10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 28, 2015

Because unlike those of mammals, avian ova need penetration by multiple sperm in order to successfully develop into baby birds. If you’re feeling particularly science-y, the full paper is here.). This differs from humans and other mammals, in which the addition of extra sperm essentially destroys the egg.

Zebras 145

Zebras Pythons Mammals Eggs 145

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Even to the author of the paper, who cautiously adds that “nest architecture is unlikely to be irrelevant to females, and its role deserves further investigation” (if swear words were allowed on 10,000 Birds, I would say that he is trying to cover his ass).

Birds 202

Birds Sri Lanka Taiwan Cats 202

10,000 Birds

JUNE 21, 2016

Third, which we already suspected, bird brains are adjusted to provide extra smartness in a way not seen in mammals. In humans, adults (probably mainly mothers) do this thing called “motherese” which is talking in a way one would normally not talk to another adult, to a baby. City Great Tit ( Parus major ) telomeres shortened.

Mammals 108

Mammals Zebras Birds Primates 108

10,000 Birds

MARCH 18, 2011

Geophagy, the intentional consumption of soil by vertebrates, has long been documented in a number of bird and mammal species – including wide-spread use by humans – which consume soil to increase absorption of certain minerals not naturally occurring in the local diet. That’s right – birds eating clay.

Peru 254

Peru Parrots 2011 Research Center 254

10,000 Birds

MAY 19, 2011

Way back when I started what turned out to be my thesis research (on humans), it became important for me to learn about bird migration. I was involved in the study of human movement and navigation on land, and there was a lot of research coming out about bird navigation. Itcher birds, migratory members of the tern family. Image source.

Research 187

Research Humane Compassion New York 187