The Science of Birds Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:08:07 -0500 https://scienceofbirds.com/ en-us © 2026 The Science of Birds yes Support this Podcast a6fccd23-2870-5dd9-96db-4b40adab71fb ivan@scienceofbirds.com Ivan Phillipsen episodic false 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.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) birds,birding,birdwatching,biology,natural history,science Ivan Phillipsen ivan@scienceofbirds.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/j5tuoa47by1jxbk6btvd4hocsbw9?.jpg The Science of Birds https://scienceofbirds.com/ Cuckoos Cuckoos 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

In this episode, host Ivan Phillipsen dives into the diverse and sometimes mysterious world of the avian family Cuculidae. While the family is famous for the iconic call of the Common Cuckoo and cultural icons like the Cocoa Puffs mascot, it also includes a wide array of other fascinating birds such as roadrunners, coucals, couas, anis, and malkohas.

Learn about the unique biological traits and behaviors that define this cosmopolitan group. From their distinctive zygodactyl feet and plumage variations to their innate, genetically-programmed vocalizations. The episode also highlights the famous behavior of brood parasitism—where some cuckoos leave their young to be raised by other species—as well as the physical adaptations that allow others to thrive as terrestrial sprinters or arboreal skulkers.

Links of Interest

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

In this episode, host Ivan Phillipsen dives into the diverse and sometimes mysterious world of the avian family Cuculidae. While the family is famous for the iconic call of the Common Cuckoo and cultural icons like the Cocoa Puffs mascot, it also includes a wide array of other fascinating birds such as roadrunners, coucals, couas, anis, and malkohas.

Learn about the unique biological traits and behaviors that define this cosmopolitan group. From their distinctive zygodactyl feet and plumage variations to their innate, genetically-programmed vocalizations. The episode also highlights the famous behavior of brood parasitism—where some cuckoos leave their young to be raised by other species—as well as the physical adaptations that allow others to thrive as terrestrial sprinters or arboreal skulkers.

Links of Interest

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cuckoos-family-cuculidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18744806 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0800 3867 diversity 129 full false Random Bird Thursday: An Antisocial Bottom-Feeder from the Antipodes Random Bird Thursday: An Antisocial Bottom-Feeder from the Antipodes 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 Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes).

Support the show

]]> 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 Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes).

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18521290 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800 951 diversity full false Avian Navigation: How Birds Find Their Way Avian Navigation: How Birds Find Their Way 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

This is Episode 128. How does a bird travel thousands of miles across the globe only to return to the exact same backyard or nest site year after year? This episode explores the fascinating science behind avian navigation. Learn the difference between simple orientation and "true navigation," uncovering how birds reach specific destinations they have never even visited before.

The discussion dives into the bird’s "map-and-compass" toolkit, highlighting a range of incredible adaptations. From internal biological clocks and genetic blueprints to the ability to "see" magnetic fields through quantum physics, the episode breaks down how birds interpret the world around them. Whether they are tracking the sun, the stars, or even atmospheric scents, birds take a multi-sensory approach to get from one place to another.

Finally, the episode examines the role of experience versus instinct, explaining how juvenile birds navigate their first solo journeys and how seasoned adults build complex mental maps of the planet.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

This is Episode 128. How does a bird travel thousands of miles across the globe only to return to the exact same backyard or nest site year after year? This episode explores the fascinating science behind avian navigation. Learn the difference between simple orientation and "true navigation," uncovering how birds reach specific destinations they have never even visited before.

The discussion dives into the bird’s "map-and-compass" toolkit, highlighting a range of incredible adaptations. From internal biological clocks and genetic blueprints to the ability to "see" magnetic fields through quantum physics, the episode breaks down how birds interpret the world around them. Whether they are tracking the sun, the stars, or even atmospheric scents, birds take a multi-sensory approach to get from one place to another.

Finally, the episode examines the role of experience versus instinct, explaining how juvenile birds navigate their first solo journeys and how seasoned adults build complex mental maps of the planet.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18519320 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800 2239 ecology, behavior 128 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Fire-Loving Songbird Adorned with Black Oil Drops Random Bird Thursday: A Fire-Loving Songbird Adorned with Black Oil Drops 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 Groundscraper Thrush (Turdus litsitsirupa)

Groundscraper Thrush sounds: Wikimedia file and Xeno Canto recording XC347146)

Support the show

]]> 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 Groundscraper Thrush (Turdus litsitsirupa)

Groundscraper Thrush sounds: Wikimedia file and Xeno Canto recording XC347146)

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18472498 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800 970 full false What We Learned About Birds in 2025 What We Learned About Birds in 2025 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

Episode 127 of The Science of Birds is Ivan Phillipsen’s annual review of fascinating ornithology stories from 2025. Learn about a handful of standout studies that deepened what we know about birds, from major developments in global bird taxonomy to surprising insights about behavior, evolution, and conservation.

After a few featured deeper dives, the episode shifts into a rapid-fire “Speed Round,” spotlighting a flurry of bite-sized discoveries.

The episode wraps with some notable 2025 taxonomy updates (splits, lumps, and reclassifications) and a brief personal year-in-review for Ivan and the podcast itself.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

Episode 127 of The Science of Birds is Ivan Phillipsen’s annual review of fascinating ornithology stories from 2025. Learn about a handful of standout studies that deepened what we know about birds, from major developments in global bird taxonomy to surprising insights about behavior, evolution, and conservation.

After a few featured deeper dives, the episode shifts into a rapid-fire “Speed Round,” spotlighting a flurry of bite-sized discoveries.

The episode wraps with some notable 2025 taxonomy updates (splits, lumps, and reclassifications) and a brief personal year-in-review for Ivan and the podcast itself.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/annual-review-what-we-learned-about-birds-in-2025 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18444640 Sat, 03 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0800 2564 127 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Worm-slurping Mud-runner From Siberia Random Bird Thursday: A Worm-slurping Mud-runner From Siberia 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 Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus)

Asian Dowitcher sounds (Xeno Canto recordings XC349045 and XC806613)

Support the show

]]> 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 Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus)

Asian Dowitcher sounds (Xeno Canto recordings XC349045 and XC806613)

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18341041 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0800 1339 full false Herring Gulls Herring Gulls 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/herring-gulls-larus-smithsonianus-argentatus Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18296484 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0800 2709 diversity 126 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Species with an Executioner’s Axe for a Face 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)

Support the show

]]> 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)

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18265233 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800 901 diversity full false How Birds Breathe: The Avian Respiratory System How Birds Breathe: The Avian Respiratory System 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-birds-breathe-the-avian-respiratory-system Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18214281 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0800 2203 anatomy 125 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Sparrow-sized Drummer from the Neotropics 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)

Support the show

]]> 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)

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18147099 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0800 1099 Diversity, full false Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mockingbirds and Thrashers 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/mockingbirds-and-thrashers-mimidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-18113419 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0700 3495 diversity 124 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Fatally Fearless Bird That Seems to Swallow Basketballs 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).

Support the show

]]> 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).

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17965226 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700 1238 diversity full false Bird Subspecies: Another Layer of Diversity Bird Subspecies: Another Layer of Diversity 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/subspecies-in-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17942989 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700 2806 diversity 123 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Master of the Sky That Flies Fast and Far 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).

Support the show

]]> 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).

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17828949 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1691 diversity, full false Sage Grouse Sage Grouse 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/sage-grouse Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17769885 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0700 3256 diversity 122 full false Random Bird Thursday: An Orange and Black Species With Females That Like to Sing 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).

Support the show

]]> 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).

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17714423 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0700 1485 diversity full false From the Field: Japan From the Field: Japan 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/from-the-field-birding-japan Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17674411 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0700 3703 diversity 121 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Mostly Motionless Bird with Walrus Tusks 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.

Support the show

]]> 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.

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17616708 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700 1159 bonus false Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025 Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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. 

Support the show

]]> 👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

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. 

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17580124 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0700 2635 120 full false Random Bird Thursday: A Naughty Yet Agreeable Seabird 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


SPOILER: The randomly selected species today is the Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)


Support the show

]]> 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


SPOILER: The randomly selected species today is the Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)


Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17523645 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0700 1094 bonus false From the Field: Mongolia 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

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]]> 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

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/birds-of-mongolia Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17487852 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0700 3693 diversity 119 full false Three of the World's Weirdest Bird Species 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.

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]]> 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.

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17358216 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700 3450 diversity, 118 full false How to Identify Birds in the Field 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.

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]]> 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.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-to-identify-birds-in-the-field Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17256837 Fri, 30 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700 2514 117 full false Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/nightjars-nighthawks-and-other-goatsuckers Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17147440 Mon, 12 May 2025 16:00:00 -0700 3299 diversity 116 full false How to Find Birds 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.

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]]> 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.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-to-find-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-17024119 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0700 4245 115 full false The Osprey 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.

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]]> 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.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/osprey-pandion-haliaetus Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16927675 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0700 3354 diversity, 114 full false Traditional Field Guides vs. Mobile Apps: A Birder's Dilemma 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/traditional-field-guides-books-vs-mobile-apps Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16836925 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0700 2820 113 full false From the Field: Patagonia 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/from-the-field-patagonia-birds-birding Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16792877 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0700 3863 diversity 112 full false Crossbills 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.

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]]> 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.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/crossbills-loxia Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16626764 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0800 2978 diversity 111 full false Cooperative Breeding in Birds 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cooperative-breeding-in-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16545004 Sat, 01 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0800 3535 ecology, behavior 110 full false From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/from-the-field-birding-nepal-and-bhutan Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16413317 Sat, 11 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0800 3600 diversity 109 full false From the Field: Birding in China 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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]]> 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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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16338312 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800 3072 108 full false From the Field: Birds and Birding in Vietnam and Cambodia 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/from-the-field-birds-and-birding-in-vietnam-and-cambodia Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16207097 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0800 3095 107 full false From the Field: How My Life Became All About Birds 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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]]> From a hotel in Vietnam, Ivan tells the tale of how he created a career centered on birds and birding.
 

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/from-the-field-how-my-life-became-all-about-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-16098794 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800 1914 106 full false Mergansers 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. 
 

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]]> 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. 
 

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/mergansers Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15941957 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0700 3535 diversity 105 full false Bird Habitat: Rocky Shores and Sandy Beaches 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-habitat-rocky-shores-and-sandy-beaches Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15817840 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700 2830 ecology 104 full false New World and African Parrots 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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]]> 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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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/new-world-and-african-parrots-psittacidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15717137 Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700 3600 diversity 103 full false The Common Kingfisher 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/common-kingfisher-alcedo-atthis Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15616041 Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 3009 diversity 102 full false The Evolution of Feathers 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/feather-evolution Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15475261 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 2366 evolution, anatomy 101 full false 100th Episode Celebration! 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/100th-episode-celebration Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15406659 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 1718 diversity 100 full false Cormorants and Shags 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cormorants-and-shags-phalacrocoracidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15333551 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 3811 diversity 99 full false Bird Brains 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-avian-brain Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15258234 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 3035 anatomy, 98 full false Bluebirds 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bluebirds-sialia Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15186731 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0700 3211 diversity, 97 full false Answers to Your Questions About Birds - AMA - Vol 4 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/answers-to-questions-about-birds-vol-4 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-15075401 Wed, 15 May 2024 13:00:00 -0700 3530 diversity, ecology, behavior, anatomy 96 full false Spoonbills 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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]]> 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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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14981711 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0700 2416 95 full false The Avian Digestive System 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/avian-digestive-system Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14865086 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0700 2014 anatomy 94 full false House Sparrow 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/house-sparrow-passer-domesticus Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14734015 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0700 2985 diversity, 93 full false Bird Habitat: Deserts 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-habitat-deserts Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14598105 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800 3896 ecology 92 full false Chickadees, Tits, and Titmice 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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]]> 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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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/chickadees-tits-and-titmice-paridae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14512687 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0800 3919 diversity, 91 full false Flowers and Feathers: The Importance of Birds as Pollinators 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/flowers-and-feathers-the-importance-of-birds-as-pollinators-ornithophily Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14341208 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0800 2680 ecology, 90 full false Fascinating Things We Learned About Birds Last Year 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/fascinating-things-we-learned-about-birds-last-year-2023 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14259985 Sat, 06 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0800 2598 behavior, evolution, conservation 89 full false Owls 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/owls-tytonidae-strigidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14127525 Sat, 16 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0800 5306 diversity, 88 full false Avian Rebrand: New Names for Many North American Birds 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/avian-rebrand-new-names-for-many-north-american-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-14033616 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800 2788 87 full false Bird Beaks: The Right Tool for the Job 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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]]> 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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Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/all-about-bird-beaks Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13945471 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800 2890 evolution, anatomy 86 full false Meadowlarks 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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]]> 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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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/meadowlarks-sturnella-leistes Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13784136 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2654 diversity, 85 full false Saving Bird Species From the Brink of Extinction 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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]]> 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.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

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Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/saving-bird-species-from-the-brink-of-extinction Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13740976 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 01:00:00 -0700 3064 conservation 84 full false Quails of the New World Quails of the New World This is Episode 83. It’s all about birds in the family Odontophoridae. These are the New World quails.

Why is this the family of "New World" quails?

Because there’s a whole mess of birds we call quails that live in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. But those birds all belong to the pheasant family, Phasianidae.

New World quails are shy birds ground-dwelling birds that walk or run around in the daytime, looking for tidbits of food in the leaf litter.

