Research suggests that more than 90% of bird species mate with only a single partner over at least one breeding season, if not longer. However, some monogamous birds switch to a different partner, as in, they 'divorce' their spouse. Why do they do that? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Are birds bad at long-distance relationships?

In a new study, researchers have discovered that migratory birds have the ability to ignore or process magnetic information, similar to how humans listen to music they are interested in and tune out if they do not like it.&nbsp;

The planet and its inhabitants are protected from the dangerous plasma and cosmic rays that are blasted off from the Sun by the magnetic field of the Earth. However, some animals use this magnetic field innovatively for navigating, just like a GPS, and also carry the capacity to turn it on and off.

Researchers from Bowling Green State University in the US and the University of Western Ontario in Canada discovered a region of the brain which is called cluster N that is used by birds to detect and process the magnetic field of the Earth.

European Journal of Neuroscience published a study which stated that Cluster N gets activated only when the birds wish to migrate and probably engage in their magnetic compass.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-fowls-the-mood-kills-nearly-9000-marine-creatures-in-chile-france-develops-vaccine-for-ducks-596812">Bird flu ‘fowls’ the mood, kills nearly 9,000 marine creatures in Chile, France starts vaccination</a>

<h2>Birds use magnetically sensitive proteins</h2>

In previous studies, it has been discovered that the birds like to use magnetically sensitive proteins called cryptochromes which are located in their retinas that enable their signalling and sensing functions, helping the birds in navigating the long distances they travel while migrating.

The team, headed by psychology PhD candidate Madeleine Brodbeck, studied white-throated sparrows and found that they were activating cluster N at night when they were motivated to migrate to other places and they were switching it off when they were resting during the day.&nbsp;

“This brain region is super important for activating the geomagnetic compass, especially for songbirds when they migrate at night. Almost all previous work on this specific brain function was done at one lab in Europe, so it was great to replicate it in a North American bird like the white-throated sparrow," Brodbeck said.&nbsp;

The magnetic field, which is generated by molten iron's flow in the inner core of the planet and extends out into space, remains invisible to humans.&nbsp;

However, in some animals that mechanism is present in their brain which helps them detect it when they travel long distances.

WATCH |&nbsp;Afforestation in the Chinese capital attracts over 500 bird species

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“If we want to understand bird migration or how other animals move from one place to another, we need to know how they do it. And more importantly, we need to know what we’re doing, as humans, that might influence them,” stated MacDougall-Shackleton.

According to the scientists, the birds don't use the magnetic field normally, but instead, they pay attention to the stars and the sun as cues too.&nbsp;

“This type of basic research informs us and lets us know the full suite of ways that animals perceive the world when they’re migrating and what we as humans need to do to minimise our impact,” MacDougall-Shackleton stated.&nbsp;

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In a new study, researchers have discovered that migratory birds have the ability to ignore or process magnetic information, similar to how humans listen to music they are interested in and tune out if they do not like it.

In a new study, researchers have discovered that migratory birds have the ability to ignore or process magnetic information, similar to how humans listen to music they are interested in and tune out if they do not like it. The planet and its inhabitants are protected from the dangerous plasma and cosmic rays that are blasted off from the Sun by the magnetic field of the Earth. However, some animals use this magnetic field innovatively for navigating, just like a GPS, and also carry the capacity to turn it on and off. Researchers from Bowling Green State University in the US and the University of Western Ontario in Canada discovered a region of the brain which is called cluster N that is used by birds to detect and process the magnetic field of the Earth. European Journal of Neuroscience published a study which stated that Cluster N gets activated only when the birds wish to migrate and probably engage in their magnetic compass. ALSO READ | Bird flu ‘fowls’ the mood, kills nearly 9,000 marine creatures in Chile, France starts vaccination Birds use magnetically sensitive proteins In previous studies, it has been discovered that the birds like to use magnetically sensitive proteins called cryptochromes which are located in their retinas that enable their signalling and sensing functions, helping the birds in navigating the long distances they travel while migrating. The team, headed by psychology PhD candidate Madeleine Brodbeck, studied white-throated sparrows and found that they were activating cluster N at night when they were motivated to migrate to other places and they were switching it off when they were resting during the day. “This brain region is super important for activating the geomagnetic compass, especially for songbirds when they migrate at night. Almost all previous work on this specific brain function was done at one lab in Europe, so it was great to replicate it in a North American bird like the white-throated sparrow," Brodbeck said. The magnetic field, which is generated by molten iron's flow in the inner core of the planet and extends out into space, remains invisible to humans. However, in some animals that mechanism is present in their brain which helps them detect it when they travel long distances. WATCH | Afforestation in the Chinese capital attracts over 500 bird species “If we want to understand bird migration or how other animals move from one place to another, we need to know how they do it. And more importantly, we need to know what we’re doing, as humans, that might influence them,” stated MacDougall-Shackleton. According to the scientists, the birds don't use the magnetic field normally, but instead, they pay attention to the stars and the sun as cues too. “This type of basic research informs us and lets us know the full suite of ways that animals perceive the world when they’re migrating and what we as humans need to do to minimise our impact,” MacDougall-Shackleton stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Birds have inbuilt GPS in their brains which they turn on and off, reveals study

Scientists have discovered that pet parrots that are allowed to make video calls to other birds exhibit signs of feeling less lonely.&nbsp;Giving the birds a tablet to use for video calls as part of the study led researchers to discover that they started to exhibit more social skills like preening, singing, and play. The research found that the parrots that called other birds the most frequently were the most popular options when the birds were given a choice of which "friend" to call on a touchscreen tablet.

