The Environment

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nests well to the north of us, but winters in Florida, other Gulf states, and the Caribbean. Older males tend to winter farther north, while females and first-year birds winter farther south. Males must return early to establish nesting territories and by staying farther north in winter, they are better able to deal with late cold weather sometimes encountered. Females return to breeding areas about a week later than males.Male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be identified by their red throat. Females and fledgling males have a white throat; young males begin to show red throat feathers early in their second year. Young sapsuckers have dark streaks on the side of the breast and belly; adults show a “cleaner” yellowish belly and distinct black bib on the breast.

Florida's House voted late Wednesday to establish the American flamingo as the new state bird, a step toward knocking the mockingbird off its perch after nearly a century. It wasn't immediately clear whether the Senate will go along with the plan.

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NPR reporters at the Milan opening ceremony layered up and took notes.

Despite issues with her heart, this octogenarian still competes in triathlons. She's proof that preventive medicine paired with smart lifestyle choices help seniors stay active longer.

What’s in a name?If it’s the name of the Florida Red-bellied Cooter, there’s a lot! This freshwater (and occasionally brackish water) turtle is found in calm water through most of Florida and into southern Georgia. “Red-bellied” describes most young adults, but as they age, their belly changes color and can be brown or yellow.And that name “cooter” – where did it come from and what does it mean? The name “cooter” is centuries old and it seems likely that it was the name used by slaves from west Africa. In their language, the name for turtle – is today spelled “kuta” and pronounced like “cooter.

Shelters open when the National Weather Service expects "feels like" temperatures to hit 40 degrees or below. Here's what to know.

This month a Southwest Florida icon is celebrating its 90th birthday. And it's doing so with its eye on what it hopes will be a bright and bold future. The Everglades Wonder Gardens opened in 1936, and still is a big visitor draw today.

Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.

A retrospective curated by the famed photographer is on now. Butcher is scheduled to speak at the museum later this month. You can check their website for details on that.