The Science of Birds

The Science of Birds is a lighthearted exploration of bird biology. It's a fun resource for any bird

Episodes

Total: 111

The Birds of Alaska

2021/7/20

Alaska is a truly amazing place that is still dominated by nature. It’s a wonderful region to explor

The Shoebill

2021/6/10

The Shoebill is a tall, gray bird that appears more dinosaur-like than most members of the class Ave

We hear the terms ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘AI’ all the time these days. Beyond the issue of ev

New World