The Science of Birds
The Science of Birds is a lighthearted exploration of bird biology. It's a fun resource for any birder or naturalist who wants to learn more about ornithology. Impress your birding friends at cocktail parties with all of your new bird knowledge! Hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, a professional birding guide and passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.
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Herring Gulls
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In this episode?which is number 126?Ivan Phillipsen heads to the seashore to explore the iconic Herring Gulls whose calls define the soundscape of coasts across North America and Europe. Listeners meet not just one but two species: the American Herring Gull and the European Herring Gull, nearly identical in appearance but with a surprisingly twisty evolutionary backstory.
Ivan breaks down what makes these gulls such compelling birds: their ?menacing? expressions, complex vocal repertoire, opportunistic diets (including bags of Doritos), and clever foraging tricks like dropping clams from the air and tap-dancing for earthworms. He also looks at how these gulls live and raise their young?forming long-term pair bonds, nesting in dense gulleries, and fiercely defending their territories in ways that some unlucky humans have experienced up close.
Once persecuted, then booming, and now declining in some regions, these birds tell a story that?s far more complicated than being ?just seagulls.?
Links of Interest
A Herring Gull ?foot pattering? on grass [VIDEO]Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
Bird Merch - See the NEW shirt designs!
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Random Bird Thursday: A Species with an Executioner?s Axe for a Face
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
?? SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the White-thighed Hornbill (Bycanistes albotibialis)
White-thighed Hornbill sounds (Xeno Canto recording XC617118)
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How Birds Breathe: The Avian Respiratory System
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This is Episode 125. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners inside the amazing respiratory system of birds. He starts by grounding the topic in familiar territory?how mammal lungs work?before revealing how different the avian system really is.
The episode walks through the unique division of labor between birds? small, rigid lungs and their large air sacs, and explains the elegant, one-way flow of air that keeps oxygen constantly moving across gas exchange surfaces.
The episode also looks back in time, exploring how this respiratory design first evolved. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation of what?s happening inside every bird with each breath.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
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Random Bird Thursday: A Sparrow-sized Drummer from the Neotropics
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
?? SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus)
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Mockingbirds and Thrashers
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This is Episode 124. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes you on a tour of Mimidae?the New World family that includes mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds, and tremblers. He describes the key features of these songbirds and what sets them apart.
Ivan explores the sounds that make this family famous: rich, extended songs, dazzling vocal control, and?for many species?impressive mimicry.
You'll also learn about mimid diversity and evolution, from North American backyards to Caribbean islands and desert specialists of the Southwest, plus a look at conservation challenges facing some species.
Links of Interest
Northern Mockingbird Wing Flashing [VIDEO]Catbird singing [VIDEO]Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Random Bird Thursday: A Fatally Fearless Bird That Seems to Swallow Basketballs
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
?? SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the Arabian Bustard (Aredotis arabs).
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Bird Subspecies: Another Layer of Diversity
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In Episode 123 Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating world of subspecies?the diversity that exists within bird species. Learn how these populations arise, why ornithologists sometimes struggle to define them, and what makes the concept so important for both science and conservation.
From the record-breaking Island Thrush, once thought to have more subspecies than any other bird, to chickadees, sparrows, and hawks closer to home, Ivan shares examples that highlight just how complex and surprising intraspecific variation can be. Along the way, he touches on genetics, evolution, and the challenges of naming and classifying birds in a way that truly reflects reality.
Whether you?re a birder, a naturalist, or just curious about how new species begin, this episode offers a look at the ?gray zone? between populations and species?and why it matters for birding, science, and conservation.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Random Bird Thursday: A Master of the Sky That Flies Fast and Far
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
?? SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus).
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Sage Grouse
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This is Episode 122. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners into the vast sagebrush steppe of western North America and introduces the remarkable birds that call it home?the sage grouse. These birds are icons of the American West, tightly bound to a rugged ecosystem that covers nearly a third of the lower 48 states.