Video interactions, according to co-author of the study and University of Glasgow doctor Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, have made numerous patients feel less alone all through the pandemic, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

“There are 20 million parrots living in people’s homes in the USA, and we wanted to explore whether those birds might benefit from video calling too. If we gave them the opportunity to call other parrots, would they choose to do so, and would the experience benefit the parrots and their caregivers?” she said.&nbsp;

Their investigation, which was based on more than 1,000 hours of footage of 18 pet parrots, revealed that there were in fact advantages for the birds. Many species of parrots live in big flocks in the wild, but when kept as pets, they frequently live alone or in small groups. Birds that feel alone or bored may experience psychological issues that show themselves as rocking, pacing back and forth, or even self-harming actions like plucking feathers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-climate-report-worlds-glaciers-melted-at-dramatic-speed-in-2022-585074">UN climate report: World's glaciers melted at dramatic speed in 2022</a>

The scientists hypothesised that video calling could replicate some of the social advantages of living in a flock.

The birds were chosen from Parrot Kindergarten's users, a coaching and educational site for pet parrots and their owners. With the help of their owners, the birds initially discovered how to ring a bell before learning to touch a picture of another bird on a tablet device to make a call to that bird. Owners kept careful notes on the birds' behaviour, and the researchers afterwards watched the video of the 147 deliberate calls the birds made to one another throughout the study.

Dr Jennifer Cunha, a professor at Northeastern University and a co-founder of Parrot Kindergarten, claimed that the parrots "seemed to grasp" that they were interacting with other birds because their conduct resembled that of actual interactions.

“All the participants in the study said they valued the experience, and would want to continue using the system with their parrots in the future,” she said.

&nbsp;

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Scientists have discovered that pet parrots that are allowed to make video calls to other birds exhibit signs of feeling less lonely. Giving the birds a tablet to use for video calls as part of the study led researchers to discover that they started to exhibit more social skills like preening, singing, and play.

Scientists have discovered that pet parrots that are allowed to make video calls to other birds exhibit signs of feeling less lonely. Giving the birds a tablet to use for video calls as part of the study led researchers to discover that they started to exhibit more social skills like preening, singing, and play. The research found that the parrots that called other birds the most frequently were the most popular options when the birds were given a choice of which "friend" to call on a touchscreen tablet. Video interactions, according to co-author of the study and University of Glasgow doctor Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, have made numerous patients feel less alone all through the pandemic, reported The Guardian. “There are 20 million parrots living in people’s homes in the USA, and we wanted to explore whether those birds might benefit from video calling too. If we gave them the opportunity to call other parrots, would they choose to do so, and would the experience benefit the parrots and their caregivers?” she said. Their investigation, which was based on more than 1,000 hours of footage of 18 pet parrots, revealed that there were in fact advantages for the birds. Many species of parrots live in big flocks in the wild, but when kept as pets, they frequently live alone or in small groups. Birds that feel alone or bored may experience psychological issues that show themselves as rocking, pacing back and forth, or even self-harming actions like plucking feathers. ALSO READ | UN climate report: World's glaciers melted at dramatic speed in 2022 The scientists hypothesised that video calling could replicate some of the social advantages of living in a flock. The birds were chosen from Parrot Kindergarten's users, a coaching and educational site for pet parrots and their owners. With the help of their owners, the birds initially discovered how to ring a bell before learning to touch a picture of another bird on a tablet device to make a call to that bird. Owners kept careful notes on the birds' behaviour, and the researchers afterwards watched the video of the 147 deliberate calls the birds made to one another throughout the study. Dr Jennifer Cunha, a professor at Northeastern University and a co-founder of Parrot Kindergarten, claimed that the parrots "seemed to grasp" that they were interacting with other birds because their conduct resembled that of actual interactions. “All the participants in the study said they valued the experience, and would want to continue using the system with their parrots in the future,” she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Study: Parrots taught to video call one another feel less lonely

We tell you how birds are adapting to the new challenges because of climate change, an adaption that researcher say could prove to be fatal for them.

Birds are speeding up spring migration to survive

Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics.

According to the study, published in the journal of Hazardous Materials, the disease is caused by the "persistent presence of plastic in the body's digestive system" that can lead to long-term inflammation and even the formation of scar tissue.

The researchers&nbsp;found traces of plastics in 30 flesh-footed shearwater birds, including 21 fledglings between 80 and 90 days old, who had died recently. They were collected from Lord Howe Island in Australia.

Upon close observation, they found microplastic pieces in the bodies of the birds. A bird was found to have consumed 12.5 per cent of its body weight in plastic.

The study found that the more plastic a bird consumed, the more scarring it had on the tissues.

According to them, the disease can lead to the gradual breakdown of tubular glands in the proventriculus. Losing these glands can cause the birds to become more vulnerable to infection and parasites and affect their ability to digest food and absorb some vitamins.

Scientists called the fibrotic disease plasticosis to make it clear that it was caused by plastic in the environment.

“While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they’re not doing well on the inside. This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been investigated in this way and shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to these birds’ digestive system,” Dr Alex Bond, principal curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum, was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper.

They argued that all organisms are vulnerable to plastic exposure because plastic emissions are increasing and plastic pollution is becoming prevalent in all environments.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics.

Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics. According to the study, published in the journal of Hazardous Materials, the disease is caused by the "persistent presence of plastic in the body's digestive system" that can lead to long-term inflammation and even the formation of scar tissue. The researchers found traces of plastics in 30 flesh-footed shearwater birds, including 21 fledglings between 80 and 90 days old, who had died recently. They were collected from Lord Howe Island in Australia. Upon close observation, they found microplastic pieces in the bodies of the birds. A bird was found to have consumed 12.5 per cent of its body weight in plastic. The study found that the more plastic a bird consumed, the more scarring it had on the tissues. According to them, the disease can lead to the gradual breakdown of tubular glands in the proventriculus. Losing these glands can cause the birds to become more vulnerable to infection and parasites and affect their ability to digest food and absorb some vitamins. Scientists called the fibrotic disease plasticosis to make it clear that it was caused by plastic in the environment. “While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they’re not doing well on the inside. This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been investigated in this way and shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to these birds’ digestive system,” Dr Alex Bond, principal curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum, was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. They argued that all organisms are vulnerable to plastic exposure because plastic emissions are increasing and plastic pollution is becoming prevalent in all environments. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Plasticosis’: Scientists find new disease in birds caused by consumption of plastics

The Albanian city of Vlora could soon see a brand new airport. While residents have welcomed the plan but environmentalist are concerned about the construction of new Airport. @SehgalRahesha tells you more.

