The Science of Birds

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 Magpie-Jay ( Cyanocorax formosus ). Sound Citations : Isain Contreras Rodríguez, XC530762. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/530762. Guillermo Funes, XC198353. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/198353. Oscar Campbell, XC278635. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/278635. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ Enter the murky aquatic realm of the family Podicipedidae in Episode 137 of the The Science of Birds podcast. Often mistaken for ducks, loons, or coots, grebes are unique, fascinating waterbirds with some bizarre physical traits and behaviors. The episode covers everything from the specialized lobed toes of grebes and rear-positioned legs to their spectacular, highly synchronized courtship dances. Discover the unexpected identity of grebe's closest evolutionary cousins, learn why these diving birds swallow their own feathers, and explore the precarious mechanics of raising chicks on soggy, floating nests. By the end, you'll know why these fluffy-butted water gremlins are truly great! Links of Interest Western Grebe walking on the beach [VIDEO] Clark's Grebes Rushing Ceremony in Oregon [VIDEO] Hooded Grebes courtship [VIDEO] Great Crested Grebes courtship [VIDEO] 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 Orange-headed Thrush ( Geokichla citrina ). Sound Citations : Chuenguey Hwang, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3dXua_kD20 Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In this "from the field" episode of The Science of Birds , Ivan Phillipsen takes you on a journey through some iconic landscapes in Australia. Fulfilling a childhood fascination with the Outback, Ivan splits his two-week adventure between the arid, rust-red deserts of the Northern Territory's Red Centre and the lush, ancient tropical rainforests of Queensland. Along the way, he shares the excitement of racking up some "lifers" while encountering some of Australia’s unique avian families. From colorful, charismatic parrots and adorable finches to highly sought-after, elusive rainforest dwellers, Ivan details the thrill of tracking down endemic species and observing fascinating bird behaviors in the wild. Beyond the incredible birding, he also sets out to find a few of Australia's most iconic and unusual mammals. Tune in to hear all about the rewarding highs of birding in the land down under, and get a sneak peek at an exciting future birding expedition he is scouting for 2028! Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Rufous Cacholote ( Pseudoseisura unirufa ). Sound Citations : Sjoerd Mayer, XC3496. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/3496. 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 Rufous-sided Gerygone ( Gerygone dorsalis ). Sound Citations : Colin Trainor, XC138529. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/138529. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ Episode 135 takes on one of North America's most recognizable birds: the Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus . With a population possibly approaching 200 million, this species is a fixture of wetlands and marshes across the continent, and one of the most intensively studied birds in ornithology. Ivan explores the biology and behavior that make this bird so compelling: its striking sexual dimorphism, the surprisingly complex story behind those iconic red epaulets, and a breeding system that turns out to be far messier than it first appears. Territorial wars, interspecies conflict, and the occasional human casualty are all part of the picture. The episode also digs into the Red-winged Blackbird's fraught relationship with agriculture—from the enormous crop damage these birds can cause to the high-tech and sometimes controversial methods farmers use to manage them. And despite being among the most abundant birds on the continent, the species has seen a significant population decline over recent decades. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Jameson's Snipe ( Gallinago jamesoni ). Sound Citations : Niels Krabbe, XC238296. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/238296. Niels Krabbe, XC47237. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/47237. Niels Krabbe, XC238308. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/238308. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ This is Episode 134. Ivan takes on one of the most iconic bird families in the avian world: Accipitridae—the hawks, eagles, kites, buzzards, harriers, and Old World Vultures. It's a massive and diverse group with no good nickname, though Ivan has a few suggestions. The episode covers the key traits that make these birds such formidable predators—from their hooked bills and locking talons to the bony "brow ridge" that gives them their signature scowl. Ivan also digs into the family's staggering diversity: 249 species across 73 genera. Along the way, there's some evolutionary biology, a Weirdo Alert, and a look at the ancient giant that makes today's largest eagles seem modest by comparison. Links of Interest Haast's Eagle episode of the Blurbs podcast Harpy Eagle video in Spanish , by Alberto Lobato [VIDEO] Wild Latitudes: Worldwide birding and nature tours. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In this From the Field episode Ivan takes listeners along on a two-week scouting trip to Romania where he explored the country's remarkable natural landscapes in preparation for a future birding tour. There's just one catch: his binoculars broke almost immediately after arriving. Despite that setback, Ivan racks up some lifers and shares highlights from two very different corners of the country. First, he heads to the Danube River Delta on the Black Sea coast—widely considered the best birding site in Europe—where he had an unforgettable day exploring the maze of channels by boat. Then he crosses the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania, where ancient forests, castles, charming villages, stork nests, and bears round out the adventure. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Jungle Owlet ( Glaucidium radiatum ). Sound Citations : Dr S S Suresh, XC1102415. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/1102415 Swami Bogim, XC1037332. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/1037332. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In Episode 132, Ivan Phillipsen explores the "circulatory system of the land"—the world of rivers and streams. These flowing-water environments, serve as vital habitats for avian life. The episode delves into the ecology of these waterways, breaking down the differences between clear, rocky upland streams and the warmer, sediment-rich rivers of the lowlands. Listeners will learn about the distinct "zones" of a stream—from the central channel to the lush riparian zone—and discover what resources birds need to thrive in these high-energy environments. At the heart of the discussion are the "stream specialists"—a select group of approximately 60 bird species worldwide that are evolutionarily tied to flowing water. From the underwater antics the American Dipper to the massive, fish-hunting Blakiston’s Fish-Owl, the episode highlights the incredible adaptations of birds that make their living among the rapids. Whether exploring the global diversity hotspots of the Himalayas or the secretive lives of "streamcreepers," this episode is an inviting look at the birds that call the water's edge home. Wild Latitudes : Worldwide birding and nature tours. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Bicolored Antbird ( Gymnopithys bicolor ). Sound Citations : Niels Krabbe, XC250916. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/250916. Johan Chaves, XC949385. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/949385. Niels Krabbe, XC248252. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/248252. Patricio Mena Valenzuela, XC275411. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/275411. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In Episode 131 of The Science of Birds , host Ivan Phillipsen takes a deep dive into one of North America's most familiar woodpeckers: the Northern Flicker ( Colaptes auratus ). Found year-round across the continent, this bird has a habit of making itself known in some startling ways, including drumming loudly on rooftops at the crack of dawn. The episode describes the flicker's appearance, from its bold spotted plumage and signature white rump patch to the mustache-like malar stripe that sets males apart. It also covers the bird's surprisingly un-woodpecker-like lifestyle—spending most of its time hopping on the ground in pursuit of ants—and the full range of sounds it uses to communicate, from the mechanical "long call" to the rhythmic "wicka call" used in courtship and territorial disputes. The episode gets into the centuries-old debate over whether the yellow-shafted and red-shafted forms should be considered separate species, the remarkable hybrid zone stretching across the Great Plains, and what recent genomic research has revealed about the genetics behind their different color forms. Also covered are the flicker's breeding behavior, diet, and its ecological role as a keystone species. Despite being one of the most recognizable birds in North American backyards, flicker populations have declined by nearly 50% since 1966 — a sobering reminder that even familiar species need our attention. Tune in to learn all about this loud, lovable, ant-obsessed bird. Links of Interest Northern Flicker drumming on metal roof [VIDEO] Pair of flickers doing the "Wicka Dance" [VIDEO] Wild Latitudes : Worldwide birding and nature tours. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Green-breasted Pitta ( Pitta reichenowi ). Sound Citations : Magnus Wadstein, XC534681. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/534681. Jesse Fagan, XC146919. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/146919. Support the show

👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In this episode—which is number 130—Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating phenomenon of vagrancy... those surprising moments when birds appear far outside their normal range. Learn about the forces that send birds off course, including navigation errors, weather, social behavior, and more. The episode goes beyond the mystery of lost birds to ask a deeper question: are these wayward journeys simply mistakes, or can they shape the future of species? Along the way, the episode reveals how vagrancy connects to migration, ecology, and evolution in ways that are more important than they might first appear. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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 Treerunner ( Pygarrhychus albogularis ). White-throated Treerunner sounds (Xeno Canto recordings XC49939 and XC52238 ) 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 Striped Cuckoo "jazz hands" foraging [VIDEO] Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 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

👕 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