If they sense any kind of stranger danger, they hunker down and hide in bushes or other vegetation. Their first instinct is to sit still and rely on their camouflage, rather than to fly away.

These birds may be shy around strangers, but they’re generally very social with members of their own kind. They’re gregarious little buggers.

In this episode, I go into detail about what New World quails look and sound like, about their diversity, and about the ways they live their lives.

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]]> This is Episode 83. It’s all about birds in the family Odontophoridae. These are the New World quails.

Why is this the family of "New World" quails?

Because there’s a whole mess of birds we call quails that live in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. But those birds all belong to the pheasant family, Phasianidae.

New World quails are shy birds ground-dwelling birds that walk or run around in the daytime, looking for tidbits of food in the leaf litter.

If they sense any kind of stranger danger, they hunker down and hide in bushes or other vegetation. Their first instinct is to sit still and rely on their camouflage, rather than to fly away.

These birds may be shy around strangers, but they’re generally very social with members of their own kind. They’re gregarious little buggers.

In this episode, I go into detail about what New World quails look and sound like, about their diversity, and about the ways they live their lives.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/new-world-quails-family-odontophoridae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13654194 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0700 3702 83 full false Tracking Methods: How We Know Where Birds Go Tracking Methods: How We Know Where Birds Go This is Episode 82. It's all about the ways that scientists track the movements of individual birds.

The focus of today’s episode is not so much about the behaviors of birds, but about the technologies used by researchers to study bird behavior—the methods used to reveal the movements of birds.

And our focus will be on the tracking of individual birds. There are other methods scientists use to record the mass movements of birds, like using radar to track flocks of migrants. 

But today we’re looking at techniques that can reveal the unique paths taken by an individual bird—a sandpiper, a hawk, albatross, pheasant, penguin, or whoever.

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]]> This is Episode 82. It's all about the ways that scientists track the movements of individual birds.

The focus of today’s episode is not so much about the behaviors of birds, but about the technologies used by researchers to study bird behavior—the methods used to reveal the movements of birds.

And our focus will be on the tracking of individual birds. There are other methods scientists use to record the mass movements of birds, like using radar to track flocks of migrants. 

But today we’re looking at techniques that can reveal the unique paths taken by an individual bird—a sandpiper, a hawk, albatross, pheasant, penguin, or whoever.

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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13589663 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700 3106 behavior, 82 full false Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Sunbirds and Spiderhunters This is Episode 81. It’s all about birds in the family Nectariniidae. These are the sunbirds and the spiderhunters.

If you live in or have gone birding in places like Africa, India, Southeast Asia, or Indonesia, you’re probably familiar with sunbirds. Consider yourself lucky.

But if you have no idea what a sunbird or a spiderhunter is, or if you have only a vague idea, I’m excited to introduce you to this group of wonderful birds today.

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]]> This is Episode 81. It’s all about birds in the family Nectariniidae. These are the sunbirds and the spiderhunters.

If you live in or have gone birding in places like Africa, India, Southeast Asia, or Indonesia, you’re probably familiar with sunbirds. Consider yourself lucky.

But if you have no idea what a sunbird or a spiderhunter is, or if you have only a vague idea, I’m excited to introduce you to this group of wonderful birds today.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/sunbirds-and-spiderhunters Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13392230 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2381 diversity, 81 full false Earthbound: How Birds Become Flightless Earthbound: How Birds Become Flightless This is Episode 80. It's all about flightless birds, and about the evolutionary processes that lead to flightlessness.

Flightlessness in birds is, in my opinion, a fascinating scientific topic. And so here we are with this episode.

Alive on the planet today, there are about 60 bird species that can’t fly. That’s only about 0.54 percent of the world’s approximately 11,000 species.

It turns out there were way more flightless bird species out there before humans started exploring and colonizing every corner of the Earth. It wasn’t just the Dodo that was killed off by people.

In today’s episode, we’ll look at the wonderful diversity of flightless bird species—in both the present and the past. 

We’ll also talk about conservation and—perhaps the most interesting thing—the evolutionary process that leads to flightlessness. How does this weird thing happen in nature? What causes a bird species to give up its greatest superpower?

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]]> This is Episode 80. It's all about flightless birds, and about the evolutionary processes that lead to flightlessness.

Flightlessness in birds is, in my opinion, a fascinating scientific topic. And so here we are with this episode.

Alive on the planet today, there are about 60 bird species that can’t fly. That’s only about 0.54 percent of the world’s approximately 11,000 species.

It turns out there were way more flightless bird species out there before humans started exploring and colonizing every corner of the Earth. It wasn’t just the Dodo that was killed off by people.

In today’s episode, we’ll look at the wonderful diversity of flightless bird species—in both the present and the past. 

We’ll also talk about conservation and—perhaps the most interesting thing—the evolutionary process that leads to flightlessness. How does this weird thing happen in nature? What causes a bird species to give up its greatest superpower?

  ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/earthbound-how-birds-become-flightless Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13334478 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700 3091 evolution, 80 full false Red-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk This is Episode 79. It's all about the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

This is one of North America’s most common raptors. We find these birds from sea to shining sea across the continent.

The Redtail is a generalist predator. It can eat many kinds of prey and thrive in a broad range of habitats. Besides seeing these birds along the highway, you’re likely to spot a Red-tailed Hawk circling in the sky over a field, soaring or flapping slowly.

In this episode, I cover the key traits of the Red-tailed Hawk, it's diet, and its breeding behaviors.

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]]> This is Episode 79. It's all about the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

This is one of North America’s most common raptors. We find these birds from sea to shining sea across the continent.

The Redtail is a generalist predator. It can eat many kinds of prey and thrive in a broad range of habitats. Besides seeing these birds along the highway, you’re likely to spot a Red-tailed Hawk circling in the sky over a field, soaring or flapping slowly.

In this episode, I cover the key traits of the Red-tailed Hawk, it's diet, and its breeding behaviors.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/red-tailed-hawk-buteo-jamaicensis Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13245807 Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0700 2824 diversity 79 full false Parental Care: How Birds Raise Their Young Parental Care: How Birds Raise Their Young This is Episode 78 and today we’re doing an overview of parental care in birds. How do birds raise their babies?

Parent birds feeding their chicks in a nest is an iconic image. It’s a symbol of the spring and summer seasons and of the annual rejuvenation of nature.

To the casual observer, birds generally come across as caring, attentive parents. Similar to the way mammals demonstrate good parenting behavior. We humans approve of this sort of thing. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I mean, the behavior of birds and mammals is way better than what amphibians and reptiles do, right? Those cold-blooded critters just crank out a bunch of babies and then leave them to fend for themselves. No parental care to speak of. Despicable!

But to be fair, birds aren’t always the paragons of parental love that we might think they are. They sometimes do pretty messed up things when it comes to raising their offspring.

And this highlights the fact that humans like to project our own cultural values onto animals. 

If, for example, we see a pair of adult geese dutifully tending to their adorable, fuzzy chicks, we might think, “Aww… What a cute little family. They all love each other.”

And when we hear about a female Blue-footed Booby that did nothing and just sat there indifferently while the older of her two chicks murdered its younger sibling… Well, in that case, we’d probably think that booby is a bad mommy. She should be locked up in bird prison, if there were such a thing.

I’ll admit I’m often guilty of this sort of thinking. I like to think that birds love their babies. I’m a total sucker for heartwarming scenes of parental care in birds.

But I also know it’s not really fair for us to judge birds based on human ideas of right and wrong. Birds are just being birds. They do whatever it takes to survive and reproduce in a challenging and mostly unpredictable world.

Support the show

]]> This is Episode 78 and today we’re doing an overview of parental care in birds. How do birds raise their babies?

Parent birds feeding their chicks in a nest is an iconic image. It’s a symbol of the spring and summer seasons and of the annual rejuvenation of nature.

To the casual observer, birds generally come across as caring, attentive parents. Similar to the way mammals demonstrate good parenting behavior. We humans approve of this sort of thing. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I mean, the behavior of birds and mammals is way better than what amphibians and reptiles do, right? Those cold-blooded critters just crank out a bunch of babies and then leave them to fend for themselves. No parental care to speak of. Despicable!

But to be fair, birds aren’t always the paragons of parental love that we might think they are. They sometimes do pretty messed up things when it comes to raising their offspring.

And this highlights the fact that humans like to project our own cultural values onto animals. 

If, for example, we see a pair of adult geese dutifully tending to their adorable, fuzzy chicks, we might think, “Aww… What a cute little family. They all love each other.”

And when we hear about a female Blue-footed Booby that did nothing and just sat there indifferently while the older of her two chicks murdered its younger sibling… Well, in that case, we’d probably think that booby is a bad mommy. She should be locked up in bird prison, if there were such a thing.

I’ll admit I’m often guilty of this sort of thinking. I like to think that birds love their babies. I’m a total sucker for heartwarming scenes of parental care in birds.

But I also know it’s not really fair for us to judge birds based on human ideas of right and wrong. Birds are just being birds. They do whatever it takes to survive and reproduce in a challenging and mostly unpredictable world.

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13079810 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2582 behavior 78 full false Seabirds Seabirds This is Episode 77. It's an overview of seabirds. Some might call them Oceanic birds or Marine Birds.

How do we define what is or isn’t a sea bird?

Well, it depends on who you ask. There’s no one definition, since “seabird” is an informal term, rather than a scientific one. It doesn’t correspond to a single taxonomic category, or to a single evolutionary lineage.

Here’s what the authors of the book Oceanic Birds of the World have to say about it:

“To our mind, true seabirds are birds of the ocean, birds you generally go on a boat to see. Yes, some of these species can be seen from shore (and almost all come  ashore somewhere to breed), but the birds we include here are species that make  their living from the ocean for all or most of the year, and often not from coastal waters.”

Oceanic Birds of the World is a field guide, and it includes about 270 species. Other authorities might say there are between 300 and 350 seabird species.

In this episode, we'll talk about the various types of seabirds and what taxonomic groups they belong to.

We'll look at how seabirds face the challenges of live on the ocean, how and where they breed, and how they find food.

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]]> This is Episode 77. It's an overview of seabirds. Some might call them Oceanic birds or Marine Birds.

How do we define what is or isn’t a sea bird?

Well, it depends on who you ask. There’s no one definition, since “seabird” is an informal term, rather than a scientific one. It doesn’t correspond to a single taxonomic category, or to a single evolutionary lineage.

Here’s what the authors of the book Oceanic Birds of the World have to say about it:

“To our mind, true seabirds are birds of the ocean, birds you generally go on a boat to see. Yes, some of these species can be seen from shore (and almost all come  ashore somewhere to breed), but the birds we include here are species that make  their living from the ocean for all or most of the year, and often not from coastal waters.”

Oceanic Birds of the World is a field guide, and it includes about 270 species. Other authorities might say there are between 300 and 350 seabird species.

In this episode, we'll talk about the various types of seabirds and what taxonomic groups they belong to.

We'll look at how seabirds face the challenges of live on the ocean, how and where they breed, and how they find food.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/seabirds-overview Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-13007314 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700 3793 diversity 77 full false Answers to Your Questions About Birds - Vol 3 Answers to Your Questions About Birds - Vol 3 In this episode—which is Number 76—I’ll be answering some interesting questions sent to me by my listeners. Questions about birds, of course.

The questions in today’s episode came from not just any old listeners, but from my supporters on Patreon. At the two higher tiers of support, one perk for my patrons is the chance to send me questions for these “Ask Me Anything” episodes. So if you’d like to ask your own question for a future episode, consider becoming a supporter of this show on Patreon.

Support the show

]]> In this episode—which is Number 76—I’ll be answering some interesting questions sent to me by my listeners. Questions about birds, of course.

The questions in today’s episode came from not just any old listeners, but from my supporters on Patreon. At the two higher tiers of support, one perk for my patrons is the chance to send me questions for these “Ask Me Anything” episodes. So if you’d like to ask your own question for a future episode, consider becoming a supporter of this show on Patreon.

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/answers-to-your-questions-about-birds-vol-3 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12865080 Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2181 conservation, behavior, anatomy, evolution 76 full false Shrikes Shrikes This is Episode 75. It’s all about shrikes—birds in the family Laniidae.

These are true songbirds—members of the avian suborder Passeri within the order Passeriformes—even though they act (and sort of look like) tiny falcons or hawks.

Shrikes are sit and wait predators. They typically sit upright on an exposed, conspicuous perch and then wait for something tasty to come along. Some small animal, like a Vesper Sparrow, a rodent, lizard, grasshopper, and so on.

Shrikes are such cool birds that they have many fans among ornithologists. In fact, there’s a subdiscipline of ornithology called shrikeology. For real. And those who study these fascinating birds are known as shrikeologists.

So for today, at least, let’s all be honorary shrikeologists. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details of shrike biology.

Errors and Updates

  • I said that Germans call the Great Gray Shrike "Nine Murder." Several of my German listeners emailed and kindly corrected me. The species they call Nine Murder is the Red-backed Shrike. 


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]]> This is Episode 75. It’s all about shrikes—birds in the family Laniidae.

These are true songbirds—members of the avian suborder Passeri within the order Passeriformes—even though they act (and sort of look like) tiny falcons or hawks.

Shrikes are sit and wait predators. They typically sit upright on an exposed, conspicuous perch and then wait for something tasty to come along. Some small animal, like a Vesper Sparrow, a rodent, lizard, grasshopper, and so on.

