Matt Rowe
Articles by Matt:
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.
Avian Thermometers – How Birds Regulate Body Heat Through Legs & Beaks
As climate changes, research unveils birds’ remarkable ability to regulate body temperature through their beaks and legs. A study on 14 Australian species using thermal imaging found birds actively adjust blood flow to dissipate or conserve heat, with larger appendages providing greater heat exchange. This adaptation could aid their survival amid rising temperatures.
NYC Mourns Its Celebrity Owl Flaco After Sudden Tragedy
After living free in New York City’s Central Park for more than a year after escaping the zoo, celebrity owl Flaco suffered fatal injuries after flying into a window, and his fans mourn his loss.
New Study Dives Into The Reasons Why Parrots Dunk Their Food
Why do birds dunk their food? It’s a behavior many owners witness daily. In a recent study with cockatoos, researchers tested foods of differing types and consistencies to see which ones the parrots tended to dunk and to theorize what drives this texture preference.
One Year Out, Flaco is Still Central Park’s Resilient Owl About Town
Last February, a Eurasian Eagle Owl named Flaco escaped from his Central Park Zoo enclosure. Though the zoo tried recapturing the apex predator, Flaco thrived after adapting to life freely roaming Central Park. Dubbed a local celebrity, he has flourished in 2023 venturing through the park and at times into Manhattan neighborhoods. Despite initial worries, Flaco demonstrated resilience making New York City his enduring home this past year since his dramatic escape. See how Flaco’s celebrity continues to grow, including having his likeness adorning city artwork, t-shirts, and more.
Building Design Can Guide Birds to Safer Skies
Chicago’s rippling Aqua Tower’s pioneering bird-safe design steers migratory birds to safety through angled geometry and etched glass barriers. See how new designs aim to transform urban architecture to help guide birds away from window collisions.
Ultimate Avian Artworks? Lego® Macaw Build Kits Offer Fun & Decor
Looking to put your Lego building skills to the test? Better yet, what if it involved a parrot?! Lego’s new Macaw kits offer the ultimate avian artwork! Lego’s latest offering is a showy life-sized wall model of a perching Yellow or in-flight Pink Macaw build kit. Beyond kitschy decor, these colorful centerpieces sculpted meticulously by you make great conversation starters about our fine feathered friends for visitors or as a colorful display at the entrance of your bird room.
Study Explores The Brain Pathways Of Parrots’ Vocal Abilities
As science continues to evolve, we are learning more and more about the brain’s amazing capabilities. One area of particular interest is how the brain allows animals to learn and communicate. In a recent study, Zhilei Zhao, a Klarman Fellow in neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University, investigated parrots’ vocal learning abilities.
Green Jays Venture From the Tropics
The tropical green jay, a brightly plumed bird normally at home in Southern Mexico and parts of Central America, now appears to be on the move to the north to Texas. As winter weather softens with climate shifts, San Antonio and other Northern Texas towns have become welcoming new habitats. Such Northward movements may become more commonplace as weather patterns continue redrawing range maps. As researchers track shifting boundaries, one certainty persists – with weather patterns in flux, bird populations appear to recalibrate suitable living spaces.
Family Discovers Young Owl in Christmas Tree
A Kentucky family recently lived an unexpected wildlife adventure thanks to their holiday centerpiece. Days after setting up their Christmas tree, a young Eastern screech owl was discovered nestled among the branches.
The Holidays Bring A New Animated Film To The Screen With “Migration”
We’re all used to seeing Christmas movies with reindeer and Santa, but what about a holiday movie with birds? “Migration” follows a family of ducks as they migrate from New England to Jamaica. Along the way, they meet new friends, learn new things, and grow as a family.
Ellie the Cockatoo Reads & Writes
Can parrots learn to read and write? Ask Jennifer Cunha, and that answer is a “Yes.” Her 11-year-old Goffin’s cockatoo Ellie continues to astonish by demonstrating literacy equal to a young child. Ellie uses a touchpad and her beak as a “pencil” to communicate by drawing letters. Learn how Cuhna, a property lawyer by trade, became passionate about understanding parrot cognition, how it helped her bond with Ellie, and how it inspired her to launch her “Parrot Kindergarten” online course to help pet bird stewards strengthen their bond with their birds.
Innovative Ocean High-Rise Nests Help Endangered Birds
Danish firm Ørsted constructs offshore “birdscrapers” with observation blinds to monitor struggling species like the kittiwake up close. Their sci-fi seabird sanctuaries showcase compassionate environmental innovation.
