wide open.
10 Fun Facts About the Killdeer
September 30, 2024 — Even if you haven’t seen one, chances are good you’ve heard this notoriously noisy shorebird.
Two hummingbirds on a small branch fighting with each other.
Why Do Hummingbirds Fight So Much?
August 21, 2024 — For hungry hummers in need of nectar to fuel their high-speed lives, territorial disputes can get ugly.
A Red Knot walking on a rocky coast with water splashing around it.
These 5 Birds Are All Winners in the Migration Olympics
August 08, 2024 — The world’s best athletes impress us with their prowess every two years. But have you heard about the 50,000 mile annual marathon of the Arctic Tern or the 100-mile-per hour sprint of a Whimbrel?
Bird Migration