Ivan explores how sage grouse have evolved to thrive on a diet of sagebrush?plants laced with bitter, toxic chemicals that most animals avoid. From their unusual digestive adaptations to their elaborate courtship displays, these birds reveal fascinating strategies for survival in a tough landscape.
Listeners will learn about the two species of sage grouse, their distinctive appearances and behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face today.
Links of Interest
Body-popping sage grouse - Nature's Greatest Dancers - BBC [VIDEO]Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
Bird Merch - See the NEW shirt designs!
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Random Bird Thursday: An Orange and Black Species With Females That Like to Sing
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.
?? SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus).
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From the Field: Japan
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This is Episode 121. In this unscripted ?From the Field? episode, host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners on an immersive, unscripted journey through his recent month-long travels in Japan. Splitting his time between scouting for a future birding tour and exploring for fun, Ivan revisits the country for the first time since spending a formative summer there as an 11-year-old.
He reflects on Japan?s geography, climate, and rich biogeographic history, from its tectonic origins to its unique mix of endemic species, setting the stage for the birding adventures that unfold.
Ivan?s travels span Tokyo?s green spaces, the slopes of Mount Fuji, the rice paddies and alps of central Honshu, and the wild northern landscapes of Hokkaido. Along the way, he shares encounters with both common and rare birds?species like Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Japanese Grosbeak, Masked Bunting, Narcissus Flycatcher, and the iconic Red-crowned Crane.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Random Bird Thursday: A Mostly Motionless Bird with Walrus Tusks
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the idea is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they deserve some appreciation and attention.
SPOILER ALERT!
The featured species in this episode is the White-whiskered Puffbird.
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Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025
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In this episode?which is Number 120?Ivan answers questions sent in by listeners. So this is what we call an ?Ask Me Anything? (AMA) episode.
The listeners who get to contribute questions for these Ask Me Anything episodes are members of the Science of Birds community on Patreon. There are several tiers of support that people can join, and at the Helpful Hornbill and Awesome Osprey level, one perk is getting to contribute questions for episodes like this one.
So if you?d like to have Ivan answer your bird questions in a future episode, consider signing up on the Patreon page, and become a Helpful Hornbill or an Awesome Osprey.
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Random Bird Thursday: A Naughty Yet Agreeable Seabird
This is the first ever Random Bird Thursday! Ivan is experimenting with publishing these shorter, unscripted episodes. In each Random Bird Thursday episode, the idea is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they deserve some appreciation and attention.
Random Bird Thursday episodes will be in addition to the normal, long-form episodes. Enjoy, and let Ivan know what you think!
Links of Interest
Courtship Rituals [VIDEO]SPOILER: The randomly selected species today is the Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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From the Field: Mongolia
This is Episode 119. In this unscripted ?From the Field? episode, host Ivan Phillipsen takes you on a journey through the grasslands, forests, and mountains of Mongolia. Fresh from a ten-day scouting trip in central Mongolia, Ivan recounts his experience scouting for a future birding tour.
Along the way, he explores ancient ruins, crosses epic landscapes, and shares observations of unique habitats like the Eastern Steppe, the Daurian Forest Steppe, and the Trans-Baikal Conifer Forests.
Ivan highlights some of the most thrilling bird and wildlife encounters of the trip, from charismatic Steppe Eagles and Demoiselle Cranes to critically endangered Siberian Cranes, and the iconic Przewalski?s Wild Horse.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the world?s wilder places, this episode offers a look at Mongolia?s ecology, avifauna, and wildlife. Learn more about Ivan?s upcoming Mongolia tour at wildlatitudes.com.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Three of the World's Weirdest Bird Species
Ivan was a recent guest on Just the Zoo of Us, a fun podcast about animals. The full conversation between Ivan and Host Ellen Weatherford is included in this special episode. They talk about three of the world's weirdest bird species.
Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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How to Identify Birds in the Field
In this practical episode about birding skills, Ivan Phillipsen dives into the process of bird identification. Listeners are introduced to a five-step framework for figuring out which bird species they?re observing. Ivan walks through how to use shape, location, behavior, coloration, and detailed field marks to gradually narrow down a bird?s identity.