Unearthing a Dinosaur Bird’s Tracks
Paleontologists in Argentina recently uncovered an unprecedented trove – 17 fossilized “terror bird” footprints. Journey back in time to glimpse the terror bird’s world through its 85 prehistoric footsteps preserved in stone, and see what made these ostrich-like dinosaurs such successful hunters.
Bird Names Changed to Welcome All Nature Lovers
The American Ornithological Society made a momentous decision – renaming over 70 North American birds to remove honorific references to controversial historical figures. Motivated by rising awareness of harmful biases, the AOS will eliminate commemorative common names that may perpetuate exclusion.
Documentary Sounds Alarm to Save Australia’s Disappearing Black Cockatoo
In just 20 years, Western Australia’s majestic black cockatoos could disappear completely. From 10,000 left, populations plummet as habitat loss and persecution from farmers decimate their numbers. One filmmaker’s quest to save the critically endangered species offers a lifeline. Learn more about the film and its important message.
After 3 Years Apart, Chatty Parrot Reunites with Family
After three agonizing years apart, a missing African grey parrot was finally reunited with his owner in France – all thanks to one miraculous stroke of luck and an unexpected connection. Learn the heartwarming story of Jako’s unbelievable journey and how this chatty African grey parrot seemed gone forever until a surprise encounter brought hope. This extraordinary tale reminds us to never lose faith, even against the longest of odds. Read on to learn how Jako defied everything to ultimately squawk his way back home.
Cities as Unlikely Havens: Red-Crowned Amazon Parrots Take to Urbanization
New research reveals an unexpected ray of hope for the endangered red-crowned Amazon parrot. A study found over 650 birds have relocated to urban areas of Southern Texas, finding favorable habitats in cities. Researchers believe suburban migration could save the species, as urbanization provides stable climates and ample food for these displaced tropical birds.
Wild Palm Cockatoos Woo Mates With Improvised Drums
Male palm cockatoos in the wild put on an elaborate musical show to attract mates, reveals a fascinating new study. These charismatic Australian parrots perform an energetic mating dance while vocally serenading females. But the real surprise comes when they drum up attraction by spontaneously fashioning and playing seed pod percussion mid-boogie.
The Birder’s Curse of the “Nemesis Bird!”
Even the most dedicated birders have that one elusive species that manages to evade detection time and again. Referred to as a “nemesis” bird, this frustrating feathered foe repeatedly thwarts sighting attempts. While finding a nemesis bird can become an obsessive pursuit, overcoming these challenges is an achievement. As we explore stories of birders grappling with their trickiest adversaries, you may discover you have a nemesis awaiting challenge.
Brave Conservationists Protect Maui’s Rare Birds from Raging Fires
When wildfires recently raged around Maui’s Bird Conservation Center, staff bravely worked through the night to protect the facility’s precious avian residents. As flames encroached within 150 feet, staff utilized hoses and extinguishers to safeguard the center, home to many of Hawaii’s rarest birds. See how their quick action and dedication averted a potential tragedy for endangered species like the Hawaiian crow, and the Kauaʻi creeper songbird).
Unlocking the Kakapo’s Genetic Code: A New Approach to Conservation
The mysterious Kākāpō parrot teeters precariously close to extinction, with less than 250 left on earth. Now, scientists have cracked their genetic code, hoping DNA secrets can help save the species. By sequencing their genome, researchers gain insights to boost breeding and outsmart disease. But will unraveling the Kākāpō’s DNA be enough to pull it back from the brink? Learn how genetics is transforming conservation efforts for these quirky green parrots and other endangered species.
Hummingbird Migration is Underway—How You Can Help!
Hummingbirds might be small, but they are certainly mighty when it comes to their feats of flight! You might be familiar with their zooming around plants and trees, but did you know that they also use those rapid wing beats to take them on migratory journeys of up to 2,000 miles?! Learn how you can help hummingbirds during their fall and spring migrations, including the right type of nectar to offer and the nectar to avoid, and how tracking hummingbirds in your area can assist research in migratory patterns, plus more.
Children’s Book Aims to Help Glossy Black Cockatoos
The beautiful glossy black cockatoo, native to Australia, is threatened by habitat loss, and its population has declined significantly in recent years. Author Jodie McLeod has written a children’s book that aims to raise awareness of the plight of the glossy black cockatoo and encourage readers to take action to protect this vulnerable parrot species. Her book, The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue, tells the story of a young glossy black cockatoo with a unique blue feather.