Shrikes are such cool birds that they have many fans among ornithologists. In fact, there’s a subdiscipline of ornithology called shrikeology. For real. And those who study these fascinating birds are known as shrikeologists.

So for today, at least, let’s all be honorary shrikeologists. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details of shrike biology.

Errors and Updates

  • I said that Germans call the Great Gray Shrike "Nine Murder." Several of my German listeners emailed and kindly corrected me. The species they call Nine Murder is the Red-backed Shrike. 


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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/shrikes-laniidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12802190 Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2554 diversity 75 full false Where Does Bird's Nest Soup Come From? Where Does Bird's Nest Soup Come From? This episode—which is Number 74—is all about edible bird’s nests and Bird’s Nest Soup.

Edible bird nests are a traditional delicacy in east Asia. Especially in China. For centuries, wealthy Chinese people have consumed edible bird nests. Usually in the form of bird’s nest soup.

Throughout much of recent history, this dish has been one of the most expensive foods in the world.

No wonder people have called edible bird nests the “caviar of the east,” or “white gold.”

Perhaps the primary reason people spend ungodly amounts of money on bird’s nest soup is because of its medicinal properties. Well… It’s supposed medicinal properties, anyway.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s believed that the benefits you can get from eating these nests include: a prolonged life, increased attractiveness, increased libido, brain health, bone strength, no more diabetes, no more cancer, a stronger immune system, more energy, better looking skin, and better circulation.

Wow.  So basically, it sounds like an edible bird’s nest is a cure-all—a panacea. That’s pretty impressive! 

But is it true?

And where do these nests come from? What do they look like?

In today's episode, we'll get into all of that. We’ll talk about which birds make these amazing nests, and how they do it.

We’ll also look at the way people harvest edible bird’s nests, the global industry for this product, and some ethical concerns.
 

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]]> This episode—which is Number 74—is all about edible bird’s nests and Bird’s Nest Soup.

Edible bird nests are a traditional delicacy in east Asia. Especially in China. For centuries, wealthy Chinese people have consumed edible bird nests. Usually in the form of bird’s nest soup.

Throughout much of recent history, this dish has been one of the most expensive foods in the world.

No wonder people have called edible bird nests the “caviar of the east,” or “white gold.”

Perhaps the primary reason people spend ungodly amounts of money on bird’s nest soup is because of its medicinal properties. Well… It’s supposed medicinal properties, anyway.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s believed that the benefits you can get from eating these nests include: a prolonged life, increased attractiveness, increased libido, brain health, bone strength, no more diabetes, no more cancer, a stronger immune system, more energy, better looking skin, and better circulation.

Wow.  So basically, it sounds like an edible bird’s nest is a cure-all—a panacea. That’s pretty impressive! 

But is it true?

And where do these nests come from? What do they look like?

In today's episode, we'll get into all of that. We’ll talk about which birds make these amazing nests, and how they do it.

We’ll also look at the way people harvest edible bird’s nests, the global industry for this product, and some ethical concerns.
 

Links of Interest


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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/where-does-birds-nest-soup-come-from Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12647385 Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700 1912 diversity, conservation, behavior 74 full false Cranes Cranes This is Episode 73. It’s all about birds in the avian family Gruidae… the cranes.

These tall birds are charismatic and super interesting. It’s going to be fun to do a deep dive into all things crane today.

Humans around the world have celebrated cranes for thousands of years, for their graceful beauty and their exuberant courtship dances. 

Across many cultures, cranes have inspired paintings, songs, dances, legends, martial arts, heavy construction machinery apparently, and the most iconic animal design in the fine art of origami.

It’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere right now, and that means that in many parts of the world, cranes are on the move. They’re migrating north. Along the way, they stop to rest and refuel at certain staging areas. Hundreds or thousands of cranes can end up at a single staging area or stopover and this can be a wonderful sight to see for birders and other nature lovers.

There are a bunch of crane festivals around this time every year. It’s a rare thing for any kind of bird to get so much attention and adoration like this. Cranes are just that special.

So how about we have our own little crane festival today. Let’s get to know these amazing birds.
 

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]]> This is Episode 73. It’s all about birds in the avian family Gruidae… the cranes.

These tall birds are charismatic and super interesting. It’s going to be fun to do a deep dive into all things crane today.

Humans around the world have celebrated cranes for thousands of years, for their graceful beauty and their exuberant courtship dances. 

Across many cultures, cranes have inspired paintings, songs, dances, legends, martial arts, heavy construction machinery apparently, and the most iconic animal design in the fine art of origami.

It’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere right now, and that means that in many parts of the world, cranes are on the move. They’re migrating north. Along the way, they stop to rest and refuel at certain staging areas. Hundreds or thousands of cranes can end up at a single staging area or stopover and this can be a wonderful sight to see for birders and other nature lovers.

There are a bunch of crane festivals around this time every year. It’s a rare thing for any kind of bird to get so much attention and adoration like this. Cranes are just that special.

So how about we have our own little crane festival today. Let’s get to know these amazing birds.
 

Links of Interest

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cranes-family-gruidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12515336 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700 3157 diversity 73 full false Hurricanes and Heatwaves: How Does Extreme Weather Affect Birds? Hurricanes and Heatwaves: How Does Extreme Weather Affect Birds? This episode—which is Number 72—is about what happens to birds, not just in bad weather, but in really bad weather. We’re talking hurricanes, floods, droughts, heat waves, tornadoes, maybe even the occasional sharknado, and so on.

How do birds deal with all these natural disasters? We’ll get into that.

We'll be talking mostly about the more immediate effects of storms and other extreme weather on the survival of individual birds and their populations.

Birds are tough little buggers. They’re tougher than they might look. Many of them live long lives in the face of continual challenges like predators, aggressive rivals, wild temperature swings, strong wind, and heavy precipitation. 

But an extreme weather event can often be the ultimate test of survival for a bird.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 72—is about what happens to birds, not just in bad weather, but in really bad weather. We’re talking hurricanes, floods, droughts, heat waves, tornadoes, maybe even the occasional sharknado, and so on.

How do birds deal with all these natural disasters? We’ll get into that.

We'll be talking mostly about the more immediate effects of storms and other extreme weather on the survival of individual birds and their populations.

Birds are tough little buggers. They’re tougher than they might look. Many of them live long lives in the face of continual challenges like predators, aggressive rivals, wild temperature swings, strong wind, and heavy precipitation. 

But an extreme weather event can often be the ultimate test of survival for a bird.

 Links of Interest

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/hurricanes-and-heatwaves-how-does-extreme-weather-affect-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12426908 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2313 ecology, conservation 72 full false What's the Deal With Birds? What's the Deal With Birds? This episode—which is Number 71—is about one particular scientific article.  An article that’s near and dear to my heart.

This study was published in 2020, in the Scientific Journal of Research and Reviews. You already know the title of the study itself. It’s the same as the title of this podcast episode… "What’s the Deal With Birds?"

The study's author is Doctor Daniel T. Baldassarre.

Listen to the episode to find out why  I love this paper...

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]]> This episode—which is Number 71—is about one particular scientific article.  An article that’s near and dear to my heart.

This study was published in 2020, in the Scientific Journal of Research and Reviews. You already know the title of the study itself. It’s the same as the title of this podcast episode… "What’s the Deal With Birds?"

The study's author is Doctor Daniel T. Baldassarre.

Listen to the episode to find out why  I love this paper...

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/whats-the-deal-with-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12254605 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800 719 71 full false Great Blue Heron Great Blue Heron This episode—which is Number 70—is all about the Great Blue Heron.

The scientific name for the Great Blue Heron is Ardea herodias.

This species is one of the most familiar large birds in North America. So it was inevitable that I’d make a podcast episode about it.

The Great Blue Heron is a beautiful, fascinating, and ecologically important bird.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 70—is all about the Great Blue Heron.

The scientific name for the Great Blue Heron is Ardea herodias.

This species is one of the most familiar large birds in North America. So it was inevitable that I’d make a podcast episode about it.

The Great Blue Heron is a beautiful, fascinating, and ecologically important bird.

Links of Interest

 

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/great-blue-heron-ardea-herodias Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12240207 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800 2748 diversity 70 full false Bird Bones: The Avian Skeleton Bird Bones: The Avian Skeleton This episode—which is Number 69—is all about the avian skeleton. Bird bones.

So this is an episode about some basic anatomy of birds.

Bird bones and the avian skeleton are elegant, strong, and rigid. 

Let’s put on our x-ray goggles, and peer inside the body of a bird, to see what’s going on with all those beautiful bones...


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]]> This episode—which is Number 69—is all about the avian skeleton. Bird bones.

So this is an episode about some basic anatomy of birds.

Bird bones and the avian skeleton are elegant, strong, and rigid. 

Let’s put on our x-ray goggles, and peer inside the body of a bird, to see what’s going on with all those beautiful bones...


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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-bones-the-avian-skeleton Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12143475 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0800 2219 anatomy, 69 full false Hornbills Hornbills Today’s episode is number 68. It’s all about the family of birds called Bucerotidae. These are the hornbills.

Maybe you’ve heard about hornbills and know a few facts about them. Or maybe you’ve never even heard about these birds. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy today’s podcast episode. Hornbills are just so cool!

The family Bucerotidae includes several dozen hornbill species. But there’s a second, much smaller avian family that contains birds we also call hornbills. The name of that family is Bucorvidae, the ‘ground-hornbills.’ There are only 2 species of ground-hornbills. I’ll be including them in our conversation today too. Besides, until recently, scientists grouped ground-hornbills into the larger Bucerotidae family.

Hornbill are key players in the tropical ecosystems of both Africa and Asia. There are many fascinating things for us to learn about them.

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]]> Today’s episode is number 68. It’s all about the family of birds called Bucerotidae. These are the hornbills.

Maybe you’ve heard about hornbills and know a few facts about them. Or maybe you’ve never even heard about these birds. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy today’s podcast episode. Hornbills are just so cool!

The family Bucerotidae includes several dozen hornbill species. But there’s a second, much smaller avian family that contains birds we also call hornbills. The name of that family is Bucorvidae, the ‘ground-hornbills.’ There are only 2 species of ground-hornbills. I’ll be including them in our conversation today too. Besides, until recently, scientists grouped ground-hornbills into the larger Bucerotidae family.

Hornbill are key players in the tropical ecosystems of both Africa and Asia. There are many fascinating things for us to learn about them.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/hornbills-bucerotidae-bucorvidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-12050752 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0800 3023 diversity, 68 full false Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2022 Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2022 This is Episode Number 67. It’s the last episode of 2022, so that means it’s the Annual Review!

We’re going to look back at 2022, at some of the most interesting scientific studies of birds that were published this year. 

Will this be a painstakingly thorough review of everything that scientists learned about birds in 2022? 

No. Not so much. The studies I’m telling you about today—while they did make it into the newsfeed—are just the ones that I found most exciting. Or at least interesting. I decided they’re worth yapping about.

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References

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]]> This is Episode Number 67. It’s the last episode of 2022, so that means it’s the Annual Review!

We’re going to look back at 2022, at some of the most interesting scientific studies of birds that were published this year. 

Will this be a painstakingly thorough review of everything that scientists learned about birds in 2022? 

No. Not so much. The studies I’m telling you about today—while they did make it into the newsfeed—are just the ones that I found most exciting. Or at least interesting. I decided they’re worth yapping about.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

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References

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/awesome-things-we-learned-about-birds-in-2022 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11955560 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2604 conservation, behavior, ecology 67 full false 15 Simple (and Several Complicated) Ways You Can Help Birds 15 Simple (and Several Complicated) Ways You Can Help Birds This episode—which is Number 66—is all about the ways you can help birds. How you can make a difference in their conservation.

It’s one thing to enjoy learning about birds in an objective, scientific way. They’re fascinating organisms.

But does our interest in the biology of birds also come bundled with a care and concern for them? With warm and fuzzy feelings? 

I’d say heck yes, it does! For most of us, anyway, including yours truly.

We want birds out there in the wide world to survive and thrive. For their own intrinsic worth as living beings. 

But also because of our selfish desire to have them around for us—so we can enjoy them, and take Instagram-worthy photos of them, and write their names down on our lifelists.
 

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]]> This episode—which is Number 66—is all about the ways you can help birds. How you can make a difference in their conservation.

It’s one thing to enjoy learning about birds in an objective, scientific way. They’re fascinating organisms.

But does our interest in the biology of birds also come bundled with a care and concern for them? With warm and fuzzy feelings? 

I’d say heck yes, it does! For most of us, anyway, including yours truly.

We want birds out there in the wide world to survive and thrive. For their own intrinsic worth as living beings. 

But also because of our selfish desire to have them around for us—so we can enjoy them, and take Instagram-worthy photos of them, and write their names down on our lifelists.
 

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/15-simple-ways-you-can-help-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11807984 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800 1273 conservation 66 full false Waxwings Waxwings This is Episode 65, and it’s all about waxwings—birds in the family Bombycillidae.

The Cedar Waxwing is one species, and there are two others that we’ll talk about.

These beautiful, elegant songbirds are loved by people across the Northern Hemisphere.

Waxwings are easy on the eyes, for sure, and that’s great. I mean, personally, I think they’re just about the most gorgeous songbirds we have in North America.