Albania Airport poses threat to birds

Nick Castro, an exterminator in California would have thought it was a regular day when he received a call from some house owner claiming worms were coming out of a wall.

Nick Castro, an exterminator in California would have thought it was a regular day when he received a call from some house owner claiming worms were coming out of a wall. However, what happened later has become news that has gone viral across. Castro, upon reaching the said home, in search of the worms, found a treasure of acorns, hidden by hungry woodpeckers in the chimney of the house. Castro and his crew discovered a 317-kilogramme stash of acorns that were carried out in as many as eight garbage bags. "Came across this on a job. Bird was a bit of a hoarder. Filled up about 8 garbage bags full of acorns weighing in about 700 lbs. Unreal, never came across something like this," said Nick in a Facebook post. “I’ve never seen anything like that. The more acorns I pulled out from the wall, the more there were. It felt like it wasn’t going to end," he added whilst talking to the media. × Woodpeckers, especially the acorn woodpeckers are naturally known for being prodigious acorn collectors. They usually store such large quantities of acorns in small holes of a dying tree. First, they drill the hole meticulously and then fill up the cavity and guard it ferociously as well. However, they are known to choose unusual spots such as the wall cavity to drop their favourite food item. WATCH | World of Africa: Fathering 102 children is hectic! × Notably, the woodpeckers had earlier dropped their acorns in the wood siding of the house. But after a previous owner wrapped the house in vinyl, the woodpeckers started stacking them inside the chimney. Castro added that since the birds could not access the acorns as they fell into the wall cavity, they kept filling the gap with more and more nuts - in this case, acting as a bit of a hoarder. Read more: Cocaine worth $300 billion with batman stickers found floating in New Zealand (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NUTS! Woodpeckers stash 300 kg of acorns in a California home

Rakesh Khatri, a native of Delhi, has been giving thousands of birds a place to live. Khatri, popularly referred to as the "Nest Man of India," began his mission to save birds in the city by constructing homes for them out of sustainable materials. He gained a lot of praise and acclaim for his environmentally friendly birdhouses, which were greatly appreciated by the public.

Meet Rakesh Khatri The 'Nest Man of India'

The effects of climate change are being felt around the world. Now, Birds learning to adapt to climate change. Warmer temperatures are also affecting their patterns of migration.

WION Climate Tracker: Birds learning to adapt to climate change

Indian forces have trained birds to destroy enemy drones. The simple and cost-effective solution was unveiled during joint military drills with the U.S. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: India's $80 anti-drone system?

When we chew food, our lower jaw moves. The upper jaw is completely immobile and fully fused with our skull. But some modern birds like chickens, ducks etc can also move their upper jaw. Such a mouth is versatile as with it these birds are able to perform some relatively dextrous functions.&nbsp;

It has been a general agreement that 'neognaths' or birds which are able to move both jaws developed this ability relatively recently in evolutionary history. But a CT scan of a toothed bird fossil has upended this understanding.

This bird lived 66.7 million years ago, just before an asteroid wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. Researchers have found that this bird, Janavis finalidens, was able to move both its jaws. This has provided evidence to researchers that ability to move both jaws predated advent of modern birds.&nbsp;

“The assumption has always been … that the ancestral condition for all modern birds was this fused-up condition typified by ostriches and their relatives just because it seems simpler and more reminiscent of non-bird reptiles,”said Dr Daniel Field, senior author of the research from the University of Cambridge. He was quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

The research has been published in scientific journal Nature.&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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When we chew food, our lower jaw moves. The upper jaw is completely immobile and fully fused with our skull. But some modern birds like chickens, ducks etc can also move their upper jaw.

When we chew food, our lower jaw moves. The upper jaw is completely immobile and fully fused with our skull. But some modern birds like chickens, ducks etc can also move their upper jaw. Such a mouth is versatile as with it these birds are able to perform some relatively dextrous functions. It has been a general agreement that 'neognaths' or birds which are able to move both jaws developed this ability relatively recently in evolutionary history. But a CT scan of a toothed bird fossil has upended this understanding. This bird lived 66.7 million years ago, just before an asteroid wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. Researchers have found that this bird, Janavis finalidens, was able to move both its jaws. This has provided evidence to researchers that ability to move both jaws predated advent of modern birds. “The assumption has always been … that the ancestral condition for all modern birds was this fused-up condition typified by ostriches and their relatives just because it seems simpler and more reminiscent of non-bird reptiles,”said Dr Daniel Field, senior author of the research from the University of Cambridge. He was quoted by The Guardian. The research has been published in scientific journal Nature. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Jaw-dropping: Study of toothed bird fossil leads to insight into structure of birds' beaks

Many species of birds are nesting and laying eggs nearly 20 days earlier than they did 100 years ago in the Chicago area and researchers believe climate change is behind it.

WION Climate Tracker | Research: Birds laying eggs at least 20 days earlier

Have you ever thought why hearing birds chirp in the mornings seems to be so calming? According to a recent study, listening to bird sounds can aid humans in overcoming tension and anxiety. A group of researchers from Germany assessed the impact of urban traffic noise versus natural bird singing on the participants' cognitive and emotional function.

Another objective was to assess the impact of lower vs. higher soundscape variety by varying the number of various typical traffic noises or different bird species' songs within the respective soundscapes, according to a study published in the Nature portfolio magazine Scientific Reports.

295 participants were randomly chosen&nbsp;for&nbsp;one of four treatments—traffic noise low, traffic noise high, birdsong low, and birdsong high diversity soundscapes—for six minutes in an online experiment conducted by the researchers. Before and after the exposure, the subjects also completed digit-span and dual n-back tasks, as well as surveys for sorrow, anxiety, and paranoia.

A Newsweek report says&nbsp;that as the world rapidly urbanises, so does the environment in which people live. Around 70% of the world's population is projected to live in cities by 2050, with certain regions, like Europe, already exceeding this percentage.

