JOLANDA DI SAVOIA, Italy (AP) — An unusual pest is ravaging crops and irking farmers in northeastern Italy: the flamingo.

For forensic ornithologist Carla Dove, examining the National Museum of Natural History’s vast collection of bird specimens—including laughing gulls (above)—is part of a day’s work.

Young birder Lahiru Walpita begins most of his days at dawn by scanning the skies for seabirds along the coastline in ...