But their biology is also really interesting. So much of how waxwings live and behave is dictated by what they eat… By their specialized diet.

What is that special diet? Is it maybe something like scorpions, psychedelic mushrooms, or the blood of their enemies?
 
Listen and find out!

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]]> This is Episode 65, and it’s all about waxwings—birds in the family Bombycillidae.

The Cedar Waxwing is one species, and there are two others that we’ll talk about.

These beautiful, elegant songbirds are loved by people across the Northern Hemisphere.

Waxwings are easy on the eyes, for sure, and that’s great. I mean, personally, I think they’re just about the most gorgeous songbirds we have in North America.

But their biology is also really interesting. So much of how waxwings live and behave is dictated by what they eat… By their specialized diet.

What is that special diet? Is it maybe something like scorpions, psychedelic mushrooms, or the blood of their enemies?
 
Listen and find out!

Links of Interest

 

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/waxwings-bombycillidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11805139 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2596 diversity 65 full false Bird Habitat: Temperate Grasslands and Prairies Bird Habitat: Temperate Grasslands and Prairies This episode—which is Number 64—is all about the importance of temperate grasslands as habitat for birds.

When we say “temperate grasslands,” we mean those generally occurring in the middle latitudes.

Temperate grasslands exist in several parts of the world. Some of them cover vast areas. Here in North America, we have the Great Plains as a “great” example.

The steppes of Mongolia and the Pampas of South America are similarly vast temperate grasslands.

Many, many bird species around the world depend on such grasslands for food and breeding habitat. Among them are raptors, sparrows, blackbirds, larks, pipits, a bunch of South American species in the ovenbird family, Furnariidae… and the list goes on.

But, unfortunately, temperate grasslands are also among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Many of the bird species that call them home are, not surprisingly, also in trouble.

Today, we’re going to dive into what makes temperate grasslands special, and why they’re so important to birds. I’ll give you several examples of bird species that depend on grassland habitats.

And we’ll also talk a bit about grassland conservation. Because you know we can’t get through this without a little gloom and doom.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 64—is all about the importance of temperate grasslands as habitat for birds.

When we say “temperate grasslands,” we mean those generally occurring in the middle latitudes.

Temperate grasslands exist in several parts of the world. Some of them cover vast areas. Here in North America, we have the Great Plains as a “great” example.

The steppes of Mongolia and the Pampas of South America are similarly vast temperate grasslands.

Many, many bird species around the world depend on such grasslands for food and breeding habitat. Among them are raptors, sparrows, blackbirds, larks, pipits, a bunch of South American species in the ovenbird family, Furnariidae… and the list goes on.

But, unfortunately, temperate grasslands are also among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Many of the bird species that call them home are, not surprisingly, also in trouble.

Today, we’re going to dive into what makes temperate grasslands special, and why they’re so important to birds. I’ll give you several examples of bird species that depend on grassland habitats.

And we’ll also talk a bit about grassland conservation. Because you know we can’t get through this without a little gloom and doom.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-habitat-temperate-grasslands-and-prairies Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11741798 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2377 ecology 64 full false The Common Raven The Common Raven This episode—which is Number 63—is about the Common Raven, Corvus corax. This species is also known as the Northern Raven.

Few bird species in the world are as geographically widespread as the Common Raven. And few are as familiar and iconic. This is a really amazing bird.

Ornithologists and other scientists have studied ravens extensively, so we know quite a lot about this species.

Today, we’ll look at the basic traits of the Common Raven as well as its behavior, habitats, diet, reproduction, and more.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 63—is about the Common Raven, Corvus corax. This species is also known as the Northern Raven.

Few bird species in the world are as geographically widespread as the Common Raven. And few are as familiar and iconic. This is a really amazing bird.

Ornithologists and other scientists have studied ravens extensively, so we know quite a lot about this species.

Today, we’ll look at the basic traits of the Common Raven as well as its behavior, habitats, diet, reproduction, and more.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/the-common-raven-corvus-corax Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11644481 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2991 diversity 63 full false Biogeographic Realms and Their Unique Birds Biogeographic Realms and Their Unique Birds This episode—which is Number 62—is all about the major geographic divisions among birds across the planet.

Why are bowerbirds found only in Australia and on the islands of New Guinea? Why are the birds you see in India so different from those in China? Does North America have any unique, endemic bird families?

Questions like these fall within the domain of biogeography. Biogeography is the study of where living things are found and why they’re found there—both in the present and the past.

Today, we’ll be sketching out the big picture of what types of birds are found where across the world map.

By learning the basics of bird biogeography, you can get a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of bird communities in different parts of the world.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 62—is all about the major geographic divisions among birds across the planet.

Why are bowerbirds found only in Australia and on the islands of New Guinea? Why are the birds you see in India so different from those in China? Does North America have any unique, endemic bird families?

Questions like these fall within the domain of biogeography. Biogeography is the study of where living things are found and why they’re found there—both in the present and the past.

Today, we’ll be sketching out the big picture of what types of birds are found where across the world map.

By learning the basics of bird biogeography, you can get a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of bird communities in different parts of the world.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/biogeographic-realms-and-their-unique-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11334655 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2081 diversity, evolution 62 full false Ostriches Ostriches This is Episode 61, and it’s all about Ostriches. These are the birds in the avian family Struthionidae.

Ostriches are among the most recognizable and charismatic birds. No living bird is bigger than an ostrich. If you’ve ever seen one up close, you know how impressive these giants can be. They’re amazing.

So I’m excited to dig into their biology with you today. You probably know a thing or two about Ostriches already, but let’s see if we can get a deeper understanding of them. We’ll look at their basic traits, their distribution, habitat, diet, and more.

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]]> This is Episode 61, and it’s all about Ostriches. These are the birds in the avian family Struthionidae.

Ostriches are among the most recognizable and charismatic birds. No living bird is bigger than an ostrich. If you’ve ever seen one up close, you know how impressive these giants can be. They’re amazing.

So I’m excited to dig into their biology with you today. You probably know a thing or two about Ostriches already, but let’s see if we can get a deeper understanding of them. We’ll look at their basic traits, their distribution, habitat, diet, and more.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ostriches-struthionidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11329967 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2295 diversity 61 full false Feeding Wild Birds: Pros and Cons Feeding Wild Birds: Pros and Cons This episode—which is Number 60—is about Feeding Wild Birds. As in, humans providing supplemental food for wild birds.

This typically involves a contraption called a birdfeeder. When you or I hang up a birdfeeder, we’re feeding wild birds intentionally. This intentional feeding is what today’s episode is about.

Millions and millions of people all around the world feed wild birds intentionally. At such a massive scale, you have to imagine this would affect birds significantly, and in many ways. And it absolutely does.

Which brings us to the big question: should we or shouldn’t we feed wild birds? This is still being debated. By scientists, conservation organizations, and bird lovers everywhere.

Today, I’ll do my best to give you objective, scientific information about feeding birds. We’ll look at the pros and cons. Then, we’ll see if there’s any sort of conclusion we can come to at the end of the episode.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 60—is about Feeding Wild Birds. As in, humans providing supplemental food for wild birds.

This typically involves a contraption called a birdfeeder. When you or I hang up a birdfeeder, we’re feeding wild birds intentionally. This intentional feeding is what today’s episode is about.

Millions and millions of people all around the world feed wild birds intentionally. At such a massive scale, you have to imagine this would affect birds significantly, and in many ways. And it absolutely does.

Which brings us to the big question: should we or shouldn’t we feed wild birds? This is still being debated. By scientists, conservation organizations, and bird lovers everywhere.

Today, I’ll do my best to give you objective, scientific information about feeding birds. We’ll look at the pros and cons. Then, we’ll see if there’s any sort of conclusion we can come to at the end of the episode.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/feeding-wild-birds-pros-and-cons Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11322323 Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2855 behavior, conservation, ecology 60 full false Ask Me Anything About Birds - Aug 2022 Ask Me Anything About Birds - Aug 2022 This episode—which is Number 59—is a bit different. Today, I’m going to be answering questions from my listeners. More specifically, these questions come from my supporters on Patreon.

I have several “tiers” or “membership levels” on my Patreon page. Each level comes with perks. One perk for the “Helpful Hornbill” and “Awesome Osprey” tiers is getting to submit questions for episodes like this.

So, today, we’ve got a fun grab-bag of questions to ponder.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 59—is a bit different. Today, I’m going to be answering questions from my listeners. More specifically, these questions come from my supporters on Patreon.

I have several “tiers” or “membership levels” on my Patreon page. Each level comes with perks. One perk for the “Helpful Hornbill” and “Awesome Osprey” tiers is getting to submit questions for episodes like this.

So, today, we’ve got a fun grab-bag of questions to ponder.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ask-me-anything-about-birds-aug-2022 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11234311 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2730 behavior, anatomy, evolution 59 full false Wrens (Family: Troglodytidae) Wrens (Family: Troglodytidae) Today’s episode—which is Episode 58—is all about birds in the family Troglodytidae. These are the wrens.

Wrens are small, perky songbirds, most of which are some shade of brown.

All the species in this family of birds are found in the New World—In North, Central, and South America. All of them, that is, except for one species found in the Old World.

In this episode, we'll cover many aspects of wren biology: their behavior, voices, diversity, evolution, conservation, and breeding.

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]]> Today’s episode—which is Episode 58—is all about birds in the family Troglodytidae. These are the wrens.

Wrens are small, perky songbirds, most of which are some shade of brown.

All the species in this family of birds are found in the New World—In North, Central, and South America. All of them, that is, except for one species found in the Old World.

In this episode, we'll cover many aspects of wren biology: their behavior, voices, diversity, evolution, conservation, and breeding.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/wrens-troglodytidae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11148098 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2647 diversity 58 full false Flocking Behavior in Birds Flocking Behavior in Birds This episode—which is Number 57— is all about the flocking behavior of birds.

Birds of many species spend at least part of their yearly cycle hanging out in groups. This could be just a handful of individuals or it could be a gathering of millions of birds.

Today, we’ll look at some explanations for why—as the saying goes—birds of a feather flock together. What benefits do birds get from forming groups like this?

We’ll also look at how flocks work. As in, their mechanics. For example, how do birds communicate and coordinate their movements in a flock?

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]]> This episode—which is Number 57— is all about the flocking behavior of birds.

Birds of many species spend at least part of their yearly cycle hanging out in groups. This could be just a handful of individuals or it could be a gathering of millions of birds.

Today, we’ll look at some explanations for why—as the saying goes—birds of a feather flock together. What benefits do birds get from forming groups like this?

We’ll also look at how flocks work. As in, their mechanics. For example, how do birds communicate and coordinate their movements in a flock?

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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11092553 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700 1828 behavior 57 full false How Bird Feathers Get Their Colors How Bird Feathers Get Their Colors This episode—which is Number 56— is all about the colors of birds.

The diversity of color in bird plumages is one of the things we love most about these animals.

But bird plumages are impressive not only when they display vibrant colors plucked from the rainbow. Thousands of species aren’t what we’d call colorful, but they do have gorgeous, intricately patterned feathers in combinations of black, brown, and white.

Today, we’re looking at how feathers get their colors, from white to subtle earth tones to scintillating displays of wild iridescence.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


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]]> This episode—which is Number 56— is all about the colors of birds.

The diversity of color in bird plumages is one of the things we love most about these animals.

But bird plumages are impressive not only when they display vibrant colors plucked from the rainbow. Thousands of species aren’t what we’d call colorful, but they do have gorgeous, intricately patterned feathers in combinations of black, brown, and white.

Today, we’re looking at how feathers get their colors, from white to subtle earth tones to scintillating displays of wild iridescence.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

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  • Sponsor Link: Sign up through wren.co/birds to make a difference in the climate crisis, and Wren will plant 10 extra trees in your name!


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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-bird-feathers-get-their-colors Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-11003425 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2478 anatomy 56 full false Flamingos Flamingos This is Episode 55. It’s all about birds in the avian family Phoenicopteridae. These are the flamingos.

No doubt you already know a fun fact or two about flamingos. These birds are crowd pleasers that get a lot of attention. But today we’re doing a deep dive into their biology. I’m hoping that along the way, you’ll pick up some new flamingo trivia that you can impress your friends with.

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]]> This is Episode 55. It’s all about birds in the avian family Phoenicopteridae. These are the flamingos.

No doubt you already know a fun fact or two about flamingos. These birds are crowd pleasers that get a lot of attention. But today we’re doing a deep dive into their biology. I’m hoping that along the way, you’ll pick up some new flamingo trivia that you can impress your friends with.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/flamingos-phoenicopteridae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10925106 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2759 diversity 55 full false Eggs: Incredible and Commendable Eggs: Incredible and Commendable This episode—which is Number 54—is all about bird eggs.

This is an important topic. Eggs are a fundamental aspect of bird biology. Recently, in Episode 49 of the podcast, I covered the topic of nests. So it seems like a logical next step for us to get the lowdown on eggs.

Oology is the science of studying bird eggs. So today, we are all honorary oologists. We’re egg-heads on a mission to better understand how baby birds come into the world.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 54—is all about bird eggs.

This is an important topic. Eggs are a fundamental aspect of bird biology. Recently, in Episode 49 of the podcast, I covered the topic of nests. So it seems like a logical next step for us to get the lowdown on eggs.

