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

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? ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/earthbound-how-birds-become-flightless" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Earthbound: How Birds Become Flightless

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. Links of InterestRed-tailed Hawk ProjectRed-tailed Hawk “kiting” [VIDEO]Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl fight over a nest [VIDEO]Pale Male, the Famous Central Park Hawk, Is Dead at 32. Maybe.~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://redtailedhawkproject.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red-tailed Hawk Project</a></li><li><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/236898721" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red-tailed Hawk “kiting”</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4XdIFyxWyo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl fight over a nest</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/nyregion/pale-male-hawk.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pale Male, the Famous Central Park Hawk, Is Dead at 32. Maybe.</a></li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/red-tailed-hawk-buteo-jamaicensis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Red-tailed Hawk

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Parental Care: How Birds Raise Their Young

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.Links of InterestBass Rock - the tiny island that gannets love [video]Far From Land: The Mysterious Lives of Seabirds [book]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2h9Xo51_O0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bass Rock - the tiny island that gannets love</a> [video]</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Far-Land-Mysterious-Lives-Seabirds/dp/0691174180" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Far From Land: The Mysterious Lives of Seabirds</a> [book]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="https://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/seabirds-overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Seabirds

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Answers to Your Questions About Birds - Vol 3

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. Links of InterestRed-backed Shrike courtship [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7buM8BM4MTk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red-backed Shrike courtship</a> [VIDEO] </li></ul>~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/shrikes-laniidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Shrikes

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 InterestSalivating for a New Nest [VIDEO]The Swiftlet Tribe, Collocaliini~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngPs3kINUXE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salivating for a New Nest</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Collocaliini/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Swiftlet Tribe, Collocaliini</a></li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/where-does-birds-nest-soup-come-from" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Where Does Bird's Nest Soup Come From?

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 InterestSandhill Cranes and Colts [VIDEO]Crane TrustInternational Crane FoundationWhooping Crane dancing [VIDEO]Common Crane courtship [VIDEO]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E55pOK14eo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandhill Cranes and Colts</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://cranetrust.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crane Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://savingcranes.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Crane Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJZzXU3Ol0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whooping Crane dancing</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/drOdPSk9U44" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Common Crane courtship</a> [VIDEO] </li></ul>~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/cranes-family-gruidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Cranes

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 InterestThe Southwest Is Facing an ‘Unprecedented’ Migratory Bird Die-OffWhere Do Birds Go In A Hurricane?~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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<ul><li><a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/the-southwest-facing-unprecedented-migratory-bird-die" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Southwest Is Facing an ‘Unprecedented’ Migratory Bird Die-Off</a></li><li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2017/09/08/where-do-birds-go-in-a-hurricane/?sh=26817dc0254a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where Do Birds Go In A Hurricane? </a> </li></ul>~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/hurricanes-and-heatwaves-how-does-extreme-weather-affect-birds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Hurricanes and Heatwaves: How Does Extreme Weather Affect 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...Links of InterestLab Website of Dr. Daniel T. BaldassarrePredatory Publishing websiteChecklist for submitting a manuscript to a journal: Think.Check.Submit~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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... Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://danbaldassarre.weebly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lab Website of Dr. Daniel T. Baldassarre</a></li><li><a href="https://predatory-publishing.com/read-these-three-articles-to-understand-predatory-publishing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Predatory Publishing website</a></li><li>Checklist for submitting a manuscript to a journal: <a href="https://thinkchecksubmit.org/journals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Think.Check.Submit</a></li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/whats-the-deal-with-birds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

What's the Deal With Birds?

The Science of Birds is a lighthearted exploration of bird biology. It's a fun resource for any birder or naturalist who wants to learn more about ornithology. Impress your birding friends at cocktail parties with all of your new bird knowledge! Hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, a passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.

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‘Great Heron’ sculpture by artist Dixie Friend GayGreat Blue Heron: Nesting and Mating Behavior [VIDEO]Great Horned Owl attacks Great Blue Heron in Sapsucker Woods [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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<ul><li><a href="https://www.dixiefriendgay.com/gallery-great-heron" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘Great Heron’ sculpture by artist Dixie Friend Gay</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-DjMSmHw8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Blue Heron: Nesting and Mating Behavior</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBGYPQKt3wA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Horned Owl attacks Great Blue Heron in Sapsucker Woods</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/great-blue-heron-ardea-herodias" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Great Blue Heron

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...Links of InterestCranial kinesis in the skull of a Hyacinth Macaw [VIDEO]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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... Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GpvWASt3hY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cranial kinesis in the skull of a Hyacinth Macaw</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-bones-the-avian-skeleton" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Bird Bones: The Avian Skeleton

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. Links of InterestHunting the Helmeted Hornbill [VIDEO]Hornbills Pluck Bats Mid-flight [VIDEO]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb00hjb-0BI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunting the Helmeted Hornbill</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAe_04vmNRQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hornbills Pluck Bats Mid-flight</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/hornbills-bucerotidae-bucorvidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Hornbills

