There are probably more flightless birds than you think – Meet 11 curious - and often weird - land-based avian wonders
There are some birds that can't take to the sky, despite having wings. Discover 10 curious and wonderful birds that have lost the ability to fly
Could a hyena take on a lion? Nail-biting video shows close and fiercely-fought battle between these carnivorous predators
Hyenas are known for their scavenging nature – but could they take on and kill a lion if desperate? Evidence shows it's a fiercely-fought battle.
Do chimpanzees hold funerals? How chimps mourn their matriarch could provide lessons for human mental health
In a remarkable display of quiet contemplation, chimpanzees challenged our understanding of grief in the animal kingdom and prompted a re-evaluation of the importance of mourning in human societies
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.
Do animals get Down’s syndrome?
Ever wondered whether other animals (apart from humans) get Down's syndrome? Stuart Blackman takes a look.
Watch amazing video of a cute leopard cub sussing out a porcupine and testing the sharpness of its quills... Is it worth attacking?
Terminator pigs: These 2-metre-tall prehistoric monsters – with their bone-crushing jaws – were one of the most ferocious predators to have ever lived…
These huge, terrifying, prehistoric pig-like creatures were the t-Rex of their day, says Will Newton
Deep in the Malaysian forest, I found a prehistoric-looking insect that's left scientists puzzled for hundreds of years
The females also remain forever young – as they stay in a juvenile form – and contain plenty of unpleasant chemicals.
They can't vomit, one is poisonous and another is as heavy as a newborn baby - 11 amazing rat facts you (probably) don't know
Despite their slightly bad press, rats are intelligent and fascinating creatures. From their super-sensitive whiskers to their surprising ability to laugh, there's plenty to admire about these impressive animals
These animals may all be female, but that doesn't stop them enjoying sex – thanks to a bit of role play
Some whiptail species are completely female and have virgin births
Birds
This giant bird was once extinct in the UK but is wading through its wetlands again
As winter rolls into spring, the common crane sings and dances through Britain's wetlands once again, says Mike Dilger.
What's the biggest owl? Here's a clue – it has a colossal 2 metre wingspan
Did you know the largest owl in the world has a wingspan of around two metres?
A deep, resonant call is rising through the reedbeds of Britain
During spring, Britain's loudest bird booms out its mating call – and following a record-breaking year in 2024, it's a sound conservations hope will continue to grow.
US State of the Birds: 2025 report reveals steep and widespread declines
The new report shows that North American bird populations have plummeted by 30 per cent since the 1970s.
Here's why 15 giant birds were just released into Patagonia National Park
It's all part of the first international rewilding project to help save Darwin’s rheas in South America.
"Uncharted territory": soft tissue of ancient animal found entombed in volcanic rock near Rome
The 30,000-year-old remains display microscopic details of animal tissue, including eyelids and perfectly preserved feathers, say scientists
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
Monkey faces, naked men and swaddled babies: These are the weirdest flowers in the world
Nature has a wild imagination, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the world of flowers. From leaves shaped like lips to enormous flowers that smell of rotting flesh, these are some of the weirdest, most unusual flowers in the world
Are there any black flowers?
Wondering why we don't see black flowers? Phil Gates explains
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.