Oology is the science of studying bird eggs. So today, we are all honorary oologists. We’re egg-heads on a mission to better understand how baby birds come into the world.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/all-about-bird-eggs Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10846751 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700 3390 Anatomy 54 full false Avian Flu Avian Flu This episode—which is Number 53—is all about Avian Influenza. Or colloquially what we call the Avian Flu or Bird Flu.

Depending on where you live, you might have noticed news headlines in recent months about the frightening spread of Avian Flu among both domestic and wild birds. I thought you might have some questions about this emerging disease, and so here we are with an entire podcast episode on the subject.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 53—is all about Avian Influenza. Or colloquially what we call the Avian Flu or Bird Flu.

Depending on where you live, you might have noticed news headlines in recent months about the frightening spread of Avian Flu among both domestic and wild birds. I thought you might have some questions about this emerging disease, and so here we are with an entire podcast episode on the subject.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/avian-flu Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10776368 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700 2066 ecology 53 full false Giant Birds: Go Big or Go Home Giant Birds: Go Big or Go Home This is Episode 52.

Today, we’re talking about bird species that are way, way bigger than your average chickadee or finch.

Our focus will be on evolutionary lineages that spawned some very large bird species. Species whose ancestors had been much smaller, millions of years earlier.

We’ll look at a bunch of interesting giant birds throughout history. Then we’ll talk about some scientific explanations for why these critters got so big in the first place.

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]]> This is Episode 52.

Today, we’re talking about bird species that are way, way bigger than your average chickadee or finch.

Our focus will be on evolutionary lineages that spawned some very large bird species. Species whose ancestors had been much smaller, millions of years earlier.

We’ll look at a bunch of interesting giant birds throughout history. Then we’ll talk about some scientific explanations for why these critters got so big in the first place.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/giant-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10684318 Thu, 26 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700 1727 evolution 52 full false The Northern Cardinal The Northern Cardinal This is Episode 51. Our bird of interest today is the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis.

This species is widespread across the eastern and southern US. It’s so well-known and loved that it’s the state bird for 7 states—more than any other species.

Northern Cardinals are among the most abundant birds in North America. They’re familiar denizens of backyards that visit feeders all year long. So it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that ornithologists have done a lot of research on this abundant and conspicuous species.


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]]> This is Episode 51. Our bird of interest today is the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis.

This species is widespread across the eastern and southern US. It’s so well-known and loved that it’s the state bird for 7 states—more than any other species.

Northern Cardinals are among the most abundant birds in North America. They’re familiar denizens of backyards that visit feeders all year long. So it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that ornithologists have done a lot of research on this abundant and conspicuous species.


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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/northern-cardinal Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10554646 Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700 1963 diversity 51 full false Female Birdsong Female Birdsong This episode—which is Number 50— is all about Female Birdsong.

Songs are one of the things we love most about birds. They define the soundscapes of the natural world.

Even though humans have been surrounded by singing birds for millions of years, we still have some misconceptions about birdsong. Today’s episode is about a misconception of sex differences in birds… Of who sings and who doesn’t.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 50— is all about Female Birdsong.

Songs are one of the things we love most about birds. They define the soundscapes of the natural world.

Even though humans have been surrounded by singing birds for millions of years, we still have some misconceptions about birdsong. Today’s episode is about a misconception of sex differences in birds… Of who sings and who doesn’t.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/female-birdsong Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10406056 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700 1311 behavior, evolution 50 full false Nests: Types, Construction, and Challenges Nests: Types, Construction, and Challenges This episode—which is Number 49—is all about bird nests.

There are tons of fun facts fun facts here, since nests are one of the more impressive aspects of bird behavior and breeding biology.

We’ll go over the functions of nests, the challenges that nesting birds face, nest site selection, the many types of nests, and nest construction.

That’s a lot to cover, but I’ll try to keep this at more of an overview level. This is sort of Bird Nests 101.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 49—is all about bird nests.

There are tons of fun facts fun facts here, since nests are one of the more impressive aspects of bird behavior and breeding biology.

We’ll go over the functions of nests, the challenges that nesting birds face, nest site selection, the many types of nests, and nest construction.

That’s a lot to cover, but I’ll try to keep this at more of an overview level. This is sort of Bird Nests 101.

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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10385672 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700 3122 49 full false The Pecking Order: Dominance Hierarchies in Birds The Pecking Order: Dominance Hierarchies in Birds This episode—which is Number 48—is about the “Pecking Order” in birds. Or, to use the more technical term, dominance hierarchy.

Our focus will be on dominance hierarchies that we see among birds within a single species. White-crowned Sparrows beating up on other White-crowned Sparrows, for example, as opposed to White-crowned Sparrows beating up on another species, like Lincoln’s Sparrow. The latter would be an example of interspecies dominance. But today, we’re talking about intraspecies dominance. Meaning within species.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 48—is about the “Pecking Order” in birds. Or, to use the more technical term, dominance hierarchy.

Our focus will be on dominance hierarchies that we see among birds within a single species. White-crowned Sparrows beating up on other White-crowned Sparrows, for example, as opposed to White-crowned Sparrows beating up on another species, like Lincoln’s Sparrow. The latter would be an example of interspecies dominance. But today, we’re talking about intraspecies dominance. Meaning within species.

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]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/the-pecking-order-dominance-hierarchies-in-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10315416 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700 1621 behavior 48 full false Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Family: Laridae) Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Family: Laridae) This is Episode 47. It’s all about birds in the family Laridae. This is an ancient evolutionary lineage that originated over 70 million years ago, when the world was still ruled by dinosaurs.

Besides gulls and terns, the family Laridae also includes the skimmers and the noddies.


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]]> This is Episode 47. It’s all about birds in the family Laridae. This is an ancient evolutionary lineage that originated over 70 million years ago, when the world was still ruled by dinosaurs.

Besides gulls and terns, the family Laridae also includes the skimmers and the noddies.


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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/gulls-terns-and-skimmers-family-laridae Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10219274 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2522 diversity 47 full false Wallace's Line: Where Two Bird Worlds Collide Wallace's Line: Where Two Bird Worlds Collide This episode—which is Number 46—is about  a special place in the Malay Archipelago where two bird worlds collide. This region lies between Southeast Asia and Australia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. And it’s crowded with about 25,000 islands, of all sizes.

Specifically, we’ll be looking at a geographic feature called Wallace’s Line. More generally, today’s episode will touch on the topic of biogeography.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 46—is about  a special place in the Malay Archipelago where two bird worlds collide. This region lies between Southeast Asia and Australia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. And it’s crowded with about 25,000 islands, of all sizes.

Specifically, we’ll be looking at a geographic feature called Wallace’s Line. More generally, today’s episode will touch on the topic of biogeography.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/wallaces-line-where-two-bird-worlds-collide Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10098734 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0800 1161 evolution,ecology 46 full false Solving Bird Mysteries with Forensic Ornithology Solving Bird Mysteries with Forensic Ornithology This episode is all about forensic ornithology. This is a field where specialists use scientific techniques to identify bird species from trace evidence. Evidence like maybe a bit of feather, a bone fragment, or a smear of blood.

Forensic ornithology is used to solve intriguing wildlife crimes like smuggling and illegal hunting. But it’s also helpful in other situations that don’t involve criminal activity. We’ll get into that side of things too.

Like a murder mystery novel, today’s subject is, pretty much by definition, morbid. I’ll be talking a lot about dead birds. Blood and guts and all that. I prefer my birds very much alive, thank you, and I’m sure you do too. But, despite the gore, I think you’ll find that forensic ornithology is a fascinating topic. It’s worth learning about, to better appreciate the ways people fight to protect birds.

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Errors and Corrections

  • 10:32 - I said " Law enforcement offers..." when I meant "officers."
  • 32:55 - I said "Yellow-billed Cockatoos," when I meant Yellow-crested Cockatoos


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This episode is all about forensic ornithology. This is a field where specialists use scientific techniques to identify bird species from trace evidence. Evidence like maybe a bit of feather, a bone fragment, or a smear of blood.

Forensic ornithology is used to solve intriguing wildlife crimes like smuggling and illegal hunting. But it’s also helpful in other situations that don’t involve criminal activity. We’ll get into that side of things too.

Like a murder mystery novel, today’s subject is, pretty much by definition, morbid. I’ll be talking a lot about dead birds. Blood and guts and all that. I prefer my birds very much alive, thank you, and I’m sure you do too. But, despite the gore, I think you’ll find that forensic ornithology is a fascinating topic. It’s worth learning about, to better appreciate the ways people fight to protect birds.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Links of Interest


Errors and Corrections

  • 10:32 - I said " Law enforcement offers..." when I meant "officers."
  • 32:55 - I said "Yellow-billed Cockatoos," when I meant Yellow-crested Cockatoos


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/solving-bird-mysteries-with-forensic-ornithology Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-10054771 Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2948 conservation 45 full false Coffee and Bird Conservation Coffee and Bird Conservation This episode—which is Number 44—is about the relationship between coffee production and bird conservation. 

We'll get into how do different types of coffee cultivation affect birds, and the conservation benefits of Bird Friendly Coffee.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 44—is about the relationship between coffee production and bird conservation. 

We'll get into how do different types of coffee cultivation affect birds, and the conservation benefits of Bird Friendly Coffee.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/coffee-and-bird-conservation Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9886966 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0800 1130 conservation 44 full false The Common Loon The Common Loon This episode—which is Number 43—is all about the Common Loon, Gavia immer. People in Europe may know it as the Great Northern Diver.

This bird is a symbol of the northern wilderness in North America. It’s closely associated with lakes and ponds in the boreal forests of the northern US and Canada.

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]]> This episode—which is Number 43—is all about the Common Loon, Gavia immer. People in Europe may know it as the Great Northern Diver.

This bird is a symbol of the northern wilderness in North America. It’s closely associated with lakes and ponds in the boreal forests of the northern US and Canada.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/common-loon Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9874298 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2327 diversity 43 full false Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2021 Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2021 2021 is over, yo! So it's time for the Annual Review Episode! 

We’ll be looking back at some highlights of bird science in the year 2021. What fascinating things did ornithologists and other biologists discover about birds this year?

I’ve picked 5 studies to highlight for you. These are stories that, in most cases, were interesting enough to make the news.

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References

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]]> 2021 is over, yo! So it's time for the Annual Review Episode! 

We’ll be looking back at some highlights of bird science in the year 2021. What fascinating things did ornithologists and other biologists discover about birds this year?

I’ve picked 5 studies to highlight for you. These are stories that, in most cases, were interesting enough to make the news.

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References

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/awesome-things-we-learned-about-birds-in-2021 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9805315 Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800 2264 evolution,behavior,conservation 42 full false Swallows and Martins Swallows and Martins This episode is all about birds in the family Hirundinidae. These are the swallows and martins.

Other than when they’re nesting, swallows are in the air almost all day long. This aerial lifestyle and that high-speed, erratic flight pattern can make it hard for us earthbound primates to get close looks at swallows.

But these flappy little birds definitely deserve our attention. They have many charms and talents that—with a little patience—we can learn about and see for ourselves.

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]]> This episode is all about birds in the family Hirundinidae. These are the swallows and martins.

Other than when they’re nesting, swallows are in the air almost all day long. This aerial lifestyle and that high-speed, erratic flight pattern can make it hard for us earthbound primates to get close looks at swallows.

But these flappy little birds definitely deserve our attention. They have many charms and talents that—with a little patience—we can learn about and see for ourselves.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/swallows-and-martins Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9763770 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800 2920 diversity 41 full false Fire and Birds Fire and Birds Ecologists and ornithologists have been studying the effects of wildfire on bird populations all over the world. Their research has resulted in many fascinating discoveries about the relationships between fire and birds.

Wildfires have been in the news a lot in recent years. In the western US where I live, enormous fires have been sweeping across California, Oregon, Idaho, and other states with increasing frequency and severity.

And who can forget the 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia, which came to be known as the “Black Summer?” Then there were the thousands of fires that broke out in the rainforests and wetlands of Brazil in 2020.

This is all pretty bad news, no doubt. It can be gut-wrenching to watch beautiful wilderness go up in flames, not to mention towns and people’s homes. 

But if we temporarily set aside our emotions, we can take a more scientific, objective viewpoint to ask the question: 

Are wildfires harmful to birds and other wildlife, in general? 

It turns out there’s no simple “yes or no” answer to that question.

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]]> Ecologists and ornithologists have been studying the effects of wildfire on bird populations all over the world. Their research has resulted in many fascinating discoveries about the relationships between fire and birds.

Wildfires have been in the news a lot in recent years. In the western US where I live, enormous fires have been sweeping across California, Oregon, Idaho, and other states with increasing frequency and severity.

And who can forget the 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia, which came to be known as the “Black Summer?” Then there were the thousands of fires that broke out in the rainforests and wetlands of Brazil in 2020.

This is all pretty bad news, no doubt. It can be gut-wrenching to watch beautiful wilderness go up in flames, not to mention towns and people’s homes. 

But if we temporarily set aside our emotions, we can take a more scientific, objective viewpoint to ask the question: 

Are wildfires harmful to birds and other wildlife, in general? 

It turns out there’s no simple “yes or no” answer to that question.

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]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9674906 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800 2949 ecology, conservation, behavior 40 full false Ask Me Anything About Birds - Nov 2021 Ask Me Anything About Birds - Nov 2021 This is a special episode, and the first of its kind. I answer questions from my listeners. It’s a fun, mixed bag of bird factoids.

