A.I. Came for Our Jobs, Our Art, and Our Souls. Now It’s Coming for Our Birds.

Last week, a viral Facebook post depicted a red-and-white bird labeled a “rare Red and White cardinal” due to gynandromorphism, but closer inspection revealed it to be an A.I.-generated fantasy. Fake bird images have become widespread on social media and ethical concerns arise. The flood of fake bird images can confuse and mislead people, causing harm to the integrity of information online. However, tools like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library exist to help people discern real from fake bird content.