Given that urbanisation has been linked to worse mental health outcomes, understanding how the urban environment affects our wellbeing is crucial. However, traditional psychological research usually undervalues the impact of environmental influences on human wellbeing and cognition.

The Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Department Eppendorf of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy are partners with the German researchers, according to Newsweek.

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Have you ever thought why hearing birds chirp in the mornings seems to be so calming? According to a recent study, listening to bird sounds can aid humans in overcoming tension and anxiety.

Have you ever thought why hearing birds chirp in the mornings seems to be so calming? According to a recent study, listening to bird sounds can aid humans in overcoming tension and anxiety. A group of researchers from Germany assessed the impact of urban traffic noise versus natural bird singing on the participants' cognitive and emotional function. Another objective was to assess the impact of lower vs. higher soundscape variety by varying the number of various typical traffic noises or different bird species' songs within the respective soundscapes, according to a study published in the Nature portfolio magazine Scientific Reports. 295 participants were randomly chosen for one of four treatments—traffic noise low, traffic noise high, birdsong low, and birdsong high diversity soundscapes—for six minutes in an online experiment conducted by the researchers. Before and after the exposure, the subjects also completed digit-span and dual n-back tasks, as well as surveys for sorrow, anxiety, and paranoia. A Newsweek report says that as the world rapidly urbanises, so does the environment in which people live. Around 70% of the world's population is projected to live in cities by 2050, with certain regions, like Europe, already exceeding this percentage. Given that urbanisation has been linked to worse mental health outcomes, understanding how the urban environment affects our wellbeing is crucial. However, traditional psychological research usually undervalues the impact of environmental influences on human wellbeing and cognition. The Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Department Eppendorf of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy are partners with the German researchers, according to Newsweek. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Listening to birdsongs can help alleviate stress and anxiety in humans: Study

According to a new report, almost half of all bird species are in decline globally and one in eight are threatened with extinction. Most bird populations face a combination of human-caused threats.

WION Climate Tracker | Report: Half of world’s bird species face decline

Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions.

However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed. And it has blamed&nbsp;human actions for such ecological destruction.

A report titled ‘State of the World’s Birds’, which is published every four years by BirdLife International, has said that 49 per cent of the bird species are on the decline, while one in eight are threatened with extinction and at least 187 species are confirmed or suspected to have gone extinct since 1500.

"One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction, and the status of the world's birds continues to deteriorate: species are moving ever faster towards extinction," said the report released this week.

The report bases its findings on the data of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In North America, the losses are profound. BirdLife International report&nbsp;states that there are now 2.9 billion fewer individual birds in the region than there were in 1970, an estimated drop of 29 per cent.

While European Union has seen a net loss of around 600 million birds, roughly 18 per cent since 1980.

The ecologists say that expansion and intensification of agriculture are putting pressure on 73 per cent of species, while logging, invasive species, exploitation of natural resources and climate breakdown are the other main threats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-glaciers-melt-at-record-rate-lose-over-6-volume-in-2022-520537" hreflang="en">Swiss glaciers' melting rate peaks to worst in century, lose over 6% volume</a>

&nbsp;“We have to stop these declines and start getting on track for recovery. Our future, as well as the world’s birds, depends on it. If we continue to unravel the fabric of life, we’re going to continue to place our own future at threat,” Dr Stuart Butchart, chief scientist at BirdLife International, said, according to the Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-big-central-banks-financing-deforestation-of-brazils-amazon-forest-report-520610" hreflang="en">Three big central banks financing deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon forest</a>

In the 2018 report, BirdLife International found 40 per cent of bird species worldwide in decline.

“Birds are useful for telling us about the state of the planet. What they say is that nature is in poor condition, lots of species are in decline,” Butchart said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions. However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed.

Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions. However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed. And it has blamed human actions for such ecological destruction. A report titled ‘State of the World’s Birds’, which is published every four years by BirdLife International, has said that 49 per cent of the bird species are on the decline, while one in eight are threatened with extinction and at least 187 species are confirmed or suspected to have gone extinct since 1500. "One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction, and the status of the world's birds continues to deteriorate: species are moving ever faster towards extinction," said the report released this week. The report bases its findings on the data of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In North America, the losses are profound. BirdLife International report states that there are now 2.9 billion fewer individual birds in the region than there were in 1970, an estimated drop of 29 per cent. While European Union has seen a net loss of around 600 million birds, roughly 18 per cent since 1980. The ecologists say that expansion and intensification of agriculture are putting pressure on 73 per cent of species, while logging, invasive species, exploitation of natural resources and climate breakdown are the other main threats. Also read | Swiss glaciers' melting rate peaks to worst in century, lose over 6% volume “We have to stop these declines and start getting on track for recovery. Our future, as well as the world’s birds, depends on it. If we continue to unravel the fabric of life, we’re going to continue to place our own future at threat,” Dr Stuart Butchart, chief scientist at BirdLife International, said, according to the Guardian. Also read | Three big central banks financing deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon forest In the 2018 report, BirdLife International found 40 per cent of bird species worldwide in decline. “Birds are useful for telling us about the state of the planet. What they say is that nature is in poor condition, lots of species are in decline,” Butchart said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nearly half of bird species in decline, moving faster to extinction: Report

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world.

According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled.

<img alt="This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck was taken by Mary Caporal Prior in the United States" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf1b6f89-ab0a-4133-8533-c402e41b4057" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188153_mediaitem126188152.jpg" />

This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck in the US. Clicked by: MARY CAPORAL&nbsp;

Birds are depicted nesting or tangling in disposable face masks in about a quarter of the photos.

The project's main objective is to document how garbage, especially plastic pollution, affects the avian community.

According to Dr. Alex Bond, a researcher with the Natural History Museum in London and one of the study's authors, "basically, if a bird constructs a nest utilising long fibrous materials—like seaweed, branches, or reeds—the odds are it will have human garbage in its nest someplace."

