Knowledge may help fine-tune conservation messages
Source: Cornell University
Cross-referencing a decade of Google searches and citizen science observations, researchers have determined which of 621 North American bird species are currently the most popular and which characteristics of species drive human interest.
People do more Google searches for owls than any other type of bird
In general, large birds, such as hawks and grouse drew more attention than small birds. People also expressed more interest in birds that visit feeders, are endangered, or have been chosen as sports team mascots.
In addition, researchers found that owls, more than any other group of birds, were the subject of public curiosity.