Who were these lucky people who got to contribute to this episode? The specific listeners who submitted questions were my supporters on Patreon.

Of course, the idea is that our discussion today will be interesting and informative to all of my listeners.

This Q&A session covers things like bacterial diseases, bike helmets, lemon-scented juncos, and baby owls!

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References


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This is a special episode, and the first of its kind. I answer questions from my listeners. It’s a fun, mixed bag of bird factoids.

Who were these lucky people who got to contribute to this episode? The specific listeners who submitted questions were my supporters on Patreon.

Of course, the idea is that our discussion today will be interesting and informative to all of my listeners.

This Q&A session covers things like bacterial diseases, bike helmets, lemon-scented juncos, and baby owls!

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

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References


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ask-me-anything-about-birds-nov-2021 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9509320 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0800 2583 evolution, anatomy, conservation, behavior 39 full false New World Vultures New World Vultures This episode is about the seven bird species in the family Cathartidae: the New World vultures and condors.

This group includes species like the Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, and Andean Condor.

Among these birds are some that people celebrate, or even revere. But others tend to get ignored, disparaged, or at worst, persecuted. I guess you could say our relationship with New World Vultures has been… complicated.

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]]> This episode is about the seven bird species in the family Cathartidae: the New World vultures and condors.

This group includes species like the Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, and Andean Condor.

Among these birds are some that people celebrate, or even revere. But others tend to get ignored, disparaged, or at worst, persecuted. I guess you could say our relationship with New World Vultures has been… complicated.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/new-world-vultures Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9466611 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700 3060 diversity 38 full false How Birds Fly How Birds Fly Birds, probably more than any other aerial creatures, have amazed and inspired us with the grace and power of their flight. So just how do they do it?

In this episode, we'll look at the physics and anatomy of bird flight.

I’ll start off with the basics of aerodynamics as it relates to bird flight. That’s the meat and potatoes of our lesson today. But we’ll also consider the different ways that birds fly—their different modes of flight. Last, we’ll examine some additional adaptations birds have that make them high-octane flying machines.

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]]> Birds, probably more than any other aerial creatures, have amazed and inspired us with the grace and power of their flight. So just how do they do it?

In this episode, we'll look at the physics and anatomy of bird flight.

I’ll start off with the basics of aerodynamics as it relates to bird flight. That’s the meat and potatoes of our lesson today. But we’ll also consider the different ways that birds fly—their different modes of flight. Last, we’ll examine some additional adaptations birds have that make them high-octane flying machines.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-birds-fly Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9399018 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2175 anatomy, behavior 37 full false Penguins Penguins This episode is all about penguins. All penguins belong to the family Spheniscidae.

Penguins are among the most bizarre and specialized birds in the world. Few other birds represent such a departure from what we think of as the standard avian model. The specializations of penguins—their adaptations—serve them very well for a life of diving deep into the ocean and of surviving in extreme cold.

These birds are wonderful examples of how “life finds a way”—how animals can evolve into radically different forms, adapt to incredibly harsh conditions, and still manage to look pretty darn cute.

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]]> This episode is all about penguins. All penguins belong to the family Spheniscidae.

Penguins are among the most bizarre and specialized birds in the world. Few other birds represent such a departure from what we think of as the standard avian model. The specializations of penguins—their adaptations—serve them very well for a life of diving deep into the ocean and of surviving in extreme cold.

These birds are wonderful examples of how “life finds a way”—how animals can evolve into radically different forms, adapt to incredibly harsh conditions, and still manage to look pretty darn cute.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/penguins Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9278331 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700 3481 diversity 36 full false Wetlands as Bird Habitat Wetlands as Bird Habitat In this episode, we’re going to look at wetlands as habitats for birds.

We’ll start with how to recognize—how to define—a wetland ecosystem. Then, we’ll get into why these ecosystems are so important to birds. How do birds use wetlands as habitat? Next, I’ll highlight a few examples of bird species that depend on wetlands. Then we’ll talk about the conservation issues surrounding wetlands, and how their loss is affecting birds.

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]]> In this episode, we’re going to look at wetlands as habitats for birds.

We’ll start with how to recognize—how to define—a wetland ecosystem. Then, we’ll get into why these ecosystems are so important to birds. How do birds use wetlands as habitat? Next, I’ll highlight a few examples of bird species that depend on wetlands. Then we’ll talk about the conservation issues surrounding wetlands, and how their loss is affecting birds.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/wetlands-as-bird-habitat Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9198101 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2189 ecology,conservation 35 full false Roadrunners Roadrunners This episode is all about the bird species in the genus Geococcyx. There are only two: the Greater Roadrunner and the Lesser Roadrunner. 

People in North America have revered the Greater Roadrunner for thousands of years. This bird features prominently in Native American and Mexican legends and lore. It’s usually depicted in a good light. Roadrunners are bold, clever, and fast—all admirable characteristics. 

They’re also large and conspicuous birds, so it’s not surprising that more than one culture has paid them some special attention.

Learn about the key traits of roadrunners and their habitats, diet, and breeding.

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]]> This episode is all about the bird species in the genus Geococcyx. There are only two: the Greater Roadrunner and the Lesser Roadrunner. 

People in North America have revered the Greater Roadrunner for thousands of years. This bird features prominently in Native American and Mexican legends and lore. It’s usually depicted in a good light. Roadrunners are bold, clever, and fast—all admirable characteristics. 

They’re also large and conspicuous birds, so it’s not surprising that more than one culture has paid them some special attention.

Learn about the key traits of roadrunners and their habitats, diet, and breeding.

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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/roadrunners Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9118162 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 01:00:00 -0700 1955 diversity 34 full false eBird and Citizen Science eBird and Citizen Science eBird is a digital archive of bird observations. It’s a database of observations from across the planet. eBird users connect to the database via the Internet, to both contribute data and access data.

In this episode, we’ll start off by going over what exactly eBird is. Then, we’ll consider the characteristics of the scientific data that eBird users produce.

How do scientists make sure that data is of the highest quality? We’ll get into that too, as well as some useful tools that have been created using eBird data.

I’ll also give you some interesting examples of published studies on birds that used eBird data.

Links of Interest


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]]> eBird is a digital archive of bird observations. It’s a database of observations from across the planet. eBird users connect to the database via the Internet, to both contribute data and access data.

In this episode, we’ll start off by going over what exactly eBird is. Then, we’ll consider the characteristics of the scientific data that eBird users produce.

How do scientists make sure that data is of the highest quality? We’ll get into that too, as well as some useful tools that have been created using eBird data.

I’ll also give you some interesting examples of published studies on birds that used eBird data.

Links of Interest


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]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ebird-and-citizen-science Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-9062993 Sat, 21 Aug 2021 01:00:00 -0700 2512 conservation, diversity 33 full false Pigeons and Doves Pigeons and Doves This episode is all about birds in the family Columbidae. These are all the world’s many species of pigeons and doves.

These birds are more exotic and interesting than many of us give them credit for. This is a widespread, diverse group that has been around for many millions of years. Pigeons and doves occupy many habitats across the planet, and they’ve colonized countless remote islands. Many of them are as richly colorful as parrots or songbirds.

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~~ Become a patron to support the podcast ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This episode is all about birds in the family Columbidae. These are all the world’s many species of pigeons and doves.

These birds are more exotic and interesting than many of us give them credit for. This is a widespread, diverse group that has been around for many millions of years. Pigeons and doves occupy many habitats across the planet, and they’ve colonized countless remote islands. Many of them are as richly colorful as parrots or songbirds.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
~~ Become a patron to support the podcast ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/pigeons-and-doves Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8946860 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2641 diversity 32 full false The Birds of Alaska The Birds of Alaska Alaska is a truly amazing place that is still dominated by nature. It’s a wonderful region to explore for anyone who loves birds and charismatic megafauna. Many of Alaska’s vast natural areas are relatively intact. They offer endless opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in raw nature.

I recently returned from leading a birding tour in Alaska and I was inspired to make a podcast episode about the Birds of Alaska. 

We’ll first get a sense of Alaska’s geography, then we’ll consider the major ecosystems of the region, and then we’ll get into some of the overall characteristics of the birdlife of Alaska.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Thanks to my newest Patrons for your pledges to support this podcast! I deeply appreciate your help and generosity. Cheers to: Michael R, Justin T, Anette S, David K, Jennifer, Henri-Claude B, Diana H, Jesse M, Pamela G, Carole P, Christine B, Teal, Vero, Emily R, Donna A, and Susan W!

Support the show

]]> Alaska is a truly amazing place that is still dominated by nature. It’s a wonderful region to explore for anyone who loves birds and charismatic megafauna. Many of Alaska’s vast natural areas are relatively intact. They offer endless opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in raw nature.

I recently returned from leading a birding tour in Alaska and I was inspired to make a podcast episode about the Birds of Alaska. 

We’ll first get a sense of Alaska’s geography, then we’ll consider the major ecosystems of the region, and then we’ll get into some of the overall characteristics of the birdlife of Alaska.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Thanks to my newest Patrons for your pledges to support this podcast! I deeply appreciate your help and generosity. Cheers to: Michael R, Justin T, Anette S, David K, Jennifer, Henri-Claude B, Diana H, Jesse M, Pamela G, Carole P, Christine B, Teal, Vero, Emily R, Donna A, and Susan W!

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/the-birds-of-alaska Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8891399 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0700 2141 diversity 31 full false The Shoebill The Shoebill The Shoebill is a tall, gray bird that appears more dinosaur-like than most members of the class Aves. You aren’t likely to confuse it with any other bird. It possesses a unique and impressive combination of size, color, and bill shape.

The Shoebill is a top predator in certain kinds of swamps and wetlands in Africa. It terrorizes not only large fish, but other small aquatic animals, like amphibians and reptiles.

This almost mythical beast of a bird is one of the most exciting species in all of Africa.

This episode is all about the Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex. What it looks like, where it lives, how it behaves, and its conservation status.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website



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]]> The Shoebill is a tall, gray bird that appears more dinosaur-like than most members of the class Aves. You aren’t likely to confuse it with any other bird. It possesses a unique and impressive combination of size, color, and bill shape.

The Shoebill is a top predator in certain kinds of swamps and wetlands in Africa. It terrorizes not only large fish, but other small aquatic animals, like amphibians and reptiles.

This almost mythical beast of a bird is one of the most exciting species in all of Africa.

This episode is all about the Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex. What it looks like, where it lives, how it behaves, and its conservation status.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website



Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/the-shoebill Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8622073 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700 1677 diversity 30 full false Artificial Intelligence in Bird Research Artificial Intelligence in Bird Research We hear the terms ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘AI’ all the time these days. Beyond the issue of evil robots taking over the world, AI technology is helping scientists do some pretty amazing things in the field of ornithology.

In this episode, we’ll talk about what artificial intelligence is and give some interesting examples of how it’s being used to study birds.

We’ll also touch on some tools that use artificial intelligence to help you in your quest to identify birds.

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Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> We hear the terms ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘AI’ all the time these days. Beyond the issue of evil robots taking over the world, AI technology is helping scientists do some pretty amazing things in the field of ornithology.

In this episode, we’ll talk about what artificial intelligence is and give some interesting examples of how it’s being used to study birds.

We’ll also touch on some tools that use artificial intelligence to help you in your quest to identify birds.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/artificial-intelligence-in-bird-research Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8607399 Fri, 28 May 2021 16:00:00 -0700 3034 conservation, behavior 29 full false New World Warblers New World Warblers New World Warblers are all the birds in the family Parulidae. You’ll sometimes hear these birds referred to as ‘Wood-Warblers.’

New World Warblers are among the most celebrated and sought after birds in North America. We love them here. They’re colorful, they’re energetic, and many of them have pleasant little songs.

These birds have also been the subjects of many scientific studies over the years. Which is great, because it means there’s a lot that ornithologists know about the biology of these magnificent little creatures.

{Special thanks to Sue Riffe for permission to use her Kirtland's Warbler recording}

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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]]> New World Warblers are all the birds in the family Parulidae. You’ll sometimes hear these birds referred to as ‘Wood-Warblers.’

New World Warblers are among the most celebrated and sought after birds in North America. We love them here. They’re colorful, they’re energetic, and many of them have pleasant little songs.

These birds have also been the subjects of many scientific studies over the years. Which is great, because it means there’s a lot that ornithologists know about the biology of these magnificent little creatures.

{Special thanks to Sue Riffe for permission to use her Kirtland's Warbler recording}

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/new-world-warblers Buzzsprout-8505692 Wed, 12 May 2021 02:00:00 -0700 3418 diversity 28 full false Mate Choice and Sexual Selection in Birds Mate Choice and Sexual Selection in Birds This episode is all about how birds choose their mates and the evolutionary outcomes of those choices.

A lot of what we’re talking about today has to do with sexual selection, which is a special form of natural selection. 

In sexual selection, individuals compete for mates. This is when females and males choose their partners based on specific traits. Traits like plumage color or song, behavior, etc.

This choosiness has resulted in some spectacular features in birds. Many of the things we love most about birds are consequences of sexual selection.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This episode is all about how birds choose their mates and the evolutionary outcomes of those choices.

A lot of what we’re talking about today has to do with sexual selection, which is a special form of natural selection. 