The episode highlights how our brains are naturally equipped to categorize and name things, and how even beginners often know more about birds than they realize. Ivan encourages listeners to start locally, study bird families, and pay attention to habitats and seasonal patterns.
While modern technology like the Merlin Bird ID app can fast-track identification, Ivan makes a case for the joy and deeper learning that come from using traditional methods. He acknowledges the real-world challenges of tricky species groups, vagrants, and hybrids, but invites listeners to embrace these challenges as part of the journey. Bird ID, he reminds us, is not just a means to an end?it?s one of the most rewarding aspects of birding itself.
Links of Interest
Birding by Impression [BOOK]The Art of Bird Identification [BOOK]Peterson Guide to Bird Identification?in 12 Steps [BOOK]
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Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers
In this episode, Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners on an immersive journey into the strange and secretive world of birds in the family Caprimulgidae. These cryptically colored, nocturnal birds include nightjars, nighthawks, poorwills, and whip-poor-wills. Ivan reveals the fascinating biology of this group?everything from their frog-like gapes to their odd names and eerie calls.
Listeners will learn about the distinctive physical traits and behaviors that define caprimulgids, including their specialized eyes for low-light vision, aerial insect-hunting strategies, and mating displays involving wing claps and booming dives. Ivan also explores their global distribution, evolutionary history, and conservation status, while highlighting standout species like the Lyre-tailed Nightjar, the Common Poorwill, and the elusive?and possibly nonexistent?Nechisar Nightjar.
This deep dive into Caprimulgidae is packed with scientific insights and fun facts. Whether it?s unpacking myths of goat-milking birds or listening to spooky vocalizations from around the world, the episode celebrates the mystique and diversity of these birds that thrive in the twilight.
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How to Find Birds
In this episode?which is number 115?Ivan Phillipsen guides listeners through the art and science of finding birds?a skill that even seasoned birders are always refining. While birds are everywhere, intentionally locating them in nature can be surprisingly difficult. Ivan breaks down bird-finding as a multi-scale strategy, starting from intercontinental trip planning all the way down to spotting a skulky sparrow in a dense bush. With insight from a decade of leading birding tours and inspiration from Pete Dunne?s book The Art of Bird Finding, this episode is packed with practical tips.
Learn how to use digital tools like eBird, iNaturalist, and Google Maps to research hotspots and track species movements. Ivan also explores daily and seasonal bird activity patterns, offering advice on when and where to look based on habitat, weather, and migration timing. Real-world examples?from birding trips in Chile to last-minute local outings?illustrate how preparation can dramatically boost your chances of success.
The episode includes a look at field techniques, including how to scan effectively with your eyes and ears, the importance of subtle movement, and how to use binoculars without missing your target. Ivan also discusses ethical considerations around using playback and the dynamics of birding in a group. Whether you?re new to birding or chasing your 5,000th lifer, this episode has tools, tips, and inspiration to sharpen your skills in the field.
Links of Interest
The Art of Bird Finding [BOOK]
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Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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The Osprey
In this episode?which is Number 114?host Ivan Phillipsen dives into the world of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)?a bird that?s all about fish. With a global distribution and a singular place in the avian family tree, the Osprey is both biologically unique and instantly recognizable. Ivan explores this raptor?s physical traits, from its distinctive wing shape to its powerful, semi-zygodactyl feet designed for grabbing slippery prey.
Listeners will also learn about the Osprey?s evolutionary history, its cosmopolitan range, and the adaptations that allow it to thrive on a diet of pretty much just fish. The episode touches on the Osprey?s conservation story?one of dramatic decline and hopeful recovery?underscoring how this bird serves as a vital indicator of aquatic ecosystem health.
Whether you?ve seen an Osprey hover over a lake or are just discovering this raptor for the first time, this episode offers a deep, fascinating look at one of the most iconic birds on the planet.
