Meet the skeleton-eating bird that dyes itself the colour of blood
Bearded vultures, also known as lammergeiers, turn their feathers red on purpose - experts have several theories why.
How do animals smell? The difference between taste and smell and whether fish can smell underwater
A good sense of smell is essential for animals to survive and reproduce. But have you ever wondered how it works? Evolutionary biologist JV Chamary explains all.
Blue-lined octopuses inject paralysing venom to avoid becoming after-sex snack, study shows
For blue-lined octopus, mating is a dangerous game. That’s why males inject females with venom before sex, according to a new study.
Why The Gambia should be your next birdwatching holiday destination
Diverse landscapes, incredible weather and over 600 species of birds. Read on to discover what makes this West African country ideal for birdwatching trips.
When this deep-sea shark emerged from the shadows in the Caribbean Sea, it had an unexpected fright
The primitive shark species was filmed in the deep waters around the Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean Sea.
“If an eagle fell, I had to carry it back up without being torn apart” How one woman helped save the bald eagle
In the 1970s, the bald eagle was on the verge of extinction. Thanks in part to the pioneering work of one young biologist, this magnificent bird has made a spectacular comeback.
Black leopards are quietly thriving in the British countryside – here’s the whole incredible story
Rick Minter, podcast host and author of Big Cats: Facing Britain's Wild Predators, says that sightings and DNA tests suggest that large cats such as black leopards are quietly naturalising in Britain.
Hawk Mountain: how a deadly hunting ground in the Appalachian range became a sanctuary for raptors
Every year, thousands of eagles, falcons and kestrels soar past this great mountain ridge in Pennsylvania – here's the story of how it became the world’s first raptor sanctuary.
Dinosaur footprints found "hiding in plain sight" in Australian high school
It's one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur footprints per square metre ever documented in Australia, say experts.
Unusual animal mating rituals: These courtship dances aren't what you'd expect
Courtship in the animal kingdom takes all forms. Here are some of the more unusual mating rituals, from birds and snakes to slugs and insects.
Birds
It lays luminous eggs on the jungle floor and then abandons them with the father – is this nature’s worst mother?
In a "recipe for extinction", the creature dumps their DayGlo eggs on the jungle floor and leaves them.
Do penguins really ‘propose’ with pebbles?
Is it true that penguins exchange stones as marriage proposals? Stuart Blackman investigates the popular belief.
Birds of paradise ‘glow’ in secret biofluorescent courtship dance
For the first time, a study has found that birds of paradise are biofluorescent – a skill they likely use for unique mating rituals.
Charles Darwin saw this Galápagos bird on Floreana Island in 1835, then it wasn't seen again for almost 200 years
Thought to be locally extinct, the Galápagos rail has been spotted by researchers on the volcanic island of Floreana.
Deadly is the female: 11 ferocious female animals that you wouldn't want to mess with
'For the female of the species is more deadly than the male' – here are our top 11 deadliest females that prove just that.
What cranes know about staying warm that’s helping doctors save lives
How do cranes stand in icy water without freezing?
How to identify wildlife
Go behind the scenes of Tom Hanks’ new epic, The Americas! Plus, receive your first 6 issues for just £12 when you subscribe today
Go behind the scenes of Tom Hanks’ new epic, The Americas! Plus, receive your first 6 issues for just £12 when you subscribe today
How to identify mammal skulls - and work out the creature they once belonged to
Skulls can be found virtually anywhere, but skull identification can be difficult. Learn how to identify common mammal skulls in our expert guide.
Toad vs frog: How to tell the difference between a common frog and a common toad
Two of the UK's most familiar and widespread amphibian species are the common frog and the common toad, but do you know how to tell them apart?
How to identify animal droppings: Our guide to the wildlife poop you might find in your garden or out on a walk
Droppings or scats can tell us a lot about which animals have been visiting our gardens, parks and countryside, including hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. Our expert guide explains how to identify which poos belong to which species. Plus, animal droppings from species from around the world – and fungi and insects you might spot on droppings.
Swift or swallow: what's the difference between these two incredible long-distance migrants?
Know your swallows from your swifts? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Heron vs egret: what's the difference between these two leggy, long-necked, elegant birds?
Know your herons from your egrets? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at some of the differences…
Plants
How does the deadly Venus flytrap snare – and dissolve – its prey?
Once this plant's trap doors close there's no chance of escape...
Blazing star discovered in cloud forests of Peru
A new and striking species of plant from the blazing star family has been found in the high-altitude forests of the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the powerful role citizen science can play in conservation.
The strange tree whose trunk is a rainbow of colour
Why the eucalyptus tree is a multicoloured piece of art
Which plants existed in prehistoric times?
We know plenty about the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth in prehistoric times. But what do we know about the plants that the herbivores ate? Stuart Blackman explains