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DURHAM, N.C. — Why are some birds simple singers and others vocal virtuosos?  Researchers at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent), the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and McGill University suspect that inconsistent climates may play a role.

A large-scale study of mockingbirds in diverse habitats reveals that species in more variable climes also sing more complex tunes.  “As environments become more variable or unpredictable, song displays become more elaborate,” said Carlos Botero, a postdoctoral researcher at NESCent in Durham, NC.  NESCent is an NSF-funded collaborative research center operated by Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

Local climate patterns are good indicators of how challenging life is in a given location, Botero said.  “Survival and reproduction become more complicated when weather patterns are unpredictable because you don’t know when food will be available or how long it will be around,” he explains.  What’s more, the consequences of picking a mediocre mate are magnified in harsher climes.

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Global warming is already having a profound impact on birds and other wildlife—and without urgent action, things will get worse. The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation this week that will jumpstart a clean energy economy, create millions of new clean-energy jobs, and protect our environment by reducing global warming pollution.

Take Action! Your U.S Representative urgently needs to hear that you support this legislation. Please e-mail your member of Congress today and urge him or her to VOTE YES on the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

The recently-released State of the Birds report warns that “birds are at grave risk from habitat changes caused by climate change, especially in arctic tundra, alpine meadows, sea ice and glaciers, coastal wetlands, marine atolls, and ocean ecosystems.” Global warming is already affecting the migration and breeding of many species. That’s why Audubon strongly supports the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) — it is imperative that Congress passes strong legislation so that we can begin reducing global warming pollution now to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Ask your U.S. Representative to support this historic bill.

It’s a great time to go bird watching, and Chris Wood and Jessie Barry from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are inviting you to go out with them-in a new free series of web videos, “Inside Birding.”

Jessie and Chris share their tips, tools, and techniques for identifying birds with confidence-whether you’re new to birding or seeking to hone your skills.  In the first four episodes, learn the secrets of the “four keys” to bird identification.  Join Chris and Jessie in the field as they practice using size and shape to identify common birds.  Learn how to use color pattern and behavior for critical clues about a bird’s identity.  And travel with them to the swamps of Florida as they explain the importance of habitat when you’re looking for birds.

After watching the videos, explore the rest of the newly redesigned All About Birds website.  It’s packed with stunning images and information about every aspect of birding.  Enhance your bird knowledge by visiting our popular Bird Guide, with more than 500 species profiles, new photo ID tools, cool facts, sounds, and video.  Peruse the Living Bird section for articles about travel, science, and conservation.  Practice using the four keys to identification or sharpen your knowledge about Songs and Calls in the Building Skills section.  Check out the Multimedia theater to watch videos about birds from the Arctic, coasts, and grasslands-or learn more about attracting birds right to your own yard.

We hope you’ll bookmark your favorite pages and visit often. Enjoy the birds!

Your friends at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

All About Birds:

Inside Birding:

Called “America’s Serengeti” for its tremendous biological productivity and diversity, the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most pristine, vibrant, and untouched ecosystems in America.  The Refuge is home to 42 mammal species, including more than 120,000 caribou; 36 species of fish; and over 160 species of birds. Unfortunately, this unparalleled 1.5-million-acre habitat has never received Wilderness protection, leaving it vulnerable to harmful oil and gas development.  Legislation is being considered in both chambers of Congress that would permanently protect the coastal plain as Wilderness.  Find out more.

Write to your U.S. Representative today and tell him or her to support the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act to permanently protect the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Jump to the National Audubon Society’s Action Center.