Call For Volunteers in Tasmania To Help Conserve Orange-bellied Parrots
Volunteers are a vital part of conservation efforts, including helping endangered birds like the orange-bellied parrot, which is critically endangered in its native Tasmania. If you’ve ever dreamed of putting up nest boxes and assisting researchers, a program offered by the Tasmanian government might be your opportunity for hands-on experience. The Tasmanian government is working hard to protect the orange-bellied parrot and is seeking volunteers to join its Orange-bellied Parrot Volunteer Program.
Parrot Cares for Kittens Found in Nest Cavity
When Brazilian farmer Josemar Milli and his wife rescued two Amazon chicks from the wild more than a decade ago, they didn’t foresee that one of those chicks would grow up to be a parrot mom to three kittens. As explained in a popular TikToc video, that parrot, named Louro, would fly off to explore during the day but usually returned by evening. When the bird was gone for three nights, Josemar checked the parrot’s usual perch spots and was shocked to see what he found in Louro’s favorite perch cavity—kittens!
Police Department in India Has Special Feathered Communications “Officers”
The Odisha police department, which is in India’s eighth-largest state by area and 11th by population, has a special communications unit like no other—a squad of 149 carrier pigeons to help keep the lines of communication open between police stations. These feathered messengers have proven clutch during natural disasters or other weather extremes, which are relatively frequent in this region of the world. Learn how this feathered police unit came to be, as well as how government feuds over funding threaten its existence.
A Fascinating Look at the Darkest & The Brightest Birds
In a world of black and white, two birds stand out from the crowd. The Greater Superb Bird of Paradise is the blackest bird in the world, with feathers that absorb 99.95% of light. The Eurasian Woodcock, on the other hand, has feathers that are the whitest in the world, with feathers that reflect 30% more light than any other known bird. Read on to learn more about these stunning opposites!
National Geographic To Air New Birder Television Series with Extraordinary Birder
National Geographic is soon to launch a new birding series on Nat Geo Go (formerly referred to as National Geographic Channel) called “Extraordinary Birder” with NYC-based birder Christian Cooper. Cooper will share his love of birding with viewers as he treks into rainforests, coastlines, urban settings, and wherever else birds can be found. Read on to learn more about this TV birding adventure as well as Cooper’s back story that put unexpectedly put him front and center of national news in 2020.
UK House Exterior Completely Painted With Mural Of Parrots
As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” One look at Gordon Squires’ home in the city of Peterborough, England, and it’s obvious that his heart and home belong to his love for his feathered family members. He commissioned a street artist Nathan Murdoch to transform his English terrace house into a mesmerizing work of art that feature macaws and an African grey parrot. Lovingly known to locals as the “bird man,” Squire has lived in the home for 65 years, and now it stands as a display of his love for birds. See how this art project came to fruition after 50 hours of work!
Famed NYC Red-tailed Hawk Known As Pale Male Has Died At Age 32
Central Park’s most famous hawk resident has passed away at age 32. Pale Male, aptly named by a bird watcher who noted his unusually light-colored head feathers, had been a park fixture since his park arrival in the early 1990s. Not only was Pale Male different from other hawks for opting to construct a nest on a building rather than in a tree, but he is also credited as the “father” of New York’s urban-dwelling red-tailed hawks. Read more about the hawk that was a welcomed sight to New Yorkers and inspired many to take up birding.
Cockatiel’s Crooning Goes Viral in Mash-Up Video Duet
Musician David Scott, under the band named The Kiffness, has racked up millions of video views by using snippets of animal videos that have gone viral online in their own right and turning them into infectious songs. A crooning cockatiel named Ginger is blowing up as the next viral sensation thanks to Scott. Check out the mash-up duet of Ginger and The Kiffness singing “Kookee Kookee.”
Monk Parakeets Exhibit Social Standing Behaviors In New Study
A recently published study sheds new light on the pecking order in parrots and factors that might change flock dynamics. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati observed interactions among flocks of captive monk parakeets (also commonly referred to as quaker parrots) in 2021 and 2023 to identify the parrots with the most status; that is, the ones who tended to be the most aggressive. Their study found some surprising outcomes when the more dominant parrots were returned to the flock after a brief stint away compared to their more docile flock mates.
A Billy Joel Song Helps Bring Lost Cockatiel Home
One lucky cockatiel’s love for a Billy Joel song helped reunite him with his owner. See the unusual spot where this cockatiel, aptly named Joel, landed and how he made his way back home.
