Courtship is an essential part of avian life, influencing not only reproduction but also the survival of species. Birds have evolved an astonishing range of behaviors to attract mates, many of which serve as indicators of health, genetic fitness, and resource availability. Understanding these behaviors...
If your bird was training consistently and suddenly stops engaging, you’re not alone. Motivation dips happen, but they’re never random. So, what’s going on, and how do you fix it? Let’s break it down. Why a Bird Isn’t Performing the Behavior We look at three basic categories of...
Are crows actually leaving gifts for people that feed them? Recently, we have fielded many questions about how and what to feed crows here in the US. This has been popularized by the concept that feeding crows encourages them to leave the person that feeds...
Parrots have been part of human culture for centuries, admired for their intelligence, social nature, and striking plumage. In modern times, they are often kept as companion animals, forming deep bonds with their caregivers. However, unlike domesticated pets such as dogs and cats, parrots retain...
When you share your life with animals, emergencies are inevitable. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or sudden health scares, being prepared can make the difference between a manageable situation and a disaster. Safety doesn’t come from hoping for the best - it comes from expecting problems and...
At what point in January do we stop bidding each other Happy New Year, or talking about resolutions? I believe both of these start to drop off right around mid-month, judging from my ability to access my favorite elliptical machine at the gym. Either way, there...
In the human world, questions about the ethics and efficacy of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and linear training methods often arise. Are these approaches inherently cruel, or do they depend on how they're applied? These questions have led to how we look at working with...
When it comes to parrots, every bird has a story, and Bongo's is one I’ve cherished for many years. At 35 years old, Bongo, an African grey parrot, has seen a lifetime of love and challenges. He spent most of his life with a single...
One of the big lessons that the increase in bird watching during the pandemic taught people, it is that birds lead really hard lives. From diseases spread at the bird feeders, domestic cat predation, and glass strikes, there are many challenges that face modern bird...
Ever thought about what happens when a species spreads into new territory? I recently asked this question myself at a scientific conference I attended after hearing about black vultures and barred owls expanding their ranges. For many of us, this seems simple: if an animal is...