Birds
Bird flu, human cases and the risk to Australia
Avian flu is continuing to spread throughout the world, infecting some mammals as it goes; University of Melbourne experts explore the virus' risk to Australia.
Tracking avian influenza to safeguard Australia
Outbreaks of avian influenza in the Northern Hemisphere represent a low risk for Australia but it demands close monitoring, says University of Melbourne expert
Willie wagtails: The werewolves of the bird world
By recording birds across Victoria, a new University of Melbourne study shows that willie wagtails are a bit like werewolves because they also sing to the moon.
Penguin viruses in the frozen continent
A University of Melbourne researcher visited Antarctica to study bird viruses in penguins, identifying new strains and how they might travel between continents.
New dimensions in colour
University of Melbourne research finds animals are teaching us new ways of understanding colour at a nanoscale, which could change the way we manufacture colour
How our ‘avian athletes’ could spread influenza
New research including University of Melbourne shows migratory birds are exposed to a pathogenic strain of bird flu before they arrive on Australian shores.
Viruses on the wing
The University of Melbourne's Dr Michelle Wille studies wild ducks and shorebirds to understand how they spread viruses across the globe, including influenza.
The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
University of Melbourne research finds the nanostructure of a bird's feathers can regulate its body temperature by reflecting or absorbing near infrared-light
Why we’re all in a flap about our favourite birds
The Guardian Australian Bird of the Year poll shows just how much we love our native birds, and there's good reason, says a University of Melbourne expert.