4 Trinidad cops accused of stealing 1,000 animals May 6, 2009
The boat had sailed from Venezuela carrying more than 500 bull finches, 300 picoplat songbirds and an assortment of monkeys -- all crammed into tiny cages piled up on the craft, officials said. The illicit load was estimated to be worth about 500,000. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
CCNY, CSHL biologists find birdsong of isolates reverts to norm over several generations May 4, 2009
NEW YORK, May 3, 2009 In an experiment that points to a role for genetics in the development of culture, biologists at The City College of New York (CCNY) and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have discovered that zebra finches raised in isolation will, over several generations, produce a song similar to that sung by the species in the wild. According to Dr. Olga Fehr, who conducted the experiment for her dissertation at CCNY, first generation male zebra finches raised in isolation... (EurekAlert!)
Isolated Birds Evolve 'Normal' Species Song May 4, 2009
Such an experiment is not practical to conduct in humans, but an analog has been performed among a species of songbirds called zebra finches ... Biologists have discovered that zebra finches raised in isolation will, over several generations, produce a song similar to that sung by the species in the wild ... The study confirms that zebra finches raised in complete isolation do not sing the same song as they would if raised normally, i.e., among other members of their species. (Science Daily)
Darwin in a test tube Apr 30, 2009
Scientists at Scripps Research make molecules that evolve and compete, mimicking behavior of Darwin's finches ... On the voyage of the HMS Beagle, Darwin collected and studied different species of finches on several of the Galapagos Islands ... The finches differed in their beak structure some had thick, strong beaks and others had thin, delicate ones. (EurekAlert!)
Evolution In A Test Tube: Molecules 'Compete' Apr 30, 2009
Evolution In A Test Tube: Scientists Make Molecules That Evolve And Compete, Mimicking Behavior Of Darwin's Finches ... Evolution In A Test Tube: Scientists Make Molecules That Evolve And Compete, Mimicking Behavior Of Darwin's Finches ... 30, 2009) A group of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute has set up the microscopic equivalent of the Galapagos Islands an artificial ecosystem inside a test tube where molecules evolve to exploit distinct ecological niches, similar to the finches... (Science Daily)
Human-created 'wilderness' in the Galápagos Apr 20, 2009
One of these experiments to bring back old-time nature on human terms has been underway on the very Pacific islands whose finches and other unique species inspired Charles Darwin to propose his theory of evolution 150 years ago. Conservationists on the Galpagos archipelago are trying to reverse changes caused by humans by removing invasive goats, rats, and plants. (Christian Science Monitor)
Mid-April marked by seasonal changes Apr 19, 2009
Male and female purple finches arrive. First purple martin scouts seen. (Forest Republican, WI)
Walking in Darwin's footsteps Apr 19, 2009
And there were sea tortoises, sea lions and the various species of finches that helped Darwin figure out the species evolved. Darwin famously observed that different species of finches on the Galapagos, an archipelago 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador, had beaks perfectly suited to different tasks ... " Those marine iguanas are just one of the numerous species endemic to the Galapagos. And each has its own story to tell about how living in an isolated, harsh place that requires adaptations to... (Montana Standard, MT)
Birds: Feather Color Is More Than Skin Deep Apr 16, 2009
The researchers examined the carotenoid content of the liver, blood, skin and feathers of seven common crossbills (finches) in which adult males display carotenoid-based coloration on the throat, breast and rump. They were particularly interested in the anatomical origin of the birds' red plumage. (Science Daily)
Cautious thumbs up for fire district finances Apr 5, 2009
Right about this time of year, there s the background bass and rhythm of Canadas and other geese and mallards; the woodwind sounds of the mourning doves; the squeaky-toy sounds of the coots; the brassy, sometimes-weird and sometimes-pretty sounds from the redwings; and the whistling and warbling from finches and robins and all the rest. Thumbs Up: We enjoyed those sounds on a walk around the trail last weekend, then headed indoors last Sunday at the Ross Ragland for a bunch of other interesting... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Songbird deaths in NE Wis may be due to salmonella Mar 30, 2009