Links of Interest
Osprey in Scotland diving in slow-motion [VIDEO]Bald Eagle steals fish from Osprey [VIDEO]
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Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Traditional Field Guides vs. Mobile Apps: A Birder's Dilemma
In this episode?which is number 113?host Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating crossroads of tradition and technology in the world of birding. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, he dives into the enduring charm of printed bird field guides and the meteoric rise of mobile birding apps. Whether you?re a seasoned birder with a weathered Sibley guide or a tech-savvy explorer armed with Merlin, this episode will resonate with your bird-loving heart.
Ivan takes listeners on a thoughtful tour of how both tools have evolved over time?from the early days of illustrated field books to the AI-powered, globe-spanning apps of today. Each format is examined through multiple lenses: usability, identification features, natural history information, and emotional value.
As the episode unfolds, listeners are invited to weigh in on this modern dilemma: pages or pixels? The conversation raises important questions about the future of birdwatching tools and what they mean for the next generation of birders.
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From the Field: Patagonia
In this "From the Field" episode, which is number 112, host Ivan Phillipsen shares his recent experiences birding in Patagonia while leading a two-week tour through this remote and breathtaking region. Speaking from Puerto Varas, Chile, he provides an immersive account of the landscapes, birdlife, and unique ecology of Patagonia, spanning both Argentina and Chile.
Ivan explores the geography of the region, highlighting the towering Andes, vast Patagonian Steppe, and dramatic glacial fjords. He also dives into the region?s ecological dynamics, including the stark contrast between the lush Magellanic subpolar forests and the arid steppe, shaped by the relentless Patagonian winds.
Ivan recounts the group?s birding adventures, from the southernmost city of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park to the legendary Beagle Channel, where they encountered Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. Throughout the journey, the group pursued an ambitious goal?spotting all eight bird species with ?Magellanic? in their name.
Ivan also highlights memorable moments, such as an unforgettable sighting of a Snowy Sheathbill, a leucistic (partially albino) Scale-throated Earthcreeper, and a massive Andean Condor scavenging scene on the Patagonian Steppe.
Ivan reflects on why this wild and remote region captivates him, from its evolutionary history and glacial landscapes to its unique yet sparse biodiversity.
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Crossbills
In this episode, which is number 111, Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating world of crossbills, a unique group of finches with an extraordinary beak adaptation. These birds, found across North America, Europe, and Asia, use their specialized crossed bills to extract seeds from conifer cones?a skill few other birds possess.
Ivan discusses the six recognized crossbill species, their distinct feeding strategies, and how their beaks evolved for this specialized diet.
The episode highlights the complex classification of crossbills, particularly the Red Crossbill, which has multiple "call types" that may represent different evolutionary paths. Ivan explains how these birds are nomadic, moving vast distances in search of conifer seed crops, and how some species, like the Cassia Crossbill, have adapted to specific tree species. The episode also covers the recent debate in the ornithological community about whether certain crossbill populations should be considered full species. Additionally, Ivan discusses how crossbills? courtship behavior, nesting habits, and vocalizations vary among species.
Links of Interest
Crossbills of North America: Species and Red Crossbill Call TypesWhite-winged Crossbill feeding [VIDEO]
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Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
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Cooperative Breeding in Birds
In this episode?which is number 110?Ivan explores the fascinating world of cooperative breeding in birds, a system in which multiple adults help raise young in a group setting. He begins with an intriguing story from the Kalahari Desert, where Southern Pied-Babblers resort to ?chicknapping? during droughts to bolster their flock size.
Ivan then broadens the discussion, examining the global distribution of cooperative breeding among bird species and the evolutionary mechanisms that drive this behavior. He introduces key scientific concepts, such as inclusive fitness and kin selection, to explain why some birds delay their own reproduction to assist relatives. Additionally, he covers various hypotheses, from ecological constraints to life history strategies, that influence the evolution of this breeding system. Featured examples of cooperative breeders in the episode include the Florida Scrub-Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, and Superb Fairywren, each of which showcases the complexity and diversity of this strategy in different environments.
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From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan
The final installment of "From the Field" episodes from Ivan's 2.5-month journey through Asia. In this episode he describes his experiences in the Himalayan countries of Nepal and Bhutan.
