The skies are filled with thousands of bird species (not to mention a few that prefer to stay on land), and each one has special adaptations, distinctive behaviors, and an evolutionary lineage that ultimately stems from the dinosaurs. With such a dizzying variety of our feathered friends — living and extinct — Live Science's expert science writers and editors have plenty to say about birds. Whether you're interested in sunbirds singing the same songs for a million years, explaining how crafty cuckoos trick other birds or ranking the biggest birds on Earth, you can find the latest bird news, articles and features here.
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Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand?
The idea ostriches bury their heads when they feel threatened is thought have come from Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder around 2,000 years ago. But is it true?
Mice on remote island that eat albatrosses alive sentenced to death by 'bombing,' scientists decree
The wandering albatrosses of Marion Island can't defend themselves against an invasive mice population that devours birds alive, but conservationists say a rodenticide 'bomb' could save them.
Meet 'small diver': One of the tiniest penguins ever discovered
A tiny extinct penguin from New Zealand is key to understanding penguin wing evolution, researchers say.
Nearly half a million 'invasive' owls, including their hybrid offspring, to be killed by US
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a final proposal to kill around 450,000 invasive barred owls in the Northwest, in an attempt to save two native species.
12 of the biggest birds on Earth
Reference From 9-foot tall ostriches to albatrosses with gargantuan wingspans, here are some of the biggest birds in the world.
Crows can count out loud, startling study reveals
This is the first time an animal other than humans has been seen performing the feat of vocal numeracy.
32 of the most colorful birds on Earth
Birds are some of the most colorful animals on Earth, with a palette of rainbow tones to feast your eyes on. Here are our picks for some of our most flamboyant feathered friends.
East Africa's Lake Nakuru almost doubled in size in 13 years — and that's bad news for flamingos
Africa's soda lakes are rising and it's decimating the cyanobacteria flamingos have evolved to eat, putting the species at risk of drastic declines if current trends continue.