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 ~~Links of InterestCockatoos are in a "cultural arms race" with Sydney residents and their bins [VIDEO]Slow-motion video of woodpeckers hammering into wood [VIDEO]ReferencesHummingbird plumage color diversity exceeds the known gamut of all other birdsInnovation and geographic spread of a complex foraging culture in an urban parrotWoodpeckers minimize cranial absorption of shocksThe homogenization of avian morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisisCretaceous ornithurine supports a neognathous crown bird ancestorJuvenile bar-tailed godwit "B6" Sets World RecordAvian neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neuronsDeterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalconHow woodcocks produce the most brilliant white plumage patches among the birdsLink to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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. ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrmQul1dmAs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cockatoos are in a "cultural arms race" with Sydney residents and their bins</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiz9BrHbZu4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slow-motion video of woodpeckers hammering into wood</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul>References<ul><li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03518-2#MOESM2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hummingbird plumage color diversity exceeds the known gamut of all other birds</a></li><li><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe7808" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Innovation and geographic spread of a complex foraging culture in an urban parrot</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(22)00855-7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woodpeckers minimize cranial absorption of shocks</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(22)00977-0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The homogenization of avian morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisis</a></li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05445-y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cretaceous ornithurine supports a neognathous crown bird ancestor</a></li><li><a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/news/juvenile-bar-tailed-godwit-b6-sets-world-record#:~:text=A%20four%2Dmonth%2Dold%20bar,stop%20flight%20by%20any%20animal!" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Juvenile bar-tailed godwit "B6" Sets World Record</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(22)01219-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avian neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neurons</a></li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2022.0497" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalcon</a></li><li><a href="http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/12/17/2022.12.09.519795.abstract" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How woodcocks produce the most brilliant white plumage patches among the birds</a></li></ul><a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/awesome-things-we-learned-about-birds-in-2022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2022

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. Links of InterestThe Blue Feet FoundationBring Birds Back podcast~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://bluefeetfoundation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Blue Feet Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.birdnote.org/podcasts/bring-birds-back" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bring Birds Back podcast</a></li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/15-simple-ways-you-can-help-birds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website </a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

15 Simple (and Several Complicated) Ways You Can Help Birds

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 InterestCedar-Waxwings getting drunk on Holly Berries [VIDEO]Cedar Waxwing Courtship [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

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<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZKL3V7DZHA&amp;ab_channel=MissDolittle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cedar-Waxwings getting drunk on Holly Berries</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGNTTHxwOCA&amp;ab_channel=Illuminationsfromtheattic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cedar Waxwing Courtship</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/waxwings-bombycillidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Waxwings

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.Links of InterestLittle Bustard [VIDEO]Grassland Bird TrustAmerican Prairie ReserveThe North American Grasslands Conservation Act~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBWogTxLv8U&amp;ab_channel=V%C3%ADctorOrtega" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Bustard</a> [VIDEO]</li><li><a href="https://www.grasslandbirdtrust.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grassland Bird Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://www.americanprairie.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Prairie Reserve</a></li><li><a href="https://actforgrasslands.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The North American Grasslands Conservation Act</a></li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/bird-habitat-temperate-grasslands-and-prairies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Bird Habitat: Temperate Grasslands and Prairies

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.Links of InterestBOOK: Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds [Amazon affiliate link]Two Species of Ravens Nevermore?Crow vs Raven in Size [YouTube video]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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. Links of Interest<ul><li>BOOK: <a href="https://amzn.to/3WGd9zJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds</a> [Amazon affiliate link]</li><li><a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/center-for-conservation-genomics/news/two-species-ravens-nevermore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Species of Ravens Nevermore?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEsApuPayhQ&amp;ab_channel=DebbyPorter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crow vs Raven in Size</a> [YouTube video]</li></ul> ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/the-common-raven-corvus-corax" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

The Common Raven

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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Links of InterestWhat Are The 7 Realms of Biogeography? [VIDEO]Link to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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. ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W94Rth-aIkc&amp;t=275s&amp;ab_channel=AtlasPro" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Are The 7 Realms of Biogeography?</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/biogeographic-realms-and-their-unique-birds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Biogeographic Realms and Their Unique Birds

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.~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Links of InterestCyclists chased by an ostrich [VIDEO]Link to this episode on the Science of Birds websiteSupport the show

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. ~~<a href="https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-science-of-birds-1454864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leave me a review using Podchaser</a> ~~Links of Interest<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kotWv4MCxNI&amp;ab_channel=Oleksiy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cyclists chased by an ostrich</a> [VIDEO]</li></ul> <a href="http://www.scienceofbirds.com/podcast/ostriches-struthionidae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/scienceofbirds" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Ostriches

The Science of Birds

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