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From the Field: Birding in China
Ivan shares his birding experiences and impressions from an amazing 3-week adventure through the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
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From the Field: Birds and Birding in Vietnam and Cambodia
Recorded in a hotel room in China, Ivan shares his recent birding and travel experiences in the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.
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From the Field: How My Life Became All About Birds
From a hotel in Vietnam, Ivan tells the tale of how he created a career centered on birds and birding.
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Mergansers
This is Episode 105. It?s all about a small group of birds called mergansers. These are diving ducks known for their skill at catching fish. They have long, slender bills with serrated edges, earning them the nickname "sawbills."
Maybe you?re familiar with these birds. Maybe you?re already a big fan. Or maybe you didn?t know they existed until just now. Either way, our goal today is to learn a lot more about Common Mergansers and their close relatives.
There are five species that we call mergansers. And there?s another species in this group that?s called the Smew. The Smew is sort of an honorary merganser.
The six species we?re looking at today are divided among 3 genera.
Of all the ducks in the world, mergansers are the species that depend the most on fish. So not surprisingly, they?re excellent divers and swimmers.
Links of Interest
Merganser Duckling Swimming at High Speed [VIDEO]Red-breasted Merganser Courtship Display [VIDEO]Hooded Merganser Courtship Display [VIDEO]Hooded Merganser Chicks Jumping Out of Nest [VIDEO]Red-breasted and Common Mergansers herding fish [VIDEO]
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Earlham College - A fantastic place to get an education, especially if you love birds
Bird Merch - See the NEW shirt designs!
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Bird Habitat: Rocky Shores and Sandy Beaches
This episode?which is Number 104?is all about rocky shores and sandy beaches as bird habitat. These environments offer birds very different resources and challenges. We explore the geology behind these habitats?how high-energy waves shape rocky cliffs and headlands, while the deposition of sediment builds up sandy beaches. Alongside this, we discuss the dynamic interaction between birds and their coastal homes, and how species like gulls, shorebirds, and seabirds have adapted to thrive in these unique settings.
The episode highlights the incredible diversity of bird species found along coastlines worldwide. From puffins nesting on rocky sea cliffs to plovers skittering across sandy beaches, coastal birds have developed specialized feeding and breeding behaviors to survive in their often harsh environments. We also examine how tides and wave energy shape the coastal ecosystem and offer rich feeding opportunities for birds during migration and in their non-breeding seasons.
Finally, we touch on the many challenges coastal birds face from human activity?habitat destruction, disturbance, pollution, and climate change?all of which threaten these delicate ecosystems. But amidst the challenges, coastal environments remain awe-inspiring places for birdwatching, providing opportunities to witness some of the most dramatic bird spectacles on Earth.
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New World and African Parrots
In this episode?which is Number 103?we enter the fascinating world of parrots, focusing on species in the family Psittacidae, which includes New World parrots and some African species. We look at key parrot traits like their zygodactyl feet, strong beaks, plumage, and vocalizations.
We'll also learn about the remarkable intelligence and social behaviors of parrots, their diversity, and their evolutionary history, tracing their origins back to Gondwana and their eventual spread to South America and Africa.
Finally, we look at what psittacid parrots eat and how they breed.
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The Common Kingfisher
In this episode?which is Number 102?we dive into the fascinating world of the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), a small but mighty bird known for its striking blue and orange plumage and remarkable fish-hunting skills. We'll look at this species' behavior, from its iconic plunges into water to catch prey, to how it breeds, including courtship rituals, nest-building, and the challenges of raising chicks.
Learn about the kingfisher's diet and foraging strategies, including how it deals with challenges like refraction at the water?s surface to accurately target its prey. Additionally, I touch on the habitat and global distribution of the Common Kingfisher.
This episode offers a fun exploration of one of the most beloved birds in Eurasia. Tune in to learn more about the "Prince of Piscivory."
