Birding

From helpful bird species profiles to expert tips on attracting birds to your yard – we have all the information you need to start birding.

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Hummingbird Food: Sugar Water for Hummingbirds 101

Learn how to make sugar water for hummingbirds. Get the hummingbird sugar water recipe and ratio to make your own hummingbird food.

Where Do Hummingbirds Sleep at Night?

Learn where hummingbirds sleep, if they feed at night, and how they go into a deep sleep-like state...


Bird Feeder Landscaping Ideas: Disguise the Brown Patch

Get expert bird feeder landscaping ideas. Learn the best ways to use perennial plants to attract birds and beautify your...


Should You Put Copper Pennies in Your Birdbath?

We all want 'hacks' to make life easier — but is adding copper pennies to a birdbath a helpful cleaning...


Do Dead Bird Sightings Have Meaning?

Learn about the symbolism and meaning of dead birds in literature and myth, as well as how to safely remove...

Pecking Pileated Woodpecker Damages Vehicles in Massachusetts

A passionate pileated woodpecker has damaged 20 cars in a coastal Massachusetts town — but residents have a sense of...


This Is the No. 1 Thing You Should Do to Protect Migrating Birds

One way to keep birds safe is as easy as flipping a switch! Here's why you should turn lights out...

How to Identify a Horned Grebe

Learn what a horned grebe looks like and where you can find this water bird. Get information about their habitat,...


Avian Influenza: Should You Take Down Bird Feeders?

Does avian influenza affect wild birds? Find out if you need to take down bird feeders. Plus learn the risk...


Female Hummingbirds Mimic Male Plumage to Dodge Harassment

To go unbothered while feeding, some female white-necked jacobin hummingbirds adopt a surprising tactic: mimicking the plumage of males.


Mystery Bird: Why Does This Pigeon Have Pink Feathers?

Why is this pigeon pink? We break down the mystery — plus, birding experts advise what to do if you...

9 Birds With the Best Makeup Looks

From the perfect "smoky eye," to bold red "lipstick," admire — and occasionally chuckle — at these birds' unique coloring.


How to Identify a Western Kingbird

Meet the regal western kingbird — a fierce defender of its nest and a bright sight along open fields in...


Flock of Cardinals: Is It Normal to See Multiple Cardinals?

Seeing a Northern cardinal is a treat for birders, but what about a whole flock of cardinals! Learn why the...


6 Invasive Birds That Are Nonnative to America

You've probably heard of invasive plants, but what about invasive birds? These common nonnative species are now abundant in America.


2025 U.S. State of the Birds Report Shows Widespread Declines

This year's State of the Birds report has worrisome updates on the population numbers for U.S. birds — including the...

Boost Bird Feeding Excitement With a Smart Bird Feeder

See who's visiting your backyard by using a high-tech bird feeder with a camera! Here's why you should add a...


Stop Your Hummingbird Feeder From Leaking

Having issues with a hummingbird feeder leaking? Here's what might be causing the problem — and what you can do...


How to Avoid Bird Flu: Is Bird-watching Safe?

If you're a birder, avian flu has likely been on your mind. Here's how to avoid bird flu, from an...


If a Bird Flies Into Your House or Window, What Does It Mean?

If a bird flies in a house or hits a window, what does it mean? Learn more about the "bird...


Is Bird Flu Dangerous for Cats and Dogs?

National experts say house cats in several states have been diagnosed with bird flu. Here's what you need to know...


Rare Orange Snowy Owl Spotted in Michigan

Seeing an owl is a magnificent experience — but one Michigan snowy owl is truly unique. What caused the owl...


Can You Touch a Baby Bird or Will the Parents Abandon It?

We've all heard someone say, "Don't touch a baby bird!" Can you help or will the parents abandon it? Here's...


How to Identify a Common Grackle

Do common grackles deserve their bad reputation? Learn why they're cooler than you think — and why scientists are watching...


14 Facts That Prove Mother Birds Are Fascinating

From female penguins who create a unique call to orioles weaving elaborate nests, here's why we appreciate the hard work...

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Is Bird Flu a Threat to Bald Eagles?

Avian influenza has been in the headlines lately — but what effect has bird flu had on the bald eagle...


Redhead vs Canvasback: Duck Identification

Grab your binoculars and take a 'quack' at correctly identifying two commonly confused ducks: the redhead vs canvasback.


New Jersey Takes Bald Eagles off Endangered List

From one remaining nest to more than 200, learn how endangered bald eagles bounced back to soar again in New...


See the Winner of the 2024 Birds & Blooms Photo Contest

We reveal the 2024 Birds & Blooms Photo Contest grand prize winner. Learn the story behind the stunning butterfly and...


Why Would a Bird Take a Dust Bath in Dirt?

'Dust bathing' is a documented phenomenon among birds. Here's why scientists think they do it — and how to add...


Meet the 2025 ABA Bird of the Year

The American Birding Association has chosen its Bird of the Year for 2025 — and it's a symbol of the...