News and links about birds, birding, and the environment. - A
study of red-legged partridges has established a relationship
between high levels of testosterone and bright colors in male
birds. Male partridges were given extra testosterone, and in
response the birds showed a 20% increase in the carotenoids that
cause bright reds and yellows. Future work will explore what
causes the relationship between testosterone and carotenoid
levels. - Research in Canada has found that the population of
red-winged blackbirds correlates with the North Atlantic
Oscillation. This suggests that blackbirds will decline in the
face of global climate change. - The Madagascar pochard was
recently rediscovered in northern Madagascar. There were nine
adults and four juveniles. This species was previously
considered extinct. - The Mercury News reports that wild turkeys
are thriving in urban environments in California. - A related
story explores the conflicts that can arise when wild turkeys
move into the suburbs. Some turkeys may be