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The Evolution of Feathers
This is Episode 101. Today, we trace the origins of feathers back millions of years, exploring how they evolved from simple filaments to the complex structures we see in modern birds. We delve into the discovery of feathered dinosaurs like Archaeopteryx and the numerous fossil finds in northeastern China during the 1990s. These discoveries revealed that many non-avian dinosaurs sported feathers of various types and complexities, indicating that feathers were not unique to birds but were a common feature among many dinosaur lineages.
The evolutionary journey of feathers showcases their initial roles in insulation, display, and possibly tactile sensation, long before they were adapted for flight.
Join me as we walk through the Five-Stage Model of feather evolution, which parallels feather development in modern birds. This episode is a deep dive into the intricate and mesmerizing story of how feathers came to be.
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100th Episode Celebration!
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Science of Birds Podcast! I'm thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you. In this special episode, I reflect on the journey of creating this podcast, sharing some insights and gratitude for all of you, my listeners.
I also highlight three of my favorite bird species: the vibrant Green Jay, the Torrent Duck, and Egyptian Vulture.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to share my plans for the future of The Science of Birds. Thank you for being part of this journey, and here's to many more episodes to come!
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Cormorants and Shags
In this episode?which is Number 99?we dive into the fascinating world of cormorants and shags, members of the avian family Phalacrocoracidae. These sleek, hook-billed birds are known for their distinctive silhouettes, often seen drying their wings on seaside cliffs or wetland trees. Cormorants and shags have a long history of varied human interactions, from being vilified and hunted to being revered and even trained to catch fish.
These birds are exceptional divers, utilizing their streamlined bodies and webbed feet to hunt underwater. Their feathers are less waterproof than those of other aquatic birds, which aids in diving but necessitates their iconic wing-drying behavior. Cormorants can be found across the world, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal cliffs to freshwater lakes.
They face significant conservation challenges. Human persecution and disturbances, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten several species, some of which are critically endangered.
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Bird Brains
This episode?which is Number 98?delves into the fascinating world of the avian brain. Despite the long-standing misconception that "bird brain" equates to being unintelligent, recent scientific research reveals that birds possess remarkably sophisticated brains, rivaling the intelligence of primates and even humans in some respects. By tracing the evolutionary paths of both mammals and birds from a common ancestor, I explain how birds have developed unique brain structures that enable complex thought processes, decision-making, and problem-solving.
We'll explore the anatomical intricacies of a bird's brain, breaking down its basic architecture into the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. I highlight the critical role of structures like the hyperpallium and the dorsal ventricular ridge in enabling advanced cognitive abilities. Additionally, the discussion touches on brain plasticity, neuron density, and the specific regions involved in vocalization and memory.
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Bluebirds
This is Episode 97. It?s all about bluebirds: the three North American species in the genus Sialia: The Eastern Bluebird, Western Bluebird, and Mountain Bluebird.
For centuries, these beloved birds have been celebrated in paintings, poems, songs, and Disney cartoons.
The Eastern Bluebird is the state bird of Missouri and New York, while the Mountain Bluebird is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada.
And, apparently, the Mountain Bluebird was the inspiration for the original Twitter logo.
But bluebirds aren?t just cultural icons. They?ve also become valuable study subjects for scientists in the fields of ornithology and general biology. Research on these little birds has led to insights about the way the natural world works?from evolution, to ecology, behavior, diseases, and genetics.
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Answers to Your Questions About Birds - AMA - Vol 4
In this episode?which is Number 96?I?ll be answering questions sent by my listeners. So this is what we call an ?Ask Me Anything? (AMA) episode.
I enjoy doing these, and it?s so interesting to see what sorts of questions people have about birds.
The listeners who get to contribute questions for these Ask Me Anything episodes are members of my community on Patreon. There are several tiers of support that people can join, and at the Helpful Hornbill and Awesome Osprey level, one perks is getting to ask questions for episodes like this one.
So if you?d like to have me answer your bird questions in a future episode, consider signing up on my Patreon page, and become a Helpful Hornbill or an Awesome Osprey.