Blossom The Widowed Goose Finds New Love
Blossom the goose was a lonesome “widow” wandering the grounds of Riverside Cemetery in Iowa after Bud, her partner of many years, passed away. To help the lonely goose, cemetery staff put the word out that they were seeking a new goose companion on her behalf, and along came Frankie. See how this new couple, just like the previous one, is endearing itself to staff and visitors.
Australian Boy Fights To Help Save The Glossy Black Cockatoo
A 12-year-old from Australia has taken the initiative to help save the dwindling habitat of glossy black cockatoos from further land development. Spencer Hitchen, an avid photographer, has campaigned to stop new construction that impacts an expanse that contains some 70 she-oak trees, the cones of which offer an essential food source for glossy black cockatoos. Hitchen’s Change.org petition, currently has 75,159 signatures out of 150,000 and he has a Facebook page to help raise awareness.
Central Park Zoo’s Wayward Eurasian Owl Finds Itself at Home in NYC’s Central Park
Flaco, the male Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, is showing that he can make it on his own after taking up residence in NYC’s Central Park. After eluding capture for two weeks, zoo officials are throwing in the towel and suspending their recovery efforts (but still keeping an eye on the majestic bird).
Can Parrots Recognize Each Other’s Voices?
We know the voices of friends and family, but how well do parrots recognize each other’s “voices?” Fortunately, a biological survey undertaken by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, along with four scientists, gives us some insight into how well parrots recognize exact vocal prints in others of their kind. Specifically, they studied the vocalizations of 229 monk parakeets (also called quaker parrots), for a total of 5,599 recordings over a two-year period.
Coming Soon! LEGO® Parrot Build Kit
Parrot aficionados can thank a LEGO® builder enthusiast for submitting their prototype for consideration of a mass-produced kit that has come fruition and will be available for purchase starting March 1, 2023. The kit is called LEGO Creator 3in1 Exotic Parrot (although most of us would recognize it as a blue-and-gold macaw).
A Look Back at the Most Famous Pigeon of All
Thanks to their unique homing abilities, carrier pigeons were used during both the First and Second World Wars to transport messages back to their home coops behind the lines. Perhaps the most famous pigeon of all, Cher Ami, delivered a message that saved a large group of surrounded American infantrymen, referred to as “The Lost Battalion.”
Spotlight On the Ultra-Rare Araripe Manakin
The critically endangered Araripe Manakin was first discovered in 1996. This striking rare bird is native to a small area of Brazil, where it faces threats from agriculture and other land development.
Pet Bird Owner Reporting Fuels New Study on Vocal Learning in Parrots
A new study fueled by parrot owner responses shows that many companion parrots use words in context and can even build phrases off of their vocabularies. The study conducted using a database of 900 pet parrots’ vocal abilities based on their owners’ reporting.
Izzy the Cockatoo’s “I Love You” Melts Hearts
Izzy the 31-year-old umbrella cockatoo has gained fame via a TikTok video. Izzy’s simple “I love you” has garnered 270,000 views. After 30 years in a loving home, Izzy found her way into a Florida animal rescue and particularly into the heart of its founder, Gabby Nikolle. Read on to learn about Izzy’s transition, which includes a healthier diet.
Crows Are Even Smarter Than We Thought!
In the latest study to gauge Covid intelligence, crows outsmarted monkeys. Researchers discovered that crows are quite adept at the cognitive ability referred to as recursion—that is, they can distinguish paired elements within larger sequences, which was once thought to be a purely human trait.
Advances in Bird Tracking Takes Flight & Offers New Insights
Tracking migratory birds has advanced far beyond the days of visual sightings recorded by ornithologists and dedicated bird watchers with eyes to the skies. See how a collaborative network using a central radio telemetry system is helping scientists and researchers dial-in on migratory bird behaviors never recorded before. Plus, find out how birders of all ages can follow the heroic annual journeys made by 450-plus birds, and learn more about the challenges they face along the way.
Gang Gang Cockatoos Benefit From the Australian “Twitchathon” Race
The Twitchathon, an annual birding competition in Australia, recently brought together birders from birdwatching groups near and far for a friendly competition broken down into different divisions to see which teams could identify the most birds in the given time. This meant that dedicated birders were pushed to the brink in either 30-hour, 24-hour, or six-hour segments to identify as many birds as possible. The event also determines which endangered bird species will benenfit from funds raised. See why this year’s bird is the gang-gang cockatoo.
