Don’t Fill Your Birdbath With Garden Hose Water—Here’s Why
Filling a birdbath with fresh water helps the birds. But make sure the birdbath water you're using is safe for birds to bathe in and drink.
How to Keep Birdseed From Sprouting in Your Garden
Will heating birdseed stop it from sprouting when it hits the ground? See what experts say, and get more mess-free...
Meet the Merganser Ducks: Hooded, Common and Red-Breasted
Get to know the three types of merganser ducks found in the United States: hooded, common, and red-breasted. See how...
See the Winner of the 2025 Birds & Blooms Photo Contest
We reveal the 2025 Birds & Blooms Photo Contest grand prize winner. Learn the story behind the amazing owl photo.
How to Identify a Spotted Sandpiper
Keep an eye out near freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds to spot a spotted sandpiper. Plus, learn why they've been...
6 Birds That Look Like Bald Eagles
You know a bald eagle's signature white head but raptors can be tricky, especially in flight. See several birds that...
Join the Garden for Birds Project to Boost Backyard Habitat
Grow native plants for the birds! Learn about Cornell’s new Garden for Birds program and how to participate.
American Dipper: The Only Aquatic Songbird
The American dipper is a songbird that prefers water to the skies! Learn what the bird looks like and where...
Birding vs Bird-watching: What’s the Difference?
These two bird terms mean almost—but not exactly—the same thing. You can go birding or bird-watching, or both.
How to Identify a Sanderling
An energetic sanderling running along the beach will warm your bird-loving heart. Here's where to find this small shorebird.
How to Identify an American Avocet
Search for the lovely American avocet along coastlines, lakes, and ponds. Plus, learn about their unique technique when foraging for...
Greater Yellowlegs vs Lesser Yellowlegs: ID Challenge
These long-legged birds look similar but there are subtle differences to look for. Here's how to distinguish a greater vs...
How to Identify a Great Egret
What's that white bird in the swamp? Discover what a great egret eats, where it lives, and how the bird...
How to Identify a Tricolored Heron
Take a closer look at that long-legged heron — it might be a tricolored heron! Here's where to find these...
10 Rain Pictures That Will Make You Love April Showers
Rain, rain, please stay! These delightful rain pictures of birds, flowers and more will inspire you to appreciate wet weather.
Do Woodpeckers Mate for Life?
Discover which woodpeckers mate for life, and which pair up and then split up. Also learn how long pileated woodpeckers...
How to Identify a Vermilion Flycatcher
Head south to see this flame-red, desert-dwelling bird. Learn where to find a vermilion flycatcher, and what their song sounds...
Why Do Birds’ Feet Not Freeze in Winter?
Birdy, it's cold outside. But don't worry. Here's why birds' feet and feathers don't freeze in winter weather.
How to Build an Osprey Nesting Platform
If you want an osprey pair to nest near you, your best bet is to build an osprey platform. Find...
Do Birds Use Birdhouses in the Winter?
Cavity nesting birds may use a birdhouse for winter shelter, but some birds hide out from the freezing cold in...
How to Identify a Solitary Sandpiper
Learn to identify the solitary sandpiper — a migration-season visitor to ponds, streams, and marshes across the United States.
Look for an American Bittern Bird in the Marsh
Keep your eyes peeled to spot the well-camouflaged American bittern — a marsh bird with a bizarre song. Plus, learn...
How to Identify a Townsend’s Solitaire Bird
Get the keys to ID a Townsend's solitaire, a solitary, cheery-singing thrush bird with a sweet tooth for juniper berries.
How to Identify a Mississippi Kite
Look up to find a Mississippi kite soaring overhead, just like flying a kite. Plus, learn where to find this...
How to Identify a Greater Roadrunner Bird
Meep meep! Learn all about the greater roadrunner, including where to find this bird, how fast it can run, and...
21 Gull Pictures That Will Change How You Look at Them
Readers share their favorite gull pictures that will give you a new appreciation for these birds. Just don't call them...
How Do Birds Know When It’s Time to Migrate?
It's one of nature's greatest mysteries: how do birds know the right time to migrate? Here's why migration happens —...
West Nile Virus in Birds: What You Should Know
While bird flu gets a lot of attention, West Nile virus in birds is also worth knowing about — including...
This Is Why Birds Do Not Have Teeth
Learn how birds evolved to rely on their beaks, not teeth, to eat, and how their digestion differs from the...
Discover the Mysterious Lives of Nighthawk Birds
These creatures of contradiction aren’t hawks and aren’t the most active at night, but nighthawks are birds worth knowing
Why Do Canada Geese Fly in a V Formation?
Why do geese fly in a V formation? They have a good reason. Learn how it helps them as they...