I got lots of participation this time and some great questions. Many of the questions submitted are about things I hadn?t thought about before. Some of them are sort of out of left field? Which is so cool. The curiosity and unique perspectives of my listeners?you guys?drive me to expand my own understanding of birds. And I love that!
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Male Montezuma Oropendola song and bow display [VIDEO]
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Spoonbills
This episode?which is number 95?is all about spoonbills.
There are six spoonbill species in the world, all of which belong to the genus Platalea. The unique beak of spoonbills sets them apart from pretty much all other birds. What is the advantage of having a bill shaped like that? We'll answer that question in this episode.
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The Avian Digestive System
This episode?which is Number 94? is all about the Avian Digestive System. That?s right, kids, we?re looking at bird guts today!
If you?ve ever wondered what happens to a fish swallowed by a kingfisher or what happened to that piece of bacon swiped off your lunch plate by a cheeky Ring-billed Gull... Well, you're about to find out.
I?ll do my best to describe in words the anatomical features we encounter today. But I?ve also drawn a diagram for you. You can check that out on the show notes for this episode on the Science of Birds website.
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House Sparrow
This episode?which is number 93?is all about the the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), one of the world?s best known and most abundant birds. It expanded across the planet along with humans over the last 10,000 years, with the spread of agriculture. Today, this plucky little bird is a model organism for the study of basic bird biology. Over 7,000 scientific studies of the House Sparrow have been published.
In this episode, we?ll get into what this species looks and sounds like, where it lives, its behavior, its breeding biology, and more.
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Bird Habitat: Deserts
This episode?which is Number 92?is all about the value of desert ecosystems as habitats for birds.
Deserts are important for the birds that are adapted to live in them?birds that can handle the harsh conditions.
Deserts are home to relatively few bird species. Only the polar regions and maybe some parts of the open ocean have less bird diversity.
Even if a bird species can handle the extremes of heat and cold in a desert, the desiccating winds, and the lack of water, that bird may not find much food.
Because where there are few plants, there are few invertebrates. So a bird in the desert can have a hard time finding any leaves, seeds, fruit, or bugs to eat.
And yet, an assortment of bird species from many disparate families have managed to carve out an existence in the world?s most arid lands. There may be nowhere near as many of them as in, say, a tropical rainforest or a temperate woodland?
BUT, the birds we do find in the desert are, I think, a particularly fascinating and admirable bunch. They?re tough little buggers. They?re resilient. Desert birds have interesting adaptations and behaviors that allow them to survive in places that would kill most other birds in a day.
CORRECTIONS: I realized after I recorded this episode that I mispronounced the names of the Namib and Thar deserts. Namib should be pronounced "NAH-mib." Thar is pronounced "Tar."
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Grayish Miner in the Atacama Desert [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
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Chickadees, Tits, and Titmice
This is Episode 91. It?s all about birds in the family Paridae. These are the chickadees, tits, and titmice?cute little forest-dwelling songbirds known and loved by many people around the world.
I?ve had a lot of requests to make a podcast episode about chickadees and their kind. Some species in this family are familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders. They?re highly active, vocal, bold, and sometimes quite confiding with people. It?s possible to gain the trust of tits and chickadees of some species by feeding them seeds out of the palm of your hand.
These birds not only visit bird feeders regularly, at least in winter, but they?ll also happily lay eggs in artificial nest boxes. All of these traits make birds in the Paridae family great subjects for scientists who want to study bird behavior and ecology.
So chickadees, tits, and titmice are among the most well-studied songbirds on the planet. Lucky for us here on The Science of Birds podcast, that means there?s a lot we can learn about them
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Ground Tit [VIDEO]
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Flowers and Feathers: The Importance of Birds as Pollinators
This is Episode 90 and it?s all about the importance of birds as plant pollinators.
If I had to use only one word for the topic of this episode, it would be ornithophily. The definition of ornithophily is ?the pollination of flowers by birds.?
Today, I?ll be focusing mostly on the ecological relationships between plants and the birds that pollinate them. Another way to look at all of this would be through the lens of evolution?the fascinating ways that plants and birds have co-evolved with respect to pollination.
