Avian Expert Articles

Matt Rowe

Matt Rowe is a writer who frequently covers various areas of interests. And while he is a lover of the arts, he is equally enamored of animals, especially birds in all of their various species. His love of pets and wildlife, and the many ways they interact with humans reveals his deep fascination for them.

Matt writes for various publications that include MusicTAP, The Morton Report, and The Pontiac Daily Leader.

Articles by Matt:

women dressed as pigeon in park talks to children

Meet NYC’s Art Activist Protecting the City’s Pigeons

New York City’s Mother Pigeon transforms art and activism into an unexpected voice for the city’s pigeons.

two sulphur-crested cockatoos side by side with crests raised

Parrots Follow Flock Food Trends

Study finds that wild cockatoos learn new food behaviors through social observation, much like humans follow social trends.

california condor Topa Topa

How One Bird Helped Bring His Species Back

Rescued as a weak, malnourished fledgling, Topa Topa has played a vital role in helping California condor recovery efforts.

turkey vulture and red tailed hawk

Vulture & Hawk Share Unlikely Bond

A turkey vulture and a red-tailed hawk defy expectations with a decade-long friendship built on shared injury and daily acts of care.

toucan-parrot-sam-on-perch

Lost in las Vegas: A Toucan’s Unexpected Adventure

After months on the loose, Toucan Sam’s wild Las Vegas adventure finally comes to a safe and hopeful end.

raven-perched-on-wood

Loki: The Mischievous Raven Winning Hearts Online

From a rehoming case to a social media star, Loki the Raven’s story shows just how remarkable and resilient birds can be.

head and shoulders photo of a yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Study Insights: Amazon Parrots’ Male/Female-Specific Vocalizations

New research suggest that Amazon parrots use complex, rule-based duets; complete with male- and female-specific calls.

Paco-the-cockatiel-perched-on-hand

Loving Hands Help Arthritic Cockatiel Fly Again

Paco’s story shows how gentle care and a little creativity can help aging birds with arthritis continue to enjoy life.

Amazon parrot perches on man wearing t-shirt of the bird

A Rockin’ Feathered–Human Duo!

A rocky start between Frank and Amazon parrot Tico evolves into a viral, music-powered partnership that has captured hearts around the world.

eye-of-the-hurricane

Thousands Of Birds Caught In The Eye Of The Hurricane

Hurricane Melissa drew many migratory birds into its center, where strong winds left them fatigued and disoriented.

tern in flight against a blue sky

How Technology Is Helping Birds Fly Safer Skies

The growing field of aeroecology is transforming our understanding of birds in flight and helping make the skies safer for them.

Parakeet perches with flock of sparrows on wire fence line

Can Wayward Parakeet Survive Central Park’s Winter?

Mei Mei, Central Park’s wayward parakeet who has been spotted living among sparrows, faces her biggest challenge yet: the NYC’s winter chill.

rock dove (rock pigeon) walking on ground

From Tangled Toes To Happy Pigeons: London Group To The Rescue

The London Pigeon Rescue Crew volunteers tirelessly to free city pigeons from stringfoot, rehabilitating them and inspiring fellow Londoners to help protect urban wildlife.

head shot of possibly an umbrella cockatoo with beak open

Why Do Cockatoos Dance? Science Digs In

A recent study reveals that cockatoos don’t just follow the beat, they invent their own dance moves, opening up fascinating new questions about the pure joy of movement.

American robin on treebranch

Why Urban Birds Are Losing Sleep And What We Can Do

A new study shows urban birds stay awake longer, up to 50 extra minutes, due to light pollution, which raises concerns about their health and survival during migration.

raven sits on stone near stone wall

Ravens Keep Guard At The Tower Of London

The Tower of London’s resident ravens have been part of its traditions for centuries, cared for year-round and cherished by visitors and Londoners alike.

robin perched on twig outdoors

Migration Magic? Birds May Use Quantum Physics To Navigate

Migrating birds may use quantum entanglement in their eyes to visualize Earth’s magnetic fields and navigate across continents.

tern in flight against a blue sky

How Wind Energy Is Learning To Watch Out For Birds

Learn how AI-equipped marine buoys are helping protect birds and bats from wind turbines by tracking flight patterns and guiding wildlife-friendly energy solutions.

cockatoo

From Darkness To Daylight: Boo The Cockatoo Sees Again

Blinded for years, Boo the 40-year-old cockatoo regained his sight through surgery and is now flying and thriving as a therapy bird.

group of sandhill cranes in flight in a cloudy sky

2025’s Remarkable Bird Migration

This year’s bird migration has brought an extraordinary number of birds back to their summer habitats, offering a spectacular seasonal display shaped by favorable weather and growing public interest.

closeup on head of sulphur-crested cockatoo perched in tree

Study: Wild Cockatoos Master Public Water Fountains

Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney have learned to operate public drinking fountains, showcasing remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and social cooperation.