In sexual selection, individuals compete for mates. This is when females and males choose their partners based on specific traits. Traits like plumage color or song, behavior, etc.

This choosiness has resulted in some spectacular features in birds. Many of the things we love most about birds are consequences of sexual selection.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/mate-choice-and-sexual-selection-in-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8412053 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700 3079 behavior, evolution 27 full false Sandpipers Sandpipers Birds in the family Scolopacidae include all the world’s sandpipers and birds such as godwits, curlews, snipes, dowitchers, willets, stints, and more.

We know these as familiar ‘shorebirds.’ They haunt coastal habitats from autumn through spring (Oct to Apr, or so). But in summer most of them migrate long distances to breed in the highest temperate latitudes or in the Arctic.

Learn about sandpiper diversity, evolution, feeding, and more in this episode.

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Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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]]> Birds in the family Scolopacidae include all the world’s sandpipers and birds such as godwits, curlews, snipes, dowitchers, willets, stints, and more.

We know these as familiar ‘shorebirds.’ They haunt coastal habitats from autumn through spring (Oct to Apr, or so). But in summer most of them migrate long distances to breed in the highest temperate latitudes or in the Arctic.

Learn about sandpiper diversity, evolution, feeding, and more in this episode.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/sandpipers Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8314327 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -0700 2777 diversity 26 full false Bird Intelligence Bird Intelligence Our understanding of bird brains and intelligence has grown tremendously in the last couple decades.

Thanks to countless scientific studies, we now know that many bird species are highly intelligent. Some of them perform better than primates, dogs, and young children on certain cognitive tests.

In this episode, we look at how intelligence is defined and some evidence for it in birds. We have a look at the avian brain and consider how intelligence evolved in birds.

Which birds are the smartest? Which birds are numbskulls? Have a listen and find out!

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Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Our understanding of bird brains and intelligence has grown tremendously in the last couple decades.

Thanks to countless scientific studies, we now know that many bird species are highly intelligent. Some of them perform better than primates, dogs, and young children on certain cognitive tests.

In this episode, we look at how intelligence is defined and some evidence for it in birds. We have a look at the avian brain and consider how intelligence evolved in birds.

Which birds are the smartest? Which birds are numbskulls? Have a listen and find out!

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-intelligence Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8222996 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0700 2826 behavior, anatomy 25 full false Vermilion Flycatcher Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a charming bird found in the arid southwest of the United States, as well as in Mexico and down to southern South America.

This bright red flycatcher is a favorite of birders and bird photographers. Join Ivan as he introduces you to the basic features of this species. 

We’ll also take a look at some interesting questions, like “Why are the Vermilion Flycatchers of Lima, Peru so dark and sooty-looking?”

Note: Some ornithological authorities have now split this species into several. Under this new classification, the birds found in the US, Mexico, and northern South American are Pyrocephalus obscurus, not P. rubinus.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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]]> The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a charming bird found in the arid southwest of the United States, as well as in Mexico and down to southern South America.

This bright red flycatcher is a favorite of birders and bird photographers. Join Ivan as he introduces you to the basic features of this species. 

We’ll also take a look at some interesting questions, like “Why are the Vermilion Flycatchers of Lima, Peru so dark and sooty-looking?”

Note: Some ornithological authorities have now split this species into several. Under this new classification, the birds found in the US, Mexico, and northern South American are Pyrocephalus obscurus, not P. rubinus.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/vermilion-flycatcher Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-8084458 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0800 1148 diversity 24 full false Cats vs Birds Cats vs Birds Join Ivan as he wades into the conservation quagmire surrounding house cats and their effects on wild birds.


First, we’ll look at the status of house cat and feral cat populations around the world. How are all these free-ranging cats affecting our wild birds? 


Many scientific studies of this issue give us some answers. Research also provides guidance for how best to solve the problems that cats create for birds. Some approaches are more severe than others.


We’ll also go over a few ways that responsible cat owners can help protect their local birds as well as keep their kitty happy.


~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Support the show

]]> Join Ivan as he wades into the conservation quagmire surrounding house cats and their effects on wild birds.


First, we’ll look at the status of house cat and feral cat populations around the world. How are all these free-ranging cats affecting our wild birds? 


Many scientific studies of this issue give us some answers. Research also provides guidance for how best to solve the problems that cats create for birds. Some approaches are more severe than others.


We’ll also go over a few ways that responsible cat owners can help protect their local birds as well as keep their kitty happy.


~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cats-vs-birds Buzzsprout-8022891 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0800 2258 conservation 23 full false Finches Finches All about the ‘true’ finches, the species belonging to the family Fringillidae. 

These small songbirds are found in many places around the world. Most of them specialize in eating seeds. 

Not every bird we commonly call ‘finch’ is a member of this family. And the family includes many birds that don’t have the word ‘finch’ in their common name. Confusing? Yes. We’ll try to clear some of this up for you.

Learn about the key features of finches as well as their global distribution, evolution, feeding, and more.

There’s lots of fun stuff to know about these charming birds!

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> All about the ‘true’ finches, the species belonging to the family Fringillidae. 

These small songbirds are found in many places around the world. Most of them specialize in eating seeds. 

Not every bird we commonly call ‘finch’ is a member of this family. And the family includes many birds that don’t have the word ‘finch’ in their common name. Confusing? Yes. We’ll try to clear some of this up for you.

Learn about the key features of finches as well as their global distribution, evolution, feeding, and more.

There’s lots of fun stuff to know about these charming birds!

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/finches-fringillidae Buzzsprout-7685749 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0800 3262 diversity 22 full false How Birds Survive in Winter How Birds Survive in Winter Winter can be a cold, dark time when food is scarce. Birds fight to stay alive during this season by using a variety of behavioral and physiological adaptations. Many of these are the same things you and I would do. But birds also have some amazing, unique adaptations to winter that we can only marvel at.

Learn how birds generate heat and conserve it, and about the challenges they face in the cold season.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Winter can be a cold, dark time when food is scarce. Birds fight to stay alive during this season by using a variety of behavioral and physiological adaptations. Many of these are the same things you and I would do. But birds also have some amazing, unique adaptations to winter that we can only marvel at.

Learn how birds generate heat and conserve it, and about the challenges they face in the cold season.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-birds-survive-in-winter Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-7455586 Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0800 2387 behavior, anatomy 21 full false Kingfishers Kingfishers Kingfishers—all the birds in the family Alcedinidae—are the focus of this episode. There are many species of these charismatic birds living across the world.

Learn about their key features, global distribution, evolution, feeding, and more.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Kingfishers—all the birds in the family Alcedinidae—are the focus of this episode. There are many species of these charismatic birds living across the world.

Learn about their key features, global distribution, evolution, feeding, and more.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/kingfishers Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-7225762 Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0800 2777 diversity 20 full false 5 Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2020 5 Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2020 Despite much of human civilization grinding to a halt in 2020, research on birds continued to be published in scientific journals.

Through this research, we learned many new things about our avian friends.

In this episode, let’s look at 5 interesting bird studies from 2020. If you want to learn more about them, check out the links below.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

At the end of the episode, I share a little personal note. :) Happy New Year!

  1. A global analysis of song frequency in passerines provides no support for the acoustic adaptation hypothesis but suggests a role for sexual selection
  2. Dense sampling of bird diversity increases power of comparative genomics
  3. The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot
  4. Phenological synchronization of seasonal bird migration with vegetation greenness across dietary guilds
  5. The phantom chorus: birdsong boosts human well-being in protected areas

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Despite much of human civilization grinding to a halt in 2020, research on birds continued to be published in scientific journals.

Through this research, we learned many new things about our avian friends.

In this episode, let’s look at 5 interesting bird studies from 2020. If you want to learn more about them, check out the links below.

~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

At the end of the episode, I share a little personal note. :) Happy New Year!

  1. A global analysis of song frequency in passerines provides no support for the acoustic adaptation hypothesis but suggests a role for sexual selection
  2. Dense sampling of bird diversity increases power of comparative genomics
  3. The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot
  4. Phenological synchronization of seasonal bird migration with vegetation greenness across dietary guilds
  5. The phantom chorus: birdsong boosts human well-being in protected areas

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/5-awesome-things-we-learned-about-birds-in-2020 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-7081810 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0800 1996 evolution, behavior 19 full false Ducks, Geese, and Swans Ducks, Geese, and Swans This episode focuses on the biological family Anatidae. This family includes the over 150 species of ducks, geese, and swans in the world.

First, we highlight the key features shared by these birds, as well as some differences among them. We also discuss their diversity and distribution.

We continue by examining the duck’s bill and the various things these birds eat.

Breeding, migration, and conservation round out our look at this fascinating group of birds.

Along the way, we goof around and have some fun.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This episode focuses on the biological family Anatidae. This family includes the over 150 species of ducks, geese, and swans in the world.

First, we highlight the key features shared by these birds, as well as some differences among them. We also discuss their diversity and distribution.

We continue by examining the duck’s bill and the various things these birds eat.

Breeding, migration, and conservation round out our look at this fascinating group of birds.

Along the way, we goof around and have some fun.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ducks-geese-and-swans Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6930239 Sat, 19 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0800 2822 diversity 18 full false Bird Party: Mixed-Species Flocks Bird Party: Mixed-Species Flocks Sometimes birds of many feathers flock together. Mixed-species foraging flocks are seen in forests all across the world. Different combinations of species are found in each region.

First, we talk about what mixed-species flocks look and act like. Then we get into the major scientific hypotheses for why these flocks exist at all.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Sometimes birds of many feathers flock together. Mixed-species foraging flocks are seen in forests all across the world. Different combinations of species are found in each region.

First, we talk about what mixed-species flocks look and act like. Then we get into the major scientific hypotheses for why these flocks exist at all.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-party-mixed-species-flocks Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6809893 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 19:00:00 -0800 1844 behavior, ecology 17 full false Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon This episode is all about the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), of the family Falconidae.

Learn about this incredible bird's key features, its global diversity, feeding behavior, and more.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> This episode is all about the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), of the family Falconidae.

Learn about this incredible bird's key features, its global diversity, feeding behavior, and more.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6702085 Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:00:00 -0800 2102 Diversity 16 full false What Is a Species, Really? What Is a Species, Really? The definition of ‘species’ isn’t as simple as you might think. In this episode, we look at the methods ornithologists use to identify and name bird species. And we discuss the challenges they face in this work.

We begin by highlighting the reasons that scientists need to classify birds as species.

Next, we get into several definitions of ‘species’ and the pros and cons of applying these.

We then look at several case studies of birds to see how they’ve been classified.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> The definition of ‘species’ isn’t as simple as you might think. In this episode, we look at the methods ornithologists use to identify and name bird species. And we discuss the challenges they face in this work.

We begin by highlighting the reasons that scientists need to classify birds as species.

Next, we get into several definitions of ‘species’ and the pros and cons of applying these.

We then look at several case studies of birds to see how they’ve been classified.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/what-is-a-species Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6592276 Sat, 28 Nov 2020 16:00:00 -0800 2626 evolution, diversity 15 full false Pelicans Pelicans Summary
Pelicans are large, peculiar waterbirds with a unique way of feeding. Using their long bills and throat pouches, they scoop up fish and other prey from water. Some pelican species plunge dive from the air, others work in cooperative groups to improve their chances of fishing success.

In this episode, we focus on the family Pelecanidae. We go through the characteristics of pelicans, with a focus on their bill and throat pouch.

We also discuss the feeding strategies of pelicans, how they breed, and their evolution.

Finally, we touch on some issues about the conservation of pelicans.

Along the way, we’ll do some myth-busting. There are several misconceptions about pelicans that we need to address.

Links of Interest

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Summary
Pelicans are large, peculiar waterbirds with a unique way of feeding. Using their long bills and throat pouches, they scoop up fish and other prey from water. Some pelican species plunge dive from the air, others work in cooperative groups to improve their chances of fishing success.

In this episode, we focus on the family Pelecanidae. We go through the characteristics of pelicans, with a focus on their bill and throat pouch.

We also discuss the feeding strategies of pelicans, how they breed, and their evolution.

Finally, we touch on some issues about the conservation of pelicans.

Along the way, we’ll do some myth-busting. There are several misconceptions about pelicans that we need to address.

Links of Interest

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/pelicans Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6367828 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0800 2260 diversity 14 full false Feathers: Form and Function Feathers: Form and Function Summary
The feather is one of the most iconic symbols of nature. Feathers are indispensable to birds, serving many critically important functions. 

In this episode, we explore those functions after looking closely at the anatomy—the structure—of a feather.

We discuss the 6 types of feathers: contour feathers, flight feathers, down, semiplumes, bristles, and filoplumes.

Some functions we explore are flight, insulation, and camouflage.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Errors and Clarifications

  • Error - At 00:44, I used the word ‘historic,’ when I should have said ‘historical.’
  • Error - At 06:13, I goofed on the word ‘stratum,’ saying ‘strateum’ by accident.

Attributions

Support the show

]]> Summary
The feather is one of the most iconic symbols of nature. Feathers are indispensable to birds, serving many critically important functions. 

In this episode, we explore those functions after looking closely at the anatomy—the structure—of a feather.

We discuss the 6 types of feathers: contour feathers, flight feathers, down, semiplumes, bristles, and filoplumes.

