birds

Wild Turkeys by Cal Bebee

Bird of the Week: Wild Turkey

Like many of us this holiday, the Pilgrims of Plymouth, Massachusetts, probably feasted on turkey that legendary first Thanksgiving. In 1621, the big, handsome birds were plentiful throughout northeastern forests. … Read more

Bird of the Week: Dickcissel

Stroll across a Midwestern prairie anytime between late spring and early fall, and you’ll rarely be out of ear shot of the dickcissel’s distinctive trill: see-see, dick-dick, ciss-ciss-ciss. Stocky, streaked, … Read more

White-throated sparrow by Pamla Wells

Bird of the Week: White-Throated Sparrow

Iconic winter birds for backyard wildlife enthusiasts across much of the United States, white-throated sparrows already are bringing smiles to our faces as they return from northern breeding grounds and … Read more

Migratory waterfowl in Louisiana

Update: Migratory Birds in the Gulf of Mexico

Just over six months into the worst oil disaster in U.S. history, federal officials finally have some good news for those of us concerned about birds in the Gulf of … Read more

raven by Efren Adalem

Spooky Animals: Photo Gallery

Edgar Allen Poe’s “grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore” is actually one of the smartest birds around, using tools to collect hard-to-reach food and, in lab experiments, appearing to use logic to solve complex problems. Read more

Birds Die Slow Death in Tar Sands Sludge

Yesterday, reports surfaced that birds landed in the toxic sludge-filled lakes that surround the tar sands mines in northern Alberta. Over 120 birds had to be euthanized because they were … Read more

Barn Owl by Ann Mikeal

Bird of the Week: Barn Owl

Silent, stealthy hunters that are active at night, owls in general have been associated with magic, evil and death for thousands of years. The Aztecs portrayed their god of death … Read more

Brown Pelican by Shelley Ellis

Six Months into Gulf Disaster: How Are Birds Doing?

Six months after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, scientists are cautiously optimistic about the state of the Gulf of Mexico’s birdlife—at least in the short-term. Audubon Survey Results In … Read more

Enjoying our bird picnic

Behind the Scenes: Designing Bird Activities for Kids

I have my dream job here at National Wildlife Federation, making websites to support our mission. I get to do a wide range of tasks, but my favorite lately is … Read more

California condor by the US Fish and Wildlife Service

California Condor Population Hits 100

One of the most endangered birds in the world celebrates a happy milestone this week: On Wednesday, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced that for the first time in … Read more