Saving Parrots From Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian leveled a bird sanctuary in Florida, but its dedicated owners, Will Paratino and his partner Lauren Stepp, find help—and the boats needed—to evacuate hundreds of parrots off their island home. See how Project Dynamo was hatched to get these parrots to safety, as well as news about the sanctuary’s rebuild.
For Parakeets, Smart Males Get the Females
What do birds look for in a mate? For female budgies, problem-solving ability appears to make males more attractive. From a revolutionary standpoint, it might serve birds well to opt for partners that show good foraging prowess. See the tricky way researchers got female budgies to ditch their preferred mates to those trained to solve puzzles.
The Man Who Sustained the Life of a Parakeet in an Egg
“I found a tiny budgie egg at a pet shop. If I could incubate it, would I be able to raise it? With these big human hands?” That’s the intriguing question posed at the beginning of the popular YouTube video titled “A Chick Called Albert.”
The Beauty of Birds: The 2022 Audubon Photography Awards Winners Revealed
The Audubon Photography Award Winners for 2022 were recently revealed, and the images are stunning. In total 2,400 images of birds from across the U.S. and Canada were submitted, with photographers vying for one of eight coveted prizes across five divisions.
Study Of Salmonella in Urbanized Birds Offers Insight & Hope
Fresno State biology professor Dr. Tricia Van Laar found direction for her next research project in her own backyard when she came across a sick finch that later died. She not only set out to find the cause but it led her and colleague Dr. Joel Slade to discover a trend that is endangering wildlife that also has ramifications for people as well.
Popular Wingspan Board Game To Offer Asia Expansion Set
In the card-driven board game Wingspan, players are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to their network of wildlife preserves. The newest offering from the creators of Wingspan is Asia Expansion, which includes the birds of Asia to increase the number of bird offerings available.
Study Shows That Baby Parrots Babble As Much As Human Babies
Parrots are already known for being among the best mimickers and vocal learners. Now a recent study sheds light on how parrot chicks incorporate a “practice makes perfect” routine early on in their development. Researchers in Venezuela tracked the vocalizations of wild, green-rumped parrotlet chicks (Forpus passerines) and found that the chicks would routinely babble while in the nest, similar to how babies babble before they begin to talk.
Disabled Parrot Finds His Footing With Help From Dedicated Med Student
Mumble, a blue Indian ring-necked parakeet, captured the hearts of over 2 million with a TikTok video documenting his first steps. Learn the back story of this special parrot who has overcome physical challenges since Day 1.
Rare Spix’s Macaws Reintroduced Back Into The Wild!
The last Spix’s macaw sighting in the wild was over 20 years ago. But, thanks to an exciting reintroduction program, this critically endangered parrot is once again flying free in its native habitat. Eight adult Spix’s macaws have recently been released back into the wild of Brazil.
The Studied Art Of Earbirding
When you think of the popular pastime of birding, images of folks with binoculars aimed up at a tree as they zero-in on a bird typically come to mind. However, there’s more to birding than what meets the eye. Earbirding is just how it sounds — identifying birds by the vocalizations they make. Those who bird by ear are listening for telltale contact calls, songs, and other vocalizations to identify a bird’s species. See how this form of birding takes an extraordinary learning process to able to identify a bird specifically – and only – by sound.
New Study Proves Parrots Employ The Use Of A Third Limb
As most parrot people know, our feathered companions use their beaks for more than just eating and shredding toys and destroying whatever else they might find. They also use it to get around. A recent study officially bestows parrots the title of the only animal with three functional limbs — two legs and their amazing beak. Learn how a group of peach-faced lovebirds proved that a parrot’s beak functions as a third limb.
TikTok Sensation Hamlet The Indian Ringneck Brightens The Day
Hamlet the Indian ring-necked parakeet has become a viral sensation with his goofy antics and cartoonish vocalizations. See how this feathered TikTok star brightens the day for many.
Lost African Grey Parrot’s Return Home Brings Joy To Her Special Human Friend
An unexpected event caused Precious the African grey parrot to take flight and vanish into the great outdoors. Two anxious days passed before Precious was reunited with her family. Precious is more than a family companion — she has become an emotional support companion for 10-year-old Erin, who is autistic. See how this precious parrot has in many ways become Erin’s confidant and best friend.
The Bird-Watching Bracket — 64 Birds Whittled Down To One Winner
Which bird is the one birders want to see in the wild most in 2022? Bird Watching Magazine held a bracket contest to find out!