Birds

Sciences & Technology
Birds are the ultimate architects, designing their nests for every climate
Whether it’s a dome, cup or pendant, new research shows bird nest designs match specific climatic conditions, giving hope that some can adjust nesting behaviours for changing weather conditions

Health & Medicine
Bird flu, human cases and the risk to Australia
Avian flu is continuing to spread throughout the world, infecting some mammals as it goes – but what’s the risk to Australia?

Health & Medicine
Tracking avian influenza to safeguard Australia
Outbreaks of avian influenza are accelerating in the Northern Hemisphere, and while the risk to Australia is small, it’s important we monitor the situation closely

Sciences & Technology
Willie wagtails: The werewolves of the bird world
The willie wagtail, an iconic Australian bird, is known for its fan tail and twinkling song. By recording birds across Victoria, a new study shows that willie wagtails also sing to the moon

Health & Medicine
Penguin viruses in the frozen continent
New research investigates whether Antarctic penguins have fewer viruses than other birds and if they act as a reservoir for viruses in birds globally - including the coronavirus

Sciences & Technology
New dimensions in colour
Animals like beetles and birds are teaching us new ways of understanding colour at a nanoscale, which could change the way we manufacture it

Health & Medicine
How our ‘avian athletes’ could spread influenza
New research shows migratory birds are exposed to a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu before they arrive on Australian shores

Health & Medicine
Under the Microscope
Viruses on the wing
Dr Michelle Wille is studying wild birds to understand how they spread viruses across the globe

Sciences & Technology
The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
Some Australian birds can control their temperature and avoid overheating by reflecting near-infrared wavelengths of sunlight, regardless of their feather colour

Environment
Why we’re all in a flap about our favourite birds
The unexpected popularity and controversy around Australia’s Bird of the Year 2017 vote shows the strength of our connection with our avian friends