The kiwi has a large brain similar to “smarter” flighted birds compared with its long-lost compatriot, the giant moa, which has a significantly smaller brain, say researchers. read more at stuff nz
Category: nieuws
Bird-flu Expert Calls For Changes In Early-warning System
Global surveillance is critical for identifying and tracking potential pandemic viruses such as highly pathogenic H5N1. But the current surveillance strategy in wild birds is piecemeal and risks missing important virus sources or subtypes, Walter Boyce writes in a commentary.* Boyce says scientists must take several steps to catch avian influenza viruses before they catch […]
Some research papers
Natal Dispersal in the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes): the Importance of Connectivity in Fragmented HabitatsAskia K. Wittern and sa Berggren Long-distance Dispersal Patterns of Male Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) Measured by Stable-hydrogen IsotopesM. Katherine Girvan, Jason Jones, D. Ryan Norris, Jennifer J. Barg, T. Kurt Kyser, and Raleigh J. Robertson Pre-Migratory Movements by Juvenile […]
Penguins In Peril As Climate Warms
The report, Antarctic Penguins and Climate Change, shows that the four populations of penguins that breed on the Antarctic continent – Adlie, Emperor, Chinstrap and Gentoo – are under escalating pressure. For some, global warming is taking away precious ground on which penguins raise their young. For others, food has become increasingly scarce because of […]
Common bird study reveals further decline of Europes farmland birds
An analysis of 124 of Europe’s common birds has revealed that over a 26-year period 56 species (45 per cent) have declined across 20 European countries. This alarming rate of decline has fuelled fears for the future of many of the continent’s birds, including the Grey Partridge. Five of the ten common European species showing […]
Songbirds Offer Clues To Highly Practiced Motor Skills In Humans
The melodious sound of a songbird may appear effortless, but his elocutions are actually the result of rigorous training undergone in youth and maintained throughout adulthood. His tune has virtually ‘crystallized’ by maturity. The same control is seen in the motor performance of top athletes and musicians. Yet, subtle variations in highly practiced skills persist […]
Helping Hand From The Grandparents, Observed In Birds
A team of scientists led by the University of East Anglia has discovered the existence of ?grandparent’ helpers in the Seychelles warbler – the first time this behaviour, which rarely occurs except in humans, has been observed in birds. read more at sciencedaily
Korean oil spill threatens IBAs
South Korea’s worst oil spill is threatening two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) which are crucial for large numbers of wintering and migrating birds. Tens of thousands of volunteers and soldiers have battled for 10 days to attempt to clean up thousands of tons of crude oil, some of which is now threatening to enter Cheonsu […]
Migratory birds throng Magadi Tank
It is that time of the year again when migratory birds throng the Magadi Kere (tank) in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district. While the bountiful rain has raised the water level in the tank this year, there has been increase in the number of migratory birds. Such has been the increase in the number of […]
Lake Natron chemical plant: regions ecotourism “jeopardised”
The African Tourism and Travel Association has become the latest to voice concern over a huge chemical production plant proposed for Tanzania’s Lake Natron, the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) today report. Nigel Vere Nicholl, chairman of the African Tourism and Travel Association (ATTA), shares BirdLife’s concerns over the threat that the development poses to […]