Imagine zooming out on a giant family tree that includes every bird you have ever seen. Ostriches sprint across open plains, hummingbirds hover at flowers, penguins slice through cold seas, and eagles ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. The ostrich is the tallest bird that inhabits the planet ...

Birding checklists and guide books often categorize birds based on the frequency with which they are seen. In Minnesota, a master checklist is kept by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU), ...