He and his colleagues have been working on this initiative for four years in an effort to raise awareness of the pervasive issue of plastic garbage in the environment.
<img alt="Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b48c5a58-cb44-4cb8-8d16-a4aceecdc064" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188155_mediaitem126188154.jpg" />
Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON

You'll find this stuff everywhere once you start looking for it, he continued. We received reports from Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and North America, demonstrating the issue's really worldwide scale.

The team recently conducted research to determine how many photographs submitted contain personal protective equipment connected to the epidemic (PPE). They discovered that it was present in approximately a quarter of the pictures.

"Almost everything is a mask," Dr. Bond stated. "And if you consider the various components that go into making a surgical mask, you might consider the elastic that gets twisted around the legs of birds or the hard piece of plastic that holds it over your nose that may cause injury to birds trying to consume it.
<img alt="Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff04cc8e-4c75-4d80-9e1d-513b1a48135f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126195330_mediaitem126195329.jpg" />
Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY

So, even though we refer to a variety of different polymers collectively as "plastic," masks are a fantastic example of that.

According to the researchers, they want to draw attention to the "systemic problem" that causes such a large amount of waste to enter the ecosystem.

Justine Ammendolia, the lead researcher from Dalhousie University in Canada, told BBC News that it was "devastating" to witness the scope of the impact on species worldwide.
<img alt="Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82e145d0-e9ff-47bb-9e09-f7aa4eea7b91" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188157_mediaitem126188156.jpg" />
Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES

"In April of 2020, the first sighting of a bird hanging from a facemask in a tree was recorded from Canada and the sightings just internationally cascaded afterwards, " she said. "It really just demonstrates the harm that humans are capable of imposing on the environment in a very short window of time across the world."

"Changing to a bamboo toothbrush or a canvas shopping bag is not going to save the world, [because] most large-scale plastic production today is commercial and industrial," said Dr Bond.
<img alt="Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="360a55d7-53ca-457b-aefa-47ef81ec099e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188321_mediaitem126188320.jpg" />
Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES

He compared the international action necessary to address plastic pollution to the Montreal Protocol, which outlawed ozone-depleting chemicals and is widely regarded as one of the most effective international treaties ever negotiated.

(With inputs from the BBC)

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world. According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled.

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world. According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled. This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck in the US. Clicked by: MARY CAPORAL Birds are depicted nesting or tangling in disposable face masks in about a quarter of the photos. The project's main objective is to document how garbage, especially plastic pollution, affects the avian community. According to Dr. Alex Bond, a researcher with the Natural History Museum in London and one of the study's authors, "basically, if a bird constructs a nest utilising long fibrous materials—like seaweed, branches, or reeds—the odds are it will have human garbage in its nest someplace." He and his colleagues have been working on this initiative for four years in an effort to raise awareness of the pervasive issue of plastic garbage in the environment. Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON You'll find this stuff everywhere once you start looking for it, he continued. We received reports from Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and North America, demonstrating the issue's really worldwide scale. The team recently conducted research to determine how many photographs submitted contain personal protective equipment connected to the epidemic (PPE). They discovered that it was present in approximately a quarter of the pictures. "Almost everything is a mask," Dr. Bond stated. "And if you consider the various components that go into making a surgical mask, you might consider the elastic that gets twisted around the legs of birds or the hard piece of plastic that holds it over your nose that may cause injury to birds trying to consume it. Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY So, even though we refer to a variety of different polymers collectively as "plastic," masks are a fantastic example of that. According to the researchers, they want to draw attention to the "systemic problem" that causes such a large amount of waste to enter the ecosystem. Justine Ammendolia, the lead researcher from Dalhousie University in Canada, told BBC News that it was "devastating" to witness the scope of the impact on species worldwide. Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES "In April of 2020, the first sighting of a bird hanging from a facemask in a tree was recorded from Canada and the sightings just internationally cascaded afterwards, " she said. "It really just demonstrates the harm that humans are capable of imposing on the environment in a very short window of time across the world." "Changing to a bamboo toothbrush or a canvas shopping bag is not going to save the world, [because] most large-scale plastic production today is commercial and industrial," said Dr Bond. Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES He compared the international action necessary to address plastic pollution to the Montreal Protocol, which outlawed ozone-depleting chemicals and is widely regarded as one of the most effective international treaties ever negotiated. (With inputs from the BBC)

In Pictures: Birds enmeshed in our trash

In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good. It is being reported that the long-legged birds have figured out the cheat code for migration.

Earlier, these birds used to take the long, arduous journey from Europe to Africa through the dangerous Strait of Gibraltar, where strong winds, often caused problems and led to the death of many birds.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-migratory-birds-killed-by-strong-winds-over-europe-291732">Thousands of migratory birds killed by strong winds over Europe</a>

Storks gets acclimatized to the abundance of food and warm climate

The migration was necessitated as the birds needed a warmer climate and an abundance of food. However, the garbage dumps in Spain offer a buffet of eating options for the birds. Moreover, the warm climate in most of the dumps allows the storks to construct their nests nearby.

It is estimated that a single landfill in Spain receives 200 tonnes to 300 tonnes of food waste per day. The storks quickly pounce upon the fresh batch and receive their fill for the day.

What started as an aberration has now turned into a phenomenon as over 70 per cent of storks have stopped with the migration.&nbsp;According to a 2020 survey, the population of white storks in Spain stood at 36,217; meaning, more and more storks were starting to permanently settle in the European country.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/migratory-birds-flock-to-pakistan-as-lockdown-keeps-poachers-at-bay-308043">Migratory birds flock to Pakistan as lockdown keeps poachers at bay</a>

While it may be a good news for the storks, who do not have to risk their lives for food and warmth, the change in migratory patterns is a cause of concern for humans. With Europe facing one of its worst summer crises as sweltering heatwaves mercilessly brush the continent, more and more species will be looking to curb their natural instincts.&nbsp;

The change in migratory pattern is a direct result of the human activities on the planet that has raised the global temperatures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good.

