This season, billions of birds will take to the skies as they flock to their wintering grounds. With so many different species on the move, they’re bound to run into each other. A new study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that this mixing and mingling might not be coincidental.
In fact, different bird species could have their own social networks that might boost each others’ survival.
SciFri producer Kathleen Davis talks with lead author Dr. Joely DeSimone, migration ecologist at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory, about untangling avian relationships.
Further Reading
- Watch a video about wildlife selfies taken beneath a birdfeeder.
- See an educational resource about how birding can be a gateway to environmental education.
Segment Guests
Joely DeSimone
Dr. Joely DeSimone is a migration ecologist with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available within one week after the show airs.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Rasha Aridi
@RashaAridiRasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.
About Kathleen Davis
@katjacquelineKathleen Davis is a producer at Science Friday, which means she spends the week brainstorming, researching, and writing, typically in that order. She’s a big fan of stories related to strange animal facts and dystopian technology.