Quaker parrots (aka monk parakeets) walking on asphalt

Parrots, Peer Groups, And Talking: New Study

A new study on monk parakeets shows that, like us, parrot communication is shaped by the company they keep.

monk parrot (aka Quaker parakeet) sitting on tree stump

How Social Life Shapes Parrot Speech: New Study

Study of monk parakeets reveals that parrots with richer social lives develop broader vocal repertoires, much like we do.

a crow standing on rocky ground with beak open

Crows Hold Long-Term Grudges

Discover how crows hold lasting grudges, recognize faces, and teach their flock to remember those who “wronged them” — even years later.

Goffin's cockatoo sitting on branch

New Study: Cockatoos Prefer This Flavor Enhancement

A new study reveals that Goffin’s cockatoos like to dip their food, and this healthy snack found in the refrigerated grocery aisle wins hands down.

parrotlet parrot

A Parrot’s Mess Becomes A Creative Expression

A parrotlet named Bruce has turned his berry-stained eating habits into an unexpected form of abstract art, inspiring books and raising support for bird rescue efforts.

blue and white budgie perched indoors on a white bar

Budgies And The Science Of Speech: How These Tiny Parrots Mimic Us

A new study reveals that budgies mimic speech using specialized neurons like humans, offering insights into vocal learning and speech disorders.

eagles

Live From The Nest! Watch Bald Eagle Chicks Grow In Real Time

Watch the Big Bear Eagle Cam as three bald eagle chicks hatch and grow! Tune in live to witness their incredible journey.

scarlet macaw

Meet Phat Chicken, A Scarlet Macaw About Town

Phat Chicken, a scarlet macaw, went from Maine pet-store mascot to Kentucky sensation, charming crowds around town.

cockatoo

“Parrot Kindergarten” Documentary Explores Pet Birds And Avian Learning

A new documentary on pet birds, “Parrot Kindergarten,” highlights avian learning and human-animal bonds.

blue-throated macaws

New Study: Do Parrots Follow The Crowd?

Parrots, like humans, may imitate their peers even when it serves no clear purpose.

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl, perched on a branch in a tree

NYC’s Famous Owl, Flaco, Celebrated In New Book

Discover the incredible journey of NYC’s famous owl, Flaco, in “Finding Flaco,” a stunning new book chronicling his daring escape, wild adventures, and lasting legacy.

bird fossil

Rare Fossil Bridges Key Gap In Bird Evolution

A rare, intact 80-million-year-old bird fossil from Brazil reveals groundbreaking insights into avian brain evolution, bridging a 70-million-year knowledge gap in bird history.

In Sync: Starlings’ Murmurations Bedazzle

Witness the breathtaking beauty of starling murmurations, where thousands of birds move in perfect sync, creating stunning sky art and showcasing nature’s survival brilliance.

common swift bird

10 Months Aloft? Discover The Secrets Of Endurance Flyers

Some birds, like the bar-tailed godwit and common swift, achieve extraordinary feats of endurance during migration, flying thousands of miles non-stop or staying airborne for months, offering insights into their remarkable adaptations and responses to changing climates.

greenwing macaw on perch

The Secret Behind Parrots’ Vibrant Colors: New Study

A recent study reveals the surprising scientific secret behind parrots’ vibrant colors and how one unique process shapes their brilliant feathers.

bald eagle

Fascinating Facts On National Birds Around The World — Including A Surprise About Our Own!

Birds symbolize national identity worldwide, with 87 countries designating national birds. Surprisingly, the U.S. hasn’t officially named the bald eagle as its own!

Explore A Unique Museum Of Rare Bird Eggs, Nests, And More!

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology preserves over a million bird eggs and thousands of nests, offering a unique glimpse into avian diversity for science and education.

broad-tailed hummingbird perched on a feeder outdoors

Embrace The Beauty Of Birds With Amy Tan’s Latest Bestseller

Amy Tan’s “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” inspires bird lovers by celebrating the beauty of birdwatching, encouraging deeper connections with nature through mindful observation and joy.

group of emperor penguins standing outside on ice

Cameras Catch Penguin Fledglings Dramatic Leap For Survival

In a stunning display of survival, 700 Emperor Penguin fledglings were captured on film leaping 50 feet off a cliff into the sea, a behavior driven by shrinking ice and the species’ fight against extinction.

a mostly yellow-gray feathered wild bird sits on a branch

Bird-Building Collisions: Uncovering The Hidden Toll With Rehab Data

A new study by Fordham University uses wildlife rehabilitation data to reveal that many birds initially surviving building collisions may later succumb to their injuries, highlighting the need for improved conservation strategies.

starlings sitting in a row on a utility wire outdoors

How Starlings Navigate Without Learning Their Routes

Uncover the mystery of starling migration with a new study revealing that their paths are instinctual, not learned—challenging what we thought we knew about avian navigation.