In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good. It is being reported that the long-legged birds have figured out the cheat code for migration. Earlier, these birds used to take the long, arduous journey from Europe to Africa through the dangerous Strait of Gibraltar, where strong winds, often caused problems and led to the death of many birds. Read More: Thousands of migratory birds killed by strong winds over Europe Storks gets acclimatized to the abundance of food and warm climate The migration was necessitated as the birds needed a warmer climate and an abundance of food. However, the garbage dumps in Spain offer a buffet of eating options for the birds. Moreover, the warm climate in most of the dumps allows the storks to construct their nests nearby. It is estimated that a single landfill in Spain receives 200 tonnes to 300 tonnes of food waste per day. The storks quickly pounce upon the fresh batch and receive their fill for the day. What started as an aberration has now turned into a phenomenon as over 70 per cent of storks have stopped with the migration. According to a 2020 survey, the population of white storks in Spain stood at 36,217; meaning, more and more storks were starting to permanently settle in the European country. Read More: Migratory birds flock to Pakistan as lockdown keeps poachers at bay While it may be a good news for the storks, who do not have to risk their lives for food and warmth, the change in migratory patterns is a cause of concern for humans. With Europe facing one of its worst summer crises as sweltering heatwaves mercilessly brush the continent, more and more species will be looking to curb their natural instincts. The change in migratory pattern is a direct result of the human activities on the planet that has raised the global temperatures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

70 per cent of white storks have found a cheat code to migration: The garbage landfills of Spain

In the last three weeks, a man in the US has been nabbed by the authorities for the third time. No, he is not a hardcore criminal. The only crime he has committed is that he had several feeding trays for birds in his front lawn in Sodus Point, New York. The man, 71-year-old Donald Antal, seems to have placed nearly two dozen feeders on his property. Several neighbours seem to have complained against this violation of the Sodus Point village’s local ordinance 57-6B (1), as per local media reports.&nbsp;The man has committed violation of local codes repeatedly. In the feeding trays in his yard, Antal places bird seeds and peanuts, which attracts a lot of birds, as per Office of Wayne County Sheriff. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the local laws, every household is allowed to have two feeders. They also have to be elevated at least five feet off the ground, an ABC-affiliate 13WHAM report said. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Earlier, Antal was charged with feeding wildlife unlawfully and released on an appearance ticket. The incident has sparked outrage in social media. Several netizens are questioning Antal’s arrest. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Finally found something the cops are good for; Arresting senior citizens for having too many bird feeders," a user said on a forum on Reddit while discussing Antal's arrest. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In the last three weeks, a man in the US has been nabbed by the authorities for the third time. No, he is not a hardcore criminal. The only crime he has committed is that he had several feeding trays for birds in his front lawn in Sodus Point, New York.

In the last three weeks, a man in the US has been nabbed by the authorities for the third time. No, he is not a hardcore criminal. The only crime he has committed is that he had several feeding trays for birds in his front lawn in Sodus Point, New York. The man, 71-year-old Donald Antal, seems to have placed nearly two dozen feeders on his property. Several neighbours seem to have complained against this violation of the Sodus Point village’s local ordinance 57-6B (1), as per local media reports. The man has committed violation of local codes repeatedly. In the feeding trays in his yard, Antal places bird seeds and peanuts, which attracts a lot of birds, as per Office of Wayne County Sheriff. According to the local laws, every household is allowed to have two feeders. They also have to be elevated at least five feet off the ground, an ABC-affiliate 13WHAM report said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Earlier, Antal was charged with feeding wildlife unlawfully and released on an appearance ticket. The incident has sparked outrage in social media. Several netizens are questioning Antal’s arrest. "Finally found something the cops are good for; Arresting senior citizens for having too many bird feeders," a user said on a forum on Reddit while discussing Antal's arrest. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Believe it or not: Too many feeding trays for birds may land you in jail in US

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator.

According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.''&nbsp;

"In vibrant rainforests, having colours that stand out from the crowd may help tropical species to distinguish themselves from others", he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-birds-eye-view-of-the-bastille-day-celebrations-236996/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, has confirmed previous suspicions that colour patterns of animals vary as per their latitude.</div>

The researchers have proved a theory proposed by biologists Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt, and Alfred Russel Wallace in 1850.

After comparing the flora and fauna of northern Europe with the tropical region, they were all stunned.

As per German naturalist Humboldt, "The nearer we approach the tropics, the greater the increase in the variety of structure, grace of form, and a mixture of colours, as also in perpetual youth and vigour of organic life."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-several-bird-species-nesting-and-laying-eggs-almost-a-month-early-465532" hreflang="en">Study shows several bird species nesting and laying eggs almost a month early</a>

To confirm the previous theory, researchers at the University of Sheffield studied more than 4,500 species of passerine birds. These included songbirds such as wrens, sparrows and blackbirds across the globe.

They used artificial intelligence to extract data from the pixels of three photographs taken from the collection of the Natural History Museum in Tring, Britain.

During their analysis, they identified the colour at 1,500 different parts of the plumage of each adult bird and ranked them on the level of intensity of the colour.

As the birds came closer to the equator their colour became brighter. While if they went farther it became duller due to the "luxuriant vegetation of the tropics."

This acted as a natural camouflage for the birds all year round. Meanwhile, the birds in the north had to adapt their plumage to handle bare trees every winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator. According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator. According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.'' "In vibrant rainforests, having colours that stand out from the crowd may help tropical species to distinguish themselves from others", he added. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, has confirmed previous suspicions that colour patterns of animals vary as per their latitude. The researchers have proved a theory proposed by biologists Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt, and Alfred Russel Wallace in 1850. After comparing the flora and fauna of northern Europe with the tropical region, they were all stunned. As per German naturalist Humboldt, "The nearer we approach the tropics, the greater the increase in the variety of structure, grace of form, and a mixture of colours, as also in perpetual youth and vigour of organic life." Also read | Study shows several bird species nesting and laying eggs almost a month early To confirm the previous theory, researchers at the University of Sheffield studied more than 4,500 species of passerine birds. These included songbirds such as wrens, sparrows and blackbirds across the globe. They used artificial intelligence to extract data from the pixels of three photographs taken from the collection of the Natural History Museum in Tring, Britain. During their analysis, they identified the colour at 1,500 different parts of the plumage of each adult bird and ranked them on the level of intensity of the colour. As the birds came closer to the equator their colour became brighter. While if they went farther it became duller due to the "luxuriant vegetation of the tropics." This acted as a natural camouflage for the birds all year round. Meanwhile, the birds in the north had to adapt their plumage to handle bare trees every winter. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists use artificial intelligence to confirm that birds are more colourful near equator

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports.

Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology.&nbsp;

Typically, it depends on a number of specific and often complex spatial relations and there are thus very few reported cases in non-human animals for example, specific nut-cracking techniques in chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-kidding-goldfish-actually-drove-a-vehicle-on-land-443297">Also read |&nbsp;No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land</a>

The innovative strategies underlying the innovation and spread of tool manufacture and associative tool use across tool-using animals is an important milestone towards a better understanding of the evolution of human technology.&nbsp;

In this study, scientists tested Goffin’s cockatoos on a composite tool problem, the ‘Golf Club Task’, that requires the use of two objects in combination (one used to control the free movement of a second) to get a reward.

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Why are these 3 styles important? Because the way these cockatoos use tools is much more similar to ours than that of the New Caledonian crows 
 
Here you can see Figaro and Fini solving it, each with their own peculiar and particular style. <a href="https://t.co/VUk6ksXW28">pic.twitter.com/VUk6ksXW28</a>
— Tay (@BioTay) <a href="https://twitter.com/BioTay/status/1491126560245809152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Goffin's cockatoos are ideal non-primate models to study the origins of complex tool innovations. Despite not being dependent on tool obtained resources in the wild, in captivity they have proven to be highly capable of innovating solutions to physical problems using tools.

The flexible approach to tool-related problems both in captivity as well as in the wild suggests that this species’ tool use behaviour is largely innovative.

"This suggests that the birds were able to immediately identify and memorize the necessary steps upon their initial success," the researchers explained in their paper, "a pattern that is inconsistent with typical associative learning progressions yet strongly consistent with previous Goffin problem-solving performances."

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Extra: Pipin's technique (previously left out because of a limit on Twitter videos). 
 
Pipin is unique in the group (he is a former alpha, but he is one of those charismatic alphas that F. de Waal tells us about in his talks), he inserts tools using his legs <a href="https://t.co/SjbXADAhA7">pic.twitter.com/SjbXADAhA7</a>
— Tay (@BioTay) <a href="https://twitter.com/BioTay/status/1491129509906882560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"One of the most amazing aspects of the process was to observe how these animals each invented their own individual technique in how to grip the stick and hit the ball, sometimes with astonishing dexterity," said first author biologist Antonio Osuna-Mascaró from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.

"While this study is the first to show that cockatoos can coordinate tools to solve a problem, it also feeds into our ongoing work with children," said University of Birmingham developmental psychologist Sarah Beck.

"Comparing such different species helps us understand how humans and some other species develop impressive technological skills."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology.

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology. Typically, it depends on a number of specific and often complex spatial relations and there are thus very few reported cases in non-human animals for example, specific nut-cracking techniques in chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys. Also read | No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land The innovative strategies underlying the innovation and spread of tool manufacture and associative tool use across tool-using animals is an important milestone towards a better understanding of the evolution of human technology. In this study, scientists tested Goffin’s cockatoos on a composite tool problem, the ‘Golf Club Task’, that requires the use of two objects in combination (one used to control the free movement of a second) to get a reward. Why are these 3 styles important? Because the way these cockatoos use tools is much more similar to ours than that of the New Caledonian crows Here you can see Figaro and Fini solving it, each with their own peculiar and particular style. pic.twitter.com/VUk6ksXW28 — Tay (@BioTay) February 8, 2022 × Goffin's cockatoos are ideal non-primate models to study the origins of complex tool innovations. Despite not being dependent on tool obtained resources in the wild, in captivity they have proven to be highly capable of innovating solutions to physical problems using tools. The flexible approach to tool-related problems both in captivity as well as in the wild suggests that this species’ tool use behaviour is largely innovative. "This suggests that the birds were able to immediately identify and memorize the necessary steps upon their initial success," the researchers explained in their paper, "a pattern that is inconsistent with typical associative learning progressions yet strongly consistent with previous Goffin problem-solving performances." Extra: Pipin's technique (previously left out because of a limit on Twitter videos). Pipin is unique in the group (he is a former alpha, but he is one of those charismatic alphas that F. de Waal tells us about in his talks), he inserts tools using his legs pic.twitter.com/SjbXADAhA7 — Tay (@BioTay) February 8, 2022 × "One of the most amazing aspects of the process was to observe how these animals each invented their own individual technique in how to grip the stick and hit the ball, sometimes with astonishing dexterity," said first author biologist Antonio Osuna-Mascaró from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. "While this study is the first to show that cockatoos can coordinate tools to solve a problem, it also feeds into our ongoing work with children," said University of Birmingham developmental psychologist Sarah Beck. "Comparing such different species helps us understand how humans and some other species develop impressive technological skills." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Scientists teach cockatoos to play 'golf' using a puzzle box

Two brothers from New Delhi are running a charity to save injured birds in the city. From pigeons to raptors, Mariam Wardak tells you how Delhi's avians are threatened by human activities.

