News

A Golden-cheeked Warbler perched on a branch.
New Fund Promises Billions of Dollars for Global Conservation
December 20, 2024 — Congress establishes U.S. Foundation for International Conservation to bridge financial gap for communities, tribes and others working to ensure healthy lands and waters
A fossil in rock of a bird skeleton.
Terror Birds, Giga-Geese, and the Oldest Birds of Prey? 2024鈥檚 Fascinating Avian Fossil Finds
December 20, 2024 — From mega leg bones to tiny, perfect skulls, fossils this year revealed crucial insights into bird evolution.
These 7 Books About Plants Deserve a Spot on Your Birding Bookshelf
December 18, 2024 — From how bees see the world to what berries can teach us about the economy, these recent titles provide an infusion of botanical wonder.
Books
Long Before Pantone, This Bird-Based System for Describing Color Was a Hit
December 17, 2024 — In the early 20th century, ornithologist Robert Ridgway published a massive dictionary to categorize birds鈥 hues, from Peacock Blue to Duck Green. His work still resonates for artists and designers today.
Small brown bird with yellow tufts on its head floats in calm water
California Voters Said Yes to Prop 4, a Win for Birds, People, and Our Shared Future
December 16, 2024 — Consistent advocacy work across 探花精选's community helped make this important public investment happen.
Cook, in his eagle-adorned office, displays a rubber eagle mask in his hand.
The Bald Eagle Is About to Officially Become Our National Bird鈥擳hanks to This Man
December 14, 2024 — Preston Cook鈥檚 love of the iconic raptor has led to a collection of 40,000 objects and, now, a quest to finally bring the bird the recognition that it deserves.
Group of young adults looking up with binoculars, standing in a street in a suburban location.
The Long View
December 13, 2024 — Pull back to look at the big picture, and you may glean valuable insights.
Letter From the Editor
Two ptarmigans in white plumage blend into the snowy ground behind them, with their black eyes and beaks sticking out in contrast.
How Much Longer Can These Cold-Loving Birds Last in the Rapidly Warming Rockies?
December 13, 2024 — In Colorado and New Mexico, scientists put in long days scouring the high country for signs of how well White-tailed Ptarmigan can adapt.
A wooden Godwit decoy stands on the banks of a body of water with golden light cascading across a row of pine trees in the background.
This Bar-tailed Godwit Decoy Delivers Folk Art with a Contemporary Feel
December 13, 2024 — Wooden decoys long played a key role in hunting birds. Artist David Personius hopes his modern take can inspire conservation instead.
The Aviary
Illustration of people birding in different locations, including in an orange raft. A flock of blackbirds fills the upper left quadrant, and a red rocket stands in the middle of the illustration.
The Christmas Bird Count: 鈥淏etter Than Any Animal Planet Video!鈥
December 13, 2024 — Volunteers who take part in the annual community science event aren't only collecting invaluable data about bird populations鈥攖hey're also making memories while they're at it. We asked folks to share some of their favorites with us.