Some functions we explore are flight, insulation, and camouflage.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Errors and Clarifications

  • Error - At 00:44, I used the word ‘historic,’ when I should have said ‘historical.’
  • Error - At 06:13, I goofed on the word ‘stratum,’ saying ‘strateum’ by accident.

Attributions

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/feathers-form-functions Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6253843 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0800 2223 anatomy, behavior 13 full false Brood Parasites Are Devious Birds Brood Parasites Are Devious Birds
Summary
Brood parasitism is a strange and fascinating behavior that we see (in one form or another) in several hundred bird species.

This is where a female lays an egg in the nest of another bird. The parasite female flies away and never sees her offspring. The host bird or birds are fooled into raising the foreign chick as their own.

Learn about which types of birds use this breeding strategy, including cuckoos and cowbirds.

We’ll discuss the various tactics used by both the parasites and their hosts in this evolutionary arms race. And we’ll get into some ins and outs of the evolutionary process in these birds.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Errors and Clarifications

  • At 07:38, I say that the only obligate brood parasite bird species in North America is the Brown-headed Cowbird. But the Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) lives in Mexico year round and breeds in some southern American states (AZ, CA, NM, TX, and LA).

Support the show

]]>
Summary
Brood parasitism is a strange and fascinating behavior that we see (in one form or another) in several hundred bird species.

This is where a female lays an egg in the nest of another bird. The parasite female flies away and never sees her offspring. The host bird or birds are fooled into raising the foreign chick as their own.

Learn about which types of birds use this breeding strategy, including cuckoos and cowbirds.

We’ll discuss the various tactics used by both the parasites and their hosts in this evolutionary arms race. And we’ll get into some ins and outs of the evolutionary process in these birds.

Links of Interest


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Errors and Clarifications

  • At 07:38, I say that the only obligate brood parasite bird species in North America is the Brown-headed Cowbird. But the Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) lives in Mexico year round and breeds in some southern American states (AZ, CA, NM, TX, and LA).

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/brood-parasitism Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6146695 Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0800 1782 behavior, evolution, ecology 12 full false Woodpeckers Woodpeckers Summary
Learn about the amazing birds in the family Picidae—the woodpeckers. These charismatic birds have a suite of adaptations that make them excellent at the job of excavating wood. 

In this episode, we first summarize the key features of woodpeckers.

Then we’ll look at the evolution and modern-day diversity of the family.

We discuss many of the special adaptations of woodpeckers, which they use as they go about their day, foraging.

How woodpeckers breed and communicate and a bit about their conservation status round out the episode.


Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Summary
Learn about the amazing birds in the family Picidae—the woodpeckers. These charismatic birds have a suite of adaptations that make them excellent at the job of excavating wood. 

In this episode, we first summarize the key features of woodpeckers.

Then we’ll look at the evolution and modern-day diversity of the family.

We discuss many of the special adaptations of woodpeckers, which they use as they go about their day, foraging.

How woodpeckers breed and communicate and a bit about their conservation status round out the episode.


Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/woodpeckers Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6043942 Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0700 2213 diversity 11 full false How Do Birds Sleep? How Do Birds Sleep?
Summary
When birds disappear at night, where do they go and what are they doing? Most of them are sleeping, of course. But sleep in birds differs greatly from what you and I do.

In this episode, we discuss the most important functions of sleep in birds. Then we get into the evolution of sleep in birds.

Along the way, we’ll talk about the similarities and differences of sleep between birds and mammals like us.

Last, we cover where and how birds sleep, regarding location, posture, etc.


Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Errors and Clarifications

  • I said that the fossil of the bird-like dinosaur Mei Long (“Sleeping Dragon”) was discovered in 2010. It was actually discovered in 2004. 

Support the show

]]>
Summary
When birds disappear at night, where do they go and what are they doing? Most of them are sleeping, of course. But sleep in birds differs greatly from what you and I do.

In this episode, we discuss the most important functions of sleep in birds. Then we get into the evolution of sleep in birds.

Along the way, we’ll talk about the similarities and differences of sleep between birds and mammals like us.

Last, we cover where and how birds sleep, regarding location, posture, etc.


Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Errors and Clarifications

  • I said that the fossil of the bird-like dinosaur Mei Long (“Sleeping Dragon”) was discovered in 2010. It was actually discovered in 2004. 

Support the show

]]> https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/how-do-birds-sleep Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-6019399 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0700 1718 behavior 10 full false The Biggest Global Threats to Birds The Biggest Global Threats to Birds Summary

Birds around the world are in trouble. Their populations have suffered major declines in the last 50 years.

What does the latest research tell us about the causes of these declines? What are the biggest threats to our most vulnerable bird species?

You can probably guess some of the answers, but you might be surprised by some of what you learn in this episode.

We’ll cover the top five major threats in some detail.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Summary

Birds around the world are in trouble. Their populations have suffered major declines in the last 50 years.

What does the latest research tell us about the causes of these declines? What are the biggest threats to our most vulnerable bird species?

You can probably guess some of the answers, but you might be surprised by some of what you learn in this episode.

We’ll cover the top five major threats in some detail.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5866429 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0700 1795 Conservation 9 full false Hummingbirds Hummingbirds Episode: 8

Summary

The remarkable behavioral and anatomical features of hummingbirds are what make them so endearing to us. The way they fly, their colors, and their penchant for flowers have all made hummingbirds rock stars of the avian world.

In this episode, we focus entirely on the hummingbird family, Trochilidae. 

I’ll first give you an overview of hummingbird evolution. Then, we’ll discuss their present-day diversity and distribution.

Then we dive into an assortment of fun topics about hummingbirds, including flight, metabolism, and breeding.

At the end of the episode, I talk about feeding hummingbirds-- how to do it right and some of the interesting consequences.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 8

Summary

The remarkable behavioral and anatomical features of hummingbirds are what make them so endearing to us. The way they fly, their colors, and their penchant for flowers have all made hummingbirds rock stars of the avian world.

In this episode, we focus entirely on the hummingbird family, Trochilidae. 

I’ll first give you an overview of hummingbird evolution. Then, we’ll discuss their present-day diversity and distribution.

Then we dive into an assortment of fun topics about hummingbirds, including flight, metabolism, and breeding.

At the end of the episode, I talk about feeding hummingbirds-- how to do it right and some of the interesting consequences.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/hummingbirds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5283781 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0700 2207 behavior 8 full false Vision in Birds Vision in Birds Episode: 7

Summary

It can be argued that, of all the animals, birds are the best at seeing stuff. Most species have an excellent sense of sight.

In this episode, I’ll first introduce you to the anatomy of a bird’s eye.

Then, we’ll look into (see what I did there?) how birds perceive color and their visual acuity.

And last we’ll talk about the difference between monocular and binocular vision in birds.

Research Citations

‍Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 7

Summary

It can be argued that, of all the animals, birds are the best at seeing stuff. Most species have an excellent sense of sight.

In this episode, I’ll first introduce you to the anatomy of a bird’s eye.

Then, we’ll look into (see what I did there?) how birds perceive color and their visual acuity.

And last we’ll talk about the difference between monocular and binocular vision in birds.

Research Citations

‍Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/vision-in-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5283394 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0700 1426 anatomy,behavior 7 full false Bird Songs - Part 2 Bird Songs - Part 2 Episode: 6

Summary

This episode is Part 2 of 2 about Bird Songs. 

In the last episode, Part 1, we talked mostly about the “how” and the “who” of bird songs. We haven’t really talked about the “why,” the purpose of all these vocal sounds. This episode begins by looking at the functions of bird songs and calls.

Then we get into variation in bird songs, at several levels, including among species and among geographic regions.

You’ll also learn about some interesting subtopics like the dawn chorus and female songs.‍‍

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Attributions


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Support the show

]]> Episode: 6

Summary

This episode is Part 2 of 2 about Bird Songs. 

In the last episode, Part 1, we talked mostly about the “how” and the “who” of bird songs. We haven’t really talked about the “why,” the purpose of all these vocal sounds. This episode begins by looking at the functions of bird songs and calls.

Then we get into variation in bird songs, at several levels, including among species and among geographic regions.

You’ll also learn about some interesting subtopics like the dawn chorus and female songs.‍‍

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Attributions


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website


Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-songs-part-2 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5283130 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0700 1171 behavior 6 full false Bird Songs - Part 1 Bird Songs - Part 1 Episode: 5

Summary

This episode is Part 1 of 2 about Bird Songs. 

The voices of birds dominate nature’s soundscape. Bird songs and calls can be heard in almost every environment on the planet. 

In this episode, I’ll cover the characteristics of bird songs and how they are produced. We’ll also get into the question of whether bird songs are learned or instinctual.

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Attributions


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

‍

Support the show

]]> Episode: 5

Summary

This episode is Part 1 of 2 about Bird Songs. 

The voices of birds dominate nature’s soundscape. Bird songs and calls can be heard in almost every environment on the planet. 

In this episode, I’ll cover the characteristics of bird songs and how they are produced. We’ll also get into the question of whether bird songs are learned or instinctual.

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Attributions


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

‍

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-songs-part-1 Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5282526 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0700 1302 behavior 5 full false Migration in Birds Migration in Birds Episode: 4

Summary

The annual long-distance movements of birds are amazing feats of endurance and navigation.

Learn about the various forms of migration and other annual movements in birds. We’ll cover many concepts related to migration, including timing and orientation, staging areas, and flyways.

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 4

Summary

The annual long-distance movements of birds are amazing feats of endurance and navigation.

Learn about the various forms of migration and other annual movements in birds. We’ll cover many concepts related to migration, including timing and orientation, staging areas, and flyways.

Research Citations

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/migration Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5282406 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0700 1910 behavior,ecology,evolution 4 full false The Biodiversity of Birds The Biodiversity of Birds Episode: 3

Summary

Birds are an incredibly successful and diverse group of animals. 

In this episode, you’ll get an overview of the origin of avian species diversity and its present-day distribution across the planet.

I offer some definitions of ‘biodiversity’ with respect to birds. We’ll discuss why this diversity is important.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations‍

Errors and Clarifications
Clarification - 07:25 - I say that the Clements Checklist has 10,721 bird species. This is true. However, this number includes about 160 extinct species. So this means there are 10,561 extant (i.e. living, non-extinct) bird species on the planet today.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 3

Summary

Birds are an incredibly successful and diverse group of animals. 

In this episode, you’ll get an overview of the origin of avian species diversity and its present-day distribution across the planet.

I offer some definitions of ‘biodiversity’ with respect to birds. We’ll discuss why this diversity is important.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations‍

Errors and Clarifications
Clarification - 07:25 - I say that the Clements Checklist has 10,721 bird species. This is true. However, this number includes about 160 extinct species. So this means there are 10,561 extant (i.e. living, non-extinct) bird species on the planet today.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/biodiversity-of-birds-overview Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5281982 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0700 1435 conservation,ecology,evolution,diversity 3 full false Competition Between Bird Species Competition Between Bird Species Episode: 2

Summary

Learn about the ways that different bird species compete with each other over food and other resources.

I first talk about the concept of the ecological niche, since this is so important to this episode's topic.

Then, I get into the different forms of competition between bird species and present the possible outcomes of that competition. 

Lastly, I briefly touch on the general approaches that scientists take in studying interspecies competition in birds.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations

Errors and Clarifications

Error - 23:04 min: I say that the second type of competition between species is "exploitation interference". I meant to say exploitation competition. I make this error repeatedly in this section. My apologies!

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 2

Summary

Learn about the ways that different bird species compete with each other over food and other resources.

I first talk about the concept of the ecological niche, since this is so important to this episode's topic.

Then, I get into the different forms of competition between bird species and present the possible outcomes of that competition. 

Lastly, I briefly touch on the general approaches that scientists take in studying interspecies competition in birds.

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Research Citations

Errors and Clarifications

Error - 23:04 min: I say that the second type of competition between species is "exploitation interference". I meant to say exploitation competition. I make this error repeatedly in this section. My apologies!

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/competition-between-species Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5281786 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0700 1384 behavior,ecology 2 full false The Origin of Birds The Origin of Birds Episode: 1

Summary

Learn about the deep evolutionary origin of birds and follow their history up to the great extinction that happened 66 million years ago.

First, I discuss what we mean when we say “bird.” What characteristics separate modern birds from other animal groups?

Then I discuss the evidence—both historical and recent—that scientists have used to determine the evolutionary history of birds. 

Finally, we arrive at the answer of where birds fit on the tree of life.

Research Citations

Errors and Clarifications

Error - 05:39 min: I say that scientists have genome sequences for 'all living birds.' What I meant was that we have genome sequences for representative species within each of the living bird families.


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> Episode: 1

Summary

Learn about the deep evolutionary origin of birds and follow their history up to the great extinction that happened 66 million years ago.

First, I discuss what we mean when we say “bird.” What characteristics separate modern birds from other animal groups?

Then I discuss the evidence—both historical and recent—that scientists have used to determine the evolutionary history of birds. 

Finally, we arrive at the answer of where birds fit on the tree of life.

Research Citations

Errors and Clarifications

Error - 05:39 min: I say that scientists have genome sequences for 'all living birds.' What I meant was that we have genome sequences for representative species within each of the living bird families.


Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

Support the show

]]> http://scienceofbirds.com/podcast/origin-of-birds Ivan Phillipsen Buzzsprout-5174683 Sat, 19 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0700 1507 evolution 1 full false