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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Latest about Birds
Hoatzin: The strange 'stinkbird' born with clawed wings that appears to be an evolutionary 'orphan'
This weird blue-faced, red-eyed bird smells so bad predators won't eat it.
'Secrets of the Penguins' will take penguin observations 'to another level,' executive producer James Cameron
A three-part documentary on penguins' hidden lives will reveal a number of never-before-seen moments. Here's what executive producer James Cameron said about what to expect.
Dracula parrot: The goth bird whose piercing screams echo through New Guinea forests
Pesquet's parrot, also known as a Dracula parrot, resembles a vulture and has a distinct scream — but its favorite food is figs.
Great potoo: The 'tree stump' bird with a haunting growl and can see with its eyes closed
Throughout the night, great potoos emit a loud, moaning growl that has earned the bird a mythical status, with some communities believing the sounds to be children calling for lost parents.
Why don't all birds fly?
Why don't some birds, like penguins, ostriches and kiwis, take to the skies?
Chickens sprouted dino-like feathers when scientists messed with the Sonic Hedgehog gene
Scientists uncovered a key genetic pathway in the origin of feathers, but they found that evolution is stubborn in turning back the clock.
Ancient duck-like creature discovered in Antarctica may be the oldest modern bird ever discovered
A new and nearly complete skull of Vegavis iaai discovered in Antarctica suggests that modern birds originated before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.
Are birds reptiles?
If you're wondering whether birds are reptiles, know this: The reptile family tree is more varied and diverse than you might realize.
