Birds

Study finds shelterbelts reduce grassland birds in Japan

Planting trees as windbreaks on farmland can sharply cut populations of grassland and wetland birds, according to new research in central Japan.

Pigeons lock their eyes in place when flying

17 Mwezi wa sita, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers have tracked the eye movements of pigeons in flight for the first time. The birds fix their gaze after takeoff rather than scanning their surroundings.

Europe

Risk of greater spread of blue tit disease in Sweden

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Study debunks myth of indigenous overhunting in Hawaii

America

Horneros build their mud nests with technique and teamwork

Extreme weather impacts growth of great tit nestlings

A 60-year study of over 80,000 great tits in Oxford's Wytham Woods shows that cold snaps and heavy rain reduce nestling body mass and survival chances. Birds breeding earlier in the season appear better shielded from these effects. Moderate warm spells, however, can boost chick growth by enhancing food availability.

Blackbird sets record in this year's bird count

26 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

In this year's bird count, the blackbird reached a record high of 52,364 observed individuals, according to Birdlife Sweden. The great tit tops the list as usual, while the number of participants rose to 19,000 due to winter weather. The count took place over the weekend and highlights changes in bird populations.

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