I?ll make another podcast episode, at some point, about bird and plant co-evolution. We?ll touch on it today, but the main focus is ecology.
Pollination ecology is actually an entire subdiscipline that many scientists have dedicated their careers to studying. It?s really interesting stuff!
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Fascinating Things We Learned About Birds Last Year
This is Episode 89. I?m publishing it right at the beginning of 2024, and it's a review of some fascinating things that happened in the world of ornithology and bird conservation over the last 12 months, in 2023.
Naturally, this isn?t an exhaustive review of every scientific discovery about birds in 2023. That would be too much. An exhaustive review would be, well, exhausting. Maybe not for you, but definitely for me.
Instead, I?ll tell you about a handful of studies and projects that I think you?ll find interesting. These gems were hand-selected by me for your educational pleasure.
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Owls
This episode?which is number 88?is all about owls. Owls are fascinating birds that have captured our imaginations since the dawn of humankind. They have amazing camouflage that allows them to blend in with their surroundings, and they have several other avian superpowers that set them apart from all other birds.
Owls are divided into two families?Tytonidae and Strigidae?and we'll be discussing both of them today.
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Avian Rebrand: New Names for Many North American Birds
This episode?which is Number 87?is all about some big news in the birding world. The common names for about 150 North American bird species are going to change in the not-too-distant future.
This comes from an announcement made by the American Ornithological Society just a few weeks ago, on November 1st.
I couldn?t pass up the chance to talk about this. It?s a hot topic among birders right now. People have been asking me what I think about all these birds getting renamed. And so here we are.
If you?re hearing about this for the first time, and you don?t know what I?m talking about, don?t worry?I?ll explain.
Yes, this is primarily relevant to birds and the humans who love them in the Western Hemisphere. Mostly North America for now.
But similar changes may be on the horizon for your local birds, wherever you live. So I think you?ll find this interesting, even if you don?t live in the US or Canada.
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American Ornithological Society (AOS) Council Statement on English Bird NamesAOS Community Congress on English Bird Names [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
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Bird Beaks: The Right Tool for the Job
This episode?which is Number 86?is all about bird beaks.
This will be an overview of beak anatomy, function, evolution, and diversity.
The head of every bird on Earth is adorned with a beak. A bill. And to the delight of us all, those beaks come in a wild variety of shapes and colors.
Just picture the mugs of toucans, vultures, ducks, parrots, flamingos, and pelicans.
The diversity of beak shapes like these is one of the fascinating things about birds.
Birds use their beaks for all sorts of tasks. These appendages are vital tools, used for getting food, for grooming, for communication, and more.
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Meadowlarks
This episode?which is Number 85?is about the Meadowlarks of the world.
And it?s not just those three North American species: the Western, Eastern, and Chihuahuan.
There are actually 8 bird species we call meadowlarks. The other five are found primarily in South America. We?ll be talking about them today, too.
Meadowlarks belong to the New World Blackbird family, Icteridae. This family includes birds like Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, and the Great-tailed Grackle.
There?s a lot to admire about meadowlarks. The 3 yellow-breasted and 5 red-breasted meadowlark species bring color and music to the windswept grasslands of the Americas.
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Saving Bird Species From the Brink of Extinction
This is Episode 84. Our topic today is the challenge of saving bird species that are very close to extinction. Species like the Spix?s Macaw, which have tiny global populations?whether in the wild, or in captivity.
Other familiar examples are the California Condor and the Whooping Crane, whose populations bottomed out at 22 and 23, respectively. Rigorous conservation programs have since given these two North American species a fighting chance at long-term survival.
This episode is about species that we almost lost forever, but with great effort we?ve kept them from disappearing.
Many of these species, like the California Condor, aren?t out of the woods yet. They may be in better shape now than they were a couple of decades ago, but they still need lots of help.
In this episode, we?re first going to look at some of the biggest challenges faced by conservationists as they try to save species on the brink.
Second, we?ll talk about the tools and methods used to save birds.
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