Birding Basics

Thinking of taking up birding as a hobby? These birding basics and tips on birding for beginners will get you started.

All About Bird Songs: Nature’s Symphony

Learn the difference between bird songs and calls, and find out how birds learn to sing their distinctive, notable sounds.

Why Is a Bird Pecking at My Window and Car Mirror?

Experts explain why a bird is pecking at its reflection in a window or mirror and how you can stop...


Fancy Footwork: All About Bird Feet

Birds can fly, but they also perch, run, swim and more. Walk this way and learn why bird feet and...


What Does a Cardinal Song Sound Like?

Northern cardinals are one of the few birds with male and female singers. Learn what a cardinal song sounds like...


Why Are My Backyard Birds Fighting?

Are your backyard birds squabbling over seed? Learn why birds face off at your feeders—and how to promote peace in...

Bird Lifespan: How Long Do Wild Birds Live?

From those in captivity to the feathered friends at your feeders, learn how long birds live, and what factors affect...


How Do Woodpeckers Use Their Tongues and Beaks?

Learn all about a woodpecker uses its tongue and the beak to capture insects. Also find out how a woodpecker...

Ask the Experts: Hummingbird Behavior Explained

Birding experts answer some of the most commonly asked questions about fascinating hummingbird behavior that you might see in your...


How to (Safely) Deter Nuisance Birds From Perching

Birds can make a mess if they perch in undesirable places. Get expert tips to deter birds from perching and...


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Hummingbird Sounds: Do Hummingbirds Sing?

Listen carefully to hear calls or singing the next time you see a hummingbird. Learn all about the variety of...


How Do Birds Stay Warm in the Winter?

Birds can handle more extreme temperatures than you might imagine. Discover the unique ways that birds stay warm on the...

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11 Fascinating Northern Cardinal Bird Facts

Meet the recognizable and beloved northern cardinal. Get cardinal bird facts, including why male cardinals are red, and where cardinals...


Irruptions: A Sudden Surge of New Birds in Town

Irruptions bring surprise visitors from the far north to your feeders—an opportunity to witness one of birding’s great mysteries. Here...


How You Can Help Birds in Cold Winter Weather

Don't worry about your backyard birds during frigid winter weather. Learn how to help them by providing food, water and...


More Than 70 Bird Names Are Changing — Here’s Why

Learn more about the committee in charge of naming and organizing birds and find out why dozens of species will...


Do Hawk Sightings Have Special Meaning?

If you see a hawk soaring in the sky, what does it mean? Throughout time, some people have thought hawk...

Updated Winter Finch Forecast for 2023-24

A biologist reveals his winter finch forecast using wild food crop data. Find out what birds you can expect to...


Where Do Woodpeckers Migrate in Winter?

Some woodpeckers stay in the same place year-round, but in other instances, woodpeckers do head south for winter.  Find out...


Bird Molting: Why Birds Molt and How to Spot It

Feather refresh in progress! Learn about bird molting and why the color change is more obvious on some molting birds...


Quiz: How Many Shorebirds Can You Identify?

How many shorebirds can you name? Put your shorebird identification skills to the test with this fun photo quiz.


How to Get Rid of Pigeons at Bird Feeders

Rock pigeons are nonnative birds that can gobble up lots of birdseed quickly. Learn how to discourage pigeons from visiting...


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Why Do Woodpeckers Peck and How to Stop Them

Woodpeckers have a unique way to drum up attention. Learn why woodpeckers peck wood, trees and metal and how to...


6 Reasons Why Woodpeckers Have Special Meaning

Some types of woodpeckers have meaning for bird lovers. Find out which woodpecker sightings fill our readers with joy and...


Do Woodpeckers Kill or Damage Trees?

Woodpeckers serve an important role in controlling insects. Here's what you can do to keep them from becoming a threat...


Where Do Birds Sleep at Night?

Unravel the mystery of where birds go to nap and rest after dark. Our bird experts answer your questions about...

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Do Owl Sightings Have Special Meaning?

What does it mean when you see an owl, and was owl meaning significant to ancient cultures? Learn about owl...


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Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning?

Even the biggest fans of the species might not know that a sighting of the brilliant, jewel-colored hummingbird may have...


Birds in Swamps: Where Woods Meet Water

If you think swamps are stinky or boring, think again. Learn why swamps are vital habitats, and why birds choose...


Why Do Crows Chase Hawks and Owls?

If you've ever seen a group of crows swooping after a hawk, you might wonder — why do crows chase...


Bird Senses: Can Birds Smell or Taste?

Birders often wonder can birds smell and do birds have taste buds? Discover how birds survive with sight, sound, taste,...


Do Fireworks Kill or Hurt Birds?

Firecrackers and sparklers are a long-standing summer tradition, but nature lovers might wonder: can fireworks kill or hurt birds? Here's...