Recent Bird News
The Vaux’s swift, a tiny bird known for its aerodynamic shape and unique behavior, has been making headlines with its annual migration. Thousands of people have gathered in Portland, Oregon, and other locations like Los Angeles and Eugene to witness the swifts’ nighttime roosting routine, a spectacle known as “Swift Watch.” These birds, which are about the size of a sparrow but closely related to hummingbirds, migrate from their summer breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest to their winter homes in Central and South America, often roosting in chimneys along the way.
Additionally, there have been recent studies on various bird species. For instance, researchers have found that some pterosaurs, ancient flying reptiles, flew by flapping their wings while others soared like vultures. A new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology reveals detailed internal structures of pterosaur bones, including a new-to-science pterosaur with a five-meter wingspan.
Other bird-related news includes the release of captive-raised California Condors into the wild, highlighting conservation efforts for these iconic birds.