close up on head of white barn owl outside

Live Owl Cam: See The Journey Of A Barn Owl Family

In 2017, a couple in Arroyo Grande, California, set up an owl box, and after seven years of waiting, a pair of barn owls finally moved in, beginning a captivating journey captured through live camera feeds.

two blue-crowned conures (blue-crowned parakeets) perched side by side on a branch preening

Unlocking The Mystery Of Iridescent Feathers In Birds

Curious why some birds have iridescent feathers? A recent study reveals how location and climate impact feather coloration in 9,409 bird species.

lovebird parrots sitting side by side indoors

Study Takes A Look At How Parrots Use Their Beaks To Move

A study on rosy-faced lovebirds takes a closer look at how parrots use their beaks to swing between branches for faster movement.

close up on head of male eclectus parrot outdoors

Avoid This Deadly Mistake: Hydrating Your Bird Safely

Hydrating your bird safely is important, because their trachea is in their mouth and opens and closes differently than you might expect, so never drop water into a bird’s mouth or you risk aspiration, even with one drop.

red-fronted macaw perched on branch eating food using foot

Unique Pairing Brings Hope For Red-Fronted Macaws

Twycross Zoo in England unites a rare pair of red-fronted macaws, hoping they will bond and mate to help save their critically endangered species.

New Parrot Brick Toy Is A Fascinating Blend Of Nature And Mechanics

Bird lovers, prepare to be captivated by JMBricklayer’s latest creation: The Mechanical Parrot. This set, with its 688 vibrant bricks, goes beyond ordinary builds with mechanics that animate the wings, tail, and foot joints. Half of the parrot showcases a natural design, while the other half reveals a mechanized side.

a crow standing on rocky ground with beak open

New Study Shows Crows Count Out Loud!

Crows can count! A fascinating study at the University of Tubingen shows that carrion crows count out loud, much like toddlers do.

flock of parrots flying in blue sky

How Birds Master Coordinated Flight

A fascinating study by researchers in NYU Applied Mathematics Laboratory sheds light on how birds master flock flight coordination through synchronized patterns to avoid collision.

close up profile of Eurasian jay with beak open

Birds And Memory: Study Shows Birds Recall Specifics Too!

New study shows that Eurasian jays exhibit human-like memory, recalling intricate details, shedding light on avian cognition and episodic memory understanding.

brown pelican in flight over water

Mystery Illness Affects California’s Brown Pelicans

Brown Pelicans are mysteriously turning up malnourished and injured on California coastlines. SeeRescuers are treating them at facilities and investigating the cause.

crow on grassy ground with wings spread to do anting

Anting: A Fascinating Glimpse Into Nature’s Spa For Birds

Discover the fascinating world of “anting,” where over 200 bird species engage in a natural spa-like ritual using ants. Birds apply ants to their feathers to utilize formic acid, a natural chemical that combats feather-destroying parasites.

Laysan albatross standing on ground in groups

Wisdom The Albatross: Love And Legacy At 72!

Meet Wisdom, a 72-year-old albatross on a quest for love at Midway Atoll, surpassing life expectations with a 3.5 million-mile flight record.

wild jay perched on snow-covered branch outside

Combining Camera Tech With Bird Watching

Bird watching offers many avenues to deepen appreciation, from nature hikes to clubs, and Bird Buddy adds a tech-friendly option by integrating a camera with a feeder for observing, recording, and streaming bird activities on smartphones.

budgie perched on edge of laptop computer screen

New Study Looks At Tablets As Cognitive Tools For Parrot Companions

Can digital tools like tablets help parrots become “smarter?” Dive into an intriguing study led by INTERACT Animal Lab’s Rebecca Kleinberger, where 17 birds tested a simple balloon-popping game on computer tablets.

hawk, red-tailed hawk

Rochelle The Hawk: A Decade On Traffic Camera

For the past decade, a red-tailed Hawk named Rochelle has captivated the hearts of Texas Department of Transportation employees with her annual nesting ritual on a highway camera pole.

Amazon perched on branch in studio setting; Perhaps yellow-naped Amazon

Do Birds Dream? New Study Reveals Fascinating Insights

Study shows that birds likely dream during REM sleep, exhibiting brain activity linked to visual processing, emotion, and flight, shedding light on avian sleep patterns.

American crow standing on wet pavement

Feathered Sun Worshippers: The Surprising Benefits For Birds

You might be surprised to learn that birds are sun worshippers too! But their sunbathing rituals are more than just leisurely lounging. Recent studies have uncovered fascinating secrets behind this peculiar behavior exhibited by over 50 bird families.

Rose-ringed parakeet (aka ring-necked parakeet or Kramer parrot) stands on a log outside

Surprising Adaptations: Study Sheds Light On How City Birds Reacted To Covid-19

When people all but vanished from cities during Covid-19 lockdowns, how did urban birds react to this human-free environment? Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Hebel Normal University used acoustic recorders to monitor the behavior of birds in the deserted streets and parks of Tel Aviv. The results might surprise you. See which birds decreased their activities when parks were empty and which flocked to this altered urban landscape.

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