South Asia Diary: Delhi brothers turn bird saviours

The climate change is real and has been affecting even the wildest parts of the Amazon untouched by humanity, said a study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the past four decades, hotter and&nbsp;drier conditions in the region have led to a reduction in the body size of the birds. But it has also&nbsp;resulted in an increase in their wingspans, a study, which was published in the journal 'Science Advances', said on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-attack-by-giant-hornets-bees-scream-as-rallying-call-for-defence-reveals-study-428901" hreflang="en">Under attack by giant hornets, bees scream as rallying call for defence, reveals study&nbsp;</a>

These alterations seem to be a response to nutritional and physiological challenges, especially in the June to November dry season. &nbsp;

Vitek Jirinec, an ecologist at the Integral Ecology Research Center and the paper's lead author told AFP, "The biggest takeaway for me is that this is happening far from direct human disturbance, such as deforestation, in the heart of the world's biggest rainforest. That is something to ponder on the last day of COP26." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-8-big-cats-test-positive-for-covid-19-at-st-louis-zoo-428910" hreflang="en">US: 8 big cats test positive for COVID-19 at St. Louis Zoo</a>

The data collected on over 15,000 birds, which were caught, weighed, measured and tagged in over 40 years of field work, was analysed by Jirinec and his colleagues. &nbsp;

Nearly all the birds had become lighter since 1980s, found the researchers. Every decade, several species lost an average of two per cent body weight. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The climate change is real and has been affecting even the wildest parts of the Amazon untouched by humanity, said a study. Over the past four decades, hotter and drier conditions in the region have led to a reduction in the body size of the birds.

The climate change is real and has been affecting even the wildest parts of the Amazon untouched by humanity, said a study. Over the past four decades, hotter and drier conditions in the region have led to a reduction in the body size of the birds. But it has also resulted in an increase in their wingspans, a study, which was published in the journal 'Science Advances', said on Friday. Also Read: Under attack by giant hornets, bees scream as rallying call for defence, reveals study These alterations seem to be a response to nutritional and physiological challenges, especially in the June to November dry season. Vitek Jirinec, an ecologist at the Integral Ecology Research Center and the paper's lead author told AFP, "The biggest takeaway for me is that this is happening far from direct human disturbance, such as deforestation, in the heart of the world's biggest rainforest. That is something to ponder on the last day of COP26." Also Read: US: 8 big cats test positive for COVID-19 at St. Louis Zoo The data collected on over 15,000 birds, which were caught, weighed, measured and tagged in over 40 years of field work, was analysed by Jirinec and his colleagues. Nearly all the birds had become lighter since 1980s, found the researchers. Every decade, several species lost an average of two per cent body weight. (With inputs from agencies)

Birds in Amazon turning smaller, longer-winged, courtesy climate change: Study

A volunteer's photo and video showing deaths of migratory birds after crashing into New York's glass highrises has undelined the problem the city faces. The reflection from the glass facades of the building make the birds unable to change path and thus meet their end in collision with the surface.

"When you have 226 dead window-struck migratory birds from one morning, it’s hard to get them all in one photo.&nbsp; 
@_WTCOfficial — lights can be turned off, windows can be treated. Please do something. @4WTC and&nbsp; 
@3wtcnewyork don’t let this be your legacy. @NYCAudubon @wildbirdfund"," tweeted Melissa Breyer

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When you have 226 dead window-struck migratory birds from one morning, it’s hard to get them all in one photo. <a href="https://twitter.com/_WTCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_WTCOfficial</a> — lights can be turned off, windows can be treated. Please do something. <a href="https://twitter.com/4WTC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@4WTC</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/3wtcnewyork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@3wtcnewyork</a> don’t let this be your legacy. <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCAudubon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCAudubon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wildbirdfund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wildbirdfund</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qiu8Wqmilf">pic.twitter.com/Qiu8Wqmilf</a>
— Melissa Breyer (@MelissaBreyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaBreyer/status/1437823618055122947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In another of her tweet, she posted a disturbing video in which birds could be literally seen dropping dead from the sky after colliding with the buildings.

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I did this for 65 minutes straight doing one loop around <a href="https://twitter.com/4WTC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@4WTC</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/3NYWTC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@3NYWTC</a> — most of these before sunrise. Please can we turn off lights during migration??? <a href="https://t.co/pCXoJkUXo0">pic.twitter.com/pCXoJkUXo0</a>
— Melissa Breyer (@MelissaBreyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaBreyer/status/1437813494141886467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“As soon as I got to the buildings, the birds were everywhere on the sidewalk,” Breyer was quoted as saying by The Guardian

“Looking north, covered, south, covered, west, covered, the sidewalks were literally covered with birds.”

This week's death toll is understood to be particularly high. Bad weather on Monday night and into Tuesday may have been a contributing factor.

A volunteer's photo and video showing deaths of migratory birds after crashing into New York's glass highrises has undelined the problem the city faces. The reflection from the glass facades of the building make the birds unable to change path and thus meet their end in collision with the surface.

A volunteer's photo and video showing deaths of migratory birds after crashing into New York's glass highrises has undelined the problem the city faces. The reflection from the glass facades of the building make the birds unable to change path and thus meet their end in collision with the surface. "When you have 226 dead window-struck migratory birds from one morning, it’s hard to get them all in one photo. @_WTCOfficial — lights can be turned off, windows can be treated. Please do something. @4WTC and @3wtcnewyork don’t let this be your legacy. @NYCAudubon @wildbirdfund"," tweeted Melissa Breyer When you have 226 dead window-struck migratory birds from one morning, it’s hard to get them all in one photo. @_WTCOfficial — lights can be turned off, windows can be treated. Please do something. @4WTC and @3wtcnewyork don’t let this be your legacy. @NYCAudubon @wildbirdfund pic.twitter.com/Qiu8Wqmilf — Melissa Breyer (@MelissaBreyer) September 14, 2021 × In another of her tweet, she posted a disturbing video in which birds could be literally seen dropping dead from the sky after colliding with the buildings. I did this for 65 minutes straight doing one loop around @4WTC and @3NYWTC — most of these before sunrise. Please can we turn off lights during migration??? pic.twitter.com/pCXoJkUXo0 — Melissa Breyer (@MelissaBreyer) September 14, 2021 × “As soon as I got to the buildings, the birds were everywhere on the sidewalk,” Breyer was quoted as saying by The Guardian “Looking north, covered, south, covered, west, covered, the sidewalks were literally covered with birds.” This week's death toll is understood to be particularly high. Bad weather on Monday night and into Tuesday may have been a contributing factor.

Hundreds of birds pictured dead after collision with NYC glass towers

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