Birding Basics

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

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, touch and smell.

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...


All About Bird Wings and Flight Feathers

Whether they’re opening for takeoff, spreading wide for a lazy soar or flapping to brake for landing, bird wings make...


Can You Move a Bird Nest Near Your Home?

Birds have a habit of building nests in inconvenient places. Find out when and how you can move a bird...


Find Your Spark Bird to Inspire a Love of Birding

A single sighting of your personal spark bird can ignite a passion for the outdoors and birding. Readers and experts...

Is This White Mourning Dove Albino?

Spotted a white dove? Learn how to tell if you're seeing an albino mourning dove. Plus, see other backyard birds...


Blue Grosbeak vs Indigo Bunting: How to Tell Them Apart

Spotted a blue bird that you can't identify? Here's how to ace a common birding test: blue grosbeak vs indigo...


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Where Do Birds Go During a Rain Storm?

From thunderstorms to blizzards, we'll show you how to protect birds by turning your yard into a shelter.


Birdability Blazes a Welcoming Trail for All Birders

Birding is for every body! Learn about Birdability, a birding organization improving accessibility to get more people into nature.


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Amazing Bird Feeding Video Contest Winners

We never tire of watching birds at feeders. Three birders captured fantastic bird feeding videos and won our 2023 Bird...


Birding Guidelines: Birdhouse Hole Size Chart

Follow the guidelines on this birdhouse hole size chart to make sure you're offering the right birdhouse for your feathered...


How to Get Rid of Blue Jays at Bird Feeders

Free up feeders for your small songbirds by learning how to get rid of blue jays. One idea is to...


Music in Motion: Birds That Sing While Flying

Look up if you hear music overhead! Birds such as sandpipers and larks sing while they fly—and their concerts are...

Are Albino and Leucistic Robins Rare?

It's exciting to see a bird with unique plumage, but how rare is an albino or leucistic robin? Our experts...


Bird Mating Rituals: Love Is in the Air

When it comes to courtship, birds pull out all the stops, using elaborate displays to attract a potential mate and...


Wild Bird Diseases: What You Need to Know

Seeing sick birds at your feeder can be a concern. Learn about common wild bird diseases, and get an update...


Do Crow Sightings Have Meaning?

Crows have a complex history! Discover what crows symbolized to ancient cultures, and find out how some interpret crow sightings...


How to Attract Bluebirds: Tips and FAQs

Bluebirds are beautiful—it's easy to see why people are interested in attracting them. We’ve got easy tips and answers on...


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Don’t Let a Female Cardinal Fly Under the Radar

Is the female cardinal an angel, or just a hard-working female bird supporting her mate? Learn about the secret life...


A Rare Sighting of an Arizona Cardinal Bird

Despite being a sports team mascot, northern cardinals are rarely spotted in parts of Arizona. See photos of an Arizona...


Bird Mating Behavior: Who’s the Boss?

When it comes to bird mating for species like American robins and house wrens, it’s the female birds who run...


Why Does a Cardinal Raise Its Crest?

A bright red cardinal crest is unmistakable. Find out why cardinals raise their crests and if female cardinals have crests.

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Meet the Friendliest Birds in America

Some birds stand out for their bold, curious and charming personalities. Learn why these are the friendliest birds in your...


Ask the Experts: Do Birds Get Dependent on Feeders?

Do backyard birds become overly dependent on bird feeders for food? Find out the answer from our birding experts.


12 Winter Birds Myths and Facts: Do Birds Get Cold?

Do birds get cold? Some birders worry winter birds will freeze on cold nights or in bird baths. Our expert...


The Best Backyard Birding Tips for Small Spaces

With a little planning and some basic backyard birding tips from our experts you can attract and feed birds—no matter...


Is There a Blue Colored Cardinal Bird?

Do you think you saw a blue cardinal in your backyard? Find out what's going on and the other types...


Can a Cardinal Fly Without Tail Feathers?

Cardinals are a birder favorite, but they don't always look neat and pretty. Here are some reasons you might find...