AviList and the Future of Bird Classification
A unified checklist reshapes how birds are named, studied, and conserved – laying the groundwork for a dynamic, evidence-driven taxonomy.
Born in Isolation: The Australian Origin of Songbirds
Oscines – true songbirds – make up nearly half of all bird species alive today. A new study confirms that their evolutionary roots trace back to Australia, offering powerful new insight into one of the greatest radiations in avian history.
The Ornithologist
Instinct vs. Experience: Steppe Eagles Learn to Migrate Safely
A new study shows that young Steppe Eagles are drawn to human-altered landscapes during migration, while adults avoid them – revealing how instinct, experience, and learning shape survival strategies in an endangered raptor.
Gyorgy Szimuly
The Sanctuary in the Sidewalk: Trees Rescue Birds in Mexico’s Cities
Even in the heart of a city, a tree can be a sanctuary for birds. A new study from Mexico reveals that urban trees do far more than provide shade – they offer critical nesting and foraging habitats for native species under pressure from habitat loss elsewhere.
The Ornithologist