Most are pine siskins, goldfinches and house finches. Sanctuary curator Mike Reed says the cause might be salmonella. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Brain Cooling Answers Questions about Bird Behavior Mar 28, 2009
Because brain cell activity is known to slow at low temperatures, Michael Long and Michale Fee of the Massa-chusetts Institute of Technology inserted tiny wires that transmitted heat into and out of the HVC and RA in zebra finches. Cooling the HVC reduced the speed of the song by up to 40 percent. (Scientific American)
Effects Of Stress Last For Life In Birds Mar 24, 2009
The scientists studied zebra finches, which had been. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Finches choose sex of offspring Mar 21, 2009
Female Gouldian finches "decide" to have more male chicks if they are less compatible with their mate ... Colourful Gouldian finches can judge if a mate is genetically compatible just by looking at its head ... This new study has found that, when the female finches mate with a male that has a different head colour, they select the sex of their offspring - giving their chicks a better chance of survival. (BBC News -- Science)
Village bids Good Buddha to Harley Mar 21, 2009
Harley's home in the front window of the store along Walnut Street is now occupied by a variety finches and others small birds. More related photos. (Newton Tab, MA)
Stewart Shaw: Science, religion can complement one another Mar 19, 2009
Why did that particular junco, rather than one of the other dozens of small birds gold finches, house finches, pine siskins, redpolls, tree sparrows, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and tufted titmice, as well as juncos that visit our feeders become prey to that hawk. Was it simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Winona Daily News, MN)
• Creationist museum: Darwin got something right Mar 18, 2009
Ham said the new exhibit features live blind cave fish, models of bacteria and recreations of Darwin's famous finches, whose variant beaks helped inspire the British naturalist's theories on natural selection. Darwin proposed in 1859 that new species appear through the process of evolution. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Off-roading in the jungle by wheelchair Mar 15, 2009
Tiny finches, whose different beaks on each island helped Darwin develop his theory of evolution, light on trees within inches of our heads. Later, back in Lima, we prepare for one of the flights we will take to Puerto Maldonado in southeastern Peru. (Globe and Mail)
Southeast Songbirds Dying From Salmonella Mar 14, 2009
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency biologist Scott Dykes says calls have been coming in for weeks about large numbers of dead American goldfinches, purple finches and pine siskins. Necropsies show the birds died of salmonella, a common disease in the species. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Salmonella Found in Bird Feed Mar 12, 2009
The killer of finches and other songbirds in North Carolina has been identified ... But Bill Kastern, biologist and Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee in Aberdeen, said his house blend comes from a supplier in Pennsylvania and maintains that local bird deaths are probably from avian salmonella attributed to the unusually large number of finches wintering in the Sandhills. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Returning robins: A sign of spring Mar 6, 2009
According to Ellen Montgomery of the Basic Birder, the pine siskin and common redpoll, both types of finches, have been seen in large numbers in North Iowa ... This is the year of the finches, she said ... Goldfinches, who winter over, are beginning to turn from their drab brown winter coats to the bright yellow again, she said. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Danger at Feeders: Avian Salmonella Claiming Lives of Birds Mar 4, 2009
"I noticed several dead goldfinches around the feeder and wondered what was happening," the Pinehurst resident said ... This winter, millions of pine siskins and other finches have descended from Canada for lack of food ... "The disease is usually present in low levels, but this year there are so many finches that it spreads rapidly," Kastern said. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Carotenoids Are Cornerstone Of Bird's Vitality Feb 26, 2009
Arizona house finches. (Credit: Arizona State University). (Science Daily)
Terrence Gosliner Feb 23, 2009
A: In the Galapagos, Darwin observed not only finches and tortoises, but experimented to show how marine iguanas could swim and dine on seaweed by tossing them into the ocean. This article appeared on page B - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Police: Rap producer injured in Ariz. hotel fight Feb 17, 2009
