Bird calls are something we often take for granted. After all, when we listen to them, we hear squawks, warbles, and chirps. Could there actually be information, something complex, that they’re transmitting? Scientists now say “yes” after studying a fun-sounding bird from New Zealand—the pukeko.¹

Research into insect eyes continues to reveal amazing structure and function. For example, although fruit flies’ eyes are attached firmly to their heads, it was discovered that their retinas can move internally to smoothly track visual motion.¹