The Juan Fernandez Firecrown is a critically endangered hummingbird that is only found on Robinson Crusoe Island, near Chile. Measuring more than 4 inches long from beak to tail, the firecrown is hefty for a hummingbird. To conserve energy while feeding, the birds often hang upside down on…

In American democracy, elected officials work for the people. That means you can be a voice for birds by reaching out to your representatives at every level of government. On the Bring Birds Back podcast, Hardy Kern explains how the American Bird Conservancy is taking legislative action…

In shallow waters off the coast of Massachusetts, ocean predators come from far and wide to hunt. Humpback whales join Great Shearwaters and many other seabirds in pursuing sand lance, a tiny fish that these top predators rely on for sustenance. But sand lance are vulnerable to climate…

Open, vertical pipes are commonly used to build fences, anchor gates, and post signs. Inquisitive birds often inspect these cavities in their search for food and nest sites. But without enough room to turn around or spread his wings in the smooth pipe, the little bird will be trapped — and…

Wildlife biologist Alex Troutman jokes that he was always destined to be a fisherman. But Troutman family fishing trips taught Alex to appreciate birds, too. On the Bring Birds Back podcast, Alex reflects on his journey from being a critter curious kid to becoming a professional…

A city lake is one of the most prized places in a fast, growing environment. It’s also often difficult to distinguish all of the bird calls from each other. With a splash of a beak, a glide of a wing, and an eye of a predator — listen closely, and then again to sharpen your bird ear. This…

Las reinitas mieleras ( Coereba flaveola), también conocidas como bananeros, son aves cantoras diminutas con una debilidad por lo dulce. Su distintivo pico curvo es perfecto para libar néctar de las flores del bosque y de los comederos para colibríes en zonas urbanas. Estas aves están…

Grammy-winning musician Rickie Lee Jones says her earliest memories are of sounds: running water, a bouncing ball, and the soft coos of Mourning Doves. In this episode, Rickie reminisces on her experiences hearing doves throughout her life and how she learned to call back to them in kind.

El chipe pecho manchado (Setophaga americana), también conocido como parula norteña, es un ave diminuta con una gran personalidad. Estas coloridas reinitas pasan sus días en busca de sabrosos insectos en lo alto del dosel forestal de los bosques de América del Norte y el Caribe. Para verlo…

Hummingbirds are built for hovering flight, with flexible wrists that rotate their wings in a rapid figure-eight motion that generates almost constant lift. Eurasian Skylarks, on the other hand, hover by fluttering their wings 10-12 times per second, singing all the while. Some raptors…