There also are many smaller cages available for finches, cockatiels, parakeets or other similar birds. FYI: (219) 689-4499, or. (Northwest Indiana Times)
Birds and global warming: heading north Feb 17, 2009
The important thing to remember - as we notice an absence of purple finches at our feeders - is that we are not merely witnesses of these striking shifts. We are the cause of them, and it is our responsibility to do all we can to mitigate them. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Valentine's Day for the birds at Douglas-Hart Feb 16, 2009
The species list included a Cooper s and red-tailed hawks, downy woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, tufted titmouses, Carolina Wren, grackles, house finches, American Goldfinches and red-winged blackbirds, Carolina chickadees and various varieties of sparrows. There were also Canada geese, mallards and a turkey vulture. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Theory that shook the world Feb 15, 2009
Well, several little finches, actually. While island hopping among the Galapagos, Darwin was fascinated by the fact that although most of the islands were inhabited by finches, each island had its own particular kind of finch ... It is here that he first broached his ideas on adaptive radiation, ie, the diversification of a founding species into a variety of different species, as seen among the Galapagos finches. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Unique range of Galapagos life compiled into database Feb 15, 2009
As well as the finches and tortoises which helped Darwin form his theory of evolution due to their unique characteristics which varied from island to island a vast variety of other species live on the islands ... Their fruits and flowers provide an important food for Darwin's famous finches. (Scotsman)
Genes offer new clues in old debate on species' origins Feb 14, 2009
You could be talking about two species of finches or a human versus a giraffe or an oak tree for that matter. The world is full of species, and his book clearly embraces the whole thing. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Darwin the Liberator How evolutionary thought undermined the ... Feb 14, 2009
This famous omission has been variously ascribed to an abundance of caution, concern for his wife Emma's religious sensibilities or even a preference for bugs and finches over his own species. But Desmond and Moore make the case that human evolution was at the forefront of Darwin's thinking. (Washington Post)
A forgotten hero: Darwin's co-discoverer Feb 14, 2009
After sidestepping careers in medicine and the Church, Darwin turned his private passion for nature into a full-time pursuit by joining the Beagle voyage to South America in the early 1830s, during which he made extensive notes on geology, fossils and finches. Wallace, a surveyor, pursued his scientific dreams by travelling to Brazil in 1848 and netting everything in sight for four years. (Times Online)
Google marks Charles Darwin anniversary with special logo Feb 13, 2009
The new-look Google search page logo features a watercolour-like sketch showing grass, sea and cliffs to reflect Darwin s love of nature, and even includes pictures of the Galapagos Island finches that prompted Darwin to contemplate his theory of evolution by natural selection ... He observed that the finches differed significantly in shape and beak size between islands, and concluded that the birds had adapted to survive the varying living conditions in their habitats, enabling them to thrive... (Telegraph.co.uk)
Evolve your plans to mark Darwin's 200th Feb 13, 2009
With stops at the Charles Darwin Research Station and a chance to see the famed finches on Fernandina Island, the 32 guests aboard the aptly named Evolution can snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, explore lava tubes, or just enjoy the ride. Don't Miss. (CNN -- Travel)
Galapagos damage 'must be curbed' Feb 12, 2009
Other threats include a parasitic fly which attacks young finches and mosquitoes - which could serve as a vector for diseases which are known to exist on the mainland but have not yet arrived here. The government of Ecuador has drawn up an action plan to curb this menace. (BBC News -- Americas)
The Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 12, 2009
On the other hand, some speciessuch as gulls, pigeons, starlings, house finches and house sparrowhave been able to adapt well to suburban neighborhoods and thrive. Bird counts of different types are conducted in other seasons. (Chronicle Newspapers, VA)
Eric Simons - frolicking in Darwin's footsteps Feb 11, 2009
But he knew about swimming iguanas only from the Beagle book, because he didn't go to the Galapagos, where Darwin's varied finches and tortoises helped trigger the young naturalist's early awareness of speciation and adaptation. At the start of "Darwin Slept," however, Simons describes his idol's throwing Galapagos marine iguanas into the sea to study how they swim (very strongly) and munch (on seaweed underwater). (San Francisco Chronicle)
Climate change nudges American birds northward Feb 11, 2009
Climate change is pushing American birds northward, with some finches and chickadees moving hundreds of miles (km) into Canada's Boreal Forest ... WASHINGTON (Reuters) - change is pushing American birds northward, with some finches and chickadees moving hundreds of miles (km) into Canada, an Audubon Society study reported on Tuesday. (Scientific American)
Oregon Recreation Report Feb 8, 2009
Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. American tree sparrows can be found at the Turner Place tree and shrub plot. (Lebanon Express, OR)
All of science owes debt to Darwin Feb 8, 2009
" Every true scientist at work today is in fact a Darwinian. They are decoders of the human genome, immunologists battling AIDS, stem cell researchers seeking tomorrow's cures, anthropologists unearthing fossil hominids to define our human ancestry - even the "astrobiologists" seeking life on other planets while they study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth. The man who was born just 200 years ago Thursday did not stumble on his theory of natural selection in one blinding insight -... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Bird Lovers Can Go Nuts for Squirrels Too Feb 8, 2009
Nyjer is great for all types of finches, but squirrels ignore it. Fill feeders with a product such as Nyjer Seed from Wild Delight, which has been sterilized to help prevent fallen seeds from germinating into weeds. (Pekin Times, IL)
Celebrating Darwin and evolution Feb 7, 2009
"Darwin's" finches are unique to the Galapagos, because they evolved after they reached the islands. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael K. Oliver. (Why Files)
Listening to Birdsong Mar 31, 2008
Scientists had noticed slight variations in the songs of male zebra finches based on whether they were singing alone or whether there was a female (and potential mate) nearby. With an audience, the males sped up the pace of their songs and controlled the notes they used. (Science News for Kids)
Got spring fever? Try a nature walk Mar 27, 2008
Other interesting sightings during our morning trek: a blue-headed vireo flitting around in plain view for a couple of minutes and purple finches and red-breasted nuthatches (birds that occasionally spend the winter in Georgia and nest up North in summer) still hanging around. Saturday afternoon, I headed to Sweetwater Creek State Park in Douglas County, where park naturalist Don Scarbrough led a small group of us on a three-mile wildflower walk. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
T. rex 'would outrun footballer' Mar 26, 2008
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Tuesday, 21 August 2007, 23:17 GMT 00:17 UK. (Yahoo News -- Dinosaur & Fossil Discoveries)
Farm isolated as H5N1 confirmed Mar 26, 2008
Finches buck trend in UK gardens. Profile: Barack Obama. (Yahoo News -- Bird Flu)
Five-step check for nano safety Mar 26, 2008
Finches buck trend in UK gardens. Obama a distant cousin of Bush. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
Colombia landmines blamed on Farc Mar 26, 2008
Finches buck trend in UK gardens. Slaves' saved from Italy circus. (Yahoo News -- Colombia)
US oil spill ship pilot charged Mar 26, 2008
Finches buck trend in UK gardens. Tata to announce Jaguar purchase. (Yahoo News -- Environment & Nature)
Finches flourishing but other birds are in decline, survey shows Mar 26, 2008
Finches buck trend in UK gardens ... Sightings of finches in UK gardens hit their highest level for five years this winter, an annual RSPB survey shows ... Andre Farrar, of the RSPB, said it had "definitely been a good winter for finches". (BBC News -- UK)
Pests will thrive on warming Mar 25, 2008
Species identified as being under threat include bilbies, rock wallabies, quolls, turtles and Gouldian finches. The report, Australian Species And Climate Change, says that while such direct effects as higher temperatures and altered rainfall will hurt such species, existing threats such as bushfires and invasive species will increase. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
What Gets A Female's Attention, At Least A Songbird's Mar 21, 2008
Scientists have known that male zebra finches adjust their tune when they have courtship -- i.e., copulation -- on their minds with either a prospective or lifelong mate ... In a set of social behavioral tests, female zebra finches strongly preferred the male zebra finches' tailored, or "directed" song of courtship to the more variable "undirected" song that males sing when they are on their own ... The researchers also found that female finches have an ear for detail: the female birds were... (Science Daily)
Wild Cape Cod: Living on the Edge Mar 20, 2008
Historically, while parasitized nests occurred within the cowbird s territory, high numbers of finches, warblers, sparrows and vireos nested in deeper woods with relative success, out of the reach of the parasitic cowbird. Presently though, those ten square miles of Cape Cod s pine/oak woodland supporting a myriad of wild animals at all levels of the food web, in a diversity of specialized niches within that woodland, look like a maze, no longer a single large area, zig-zagging with dirt roads,... (Harwich Oracle, MA)
'Let nature work' Mar 16, 2008
"We used to live in a place with a national forest behind us, moose in our yard, and when winter came we'd have flocks of 1,000 gray crowned rosy finches in our yard that are a species people would be driving in from all over the continent to try and see," Margaret said. "We also had tannigers, towhees, and eagles. That's what really started us out.". (SunOnline)
Wildlife: Spring in the air Mar 15, 2008
Our year-round bird residents such as cardinals, chickadees, tufted titmice, house finches, and song sparrows are filling the air with their spring songs. Several people have heard pileated woodpeckers calling. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Song-Learning Birds Shed Light on Our Ability to Speak Mar 15, 2008
Duke University scientists report in PLoS ONE this week that they attempted to pinpoint regions of the brain responsible for vocal skills by studying three types of birds (, and ) capable of picking up new songs and utterances as well as birds (zebra finches and ringed turtle doves) that lack the ability. Their findings: vocal pathways are always nestled in the same areas of the brain that control body movement. (Scientific American)
Snowshoe breeding leads to bloody battles Mar 15, 2008
When differentiating between house finches and purple finches, house finches have brown-streaked breasts. The redwing blackbirds should be arriving during the next few weeks. (Rhinelander Daily News, WI)
FISHING WITH BILL: Bill and Sharon remember cardinal rule Mar 15, 2008
The robins are beginning to show up, more of the finches and more pairs of cardinals. Snowbirds are leaving, as well. (Pratt Tribune, KS)
Bird Brains Suggest How Vocal Learning Evolved Mar 15, 2008
Jarvis and his colleagues examined bird species with vocal learning skills and some without: garden warblers, zebra finches, budgerigars (parrots), Anna's hummingbirds and ring doves ... The study reveals that when zebra finches first wake up, they are dramatically worse. (Science Daily)
Twigs from my gardenPosted 3 hours, 58 minutes ago. Mar 9, 2008
Niger seed (commonly, but incorrectly, called thistle seed) is high in calories and favored by finches. Since it is a small seed, it requires a special feeder. (Lima News, OH)
Taking customers under their wings Mar 2, 2008
NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune The store has several bird feeders outside the store for the local house finches ... Roberts, a longtime bird enthusiast, was having trouble with the seed she was offering to goldfinches. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Ecuador detains Panamanian fishing boat in Galapagos Islands Mar 1, 2008
Charles Darwin's observations of the islands' finches inspired his theory of evolution. The United Nations is monitoring Ecuador's efforts to protect the area from environmental threats or overuse. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Who's up / Who's down Feb 25, 2008
UP Redpolls: Little finches tough enough to last our winter count in the thousands. Only Lance Mackey's dogs have more staying power. (Anchorage Daily News)
Bear Of A Haul Feb 20, 2008
For more than a century now the academy has been the world's center for scientists studying Galapagos evolution - just as the 13 species of finches in the islands were a vital clue for Charles Darwin in 1835 and helped lead him to develop his theory of evolution through natural selection. When the finches and other Galapagos specimens are moved to Golden Gate Park later this year they'll become another precious resource for scientists everywhere. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
It's a zoo without walls Feb 18, 2008
Years later, the finches he had caught and preserved helped him develop his theory of evolution, which will forever be associated with the islands. The archipelago has changed a great deal since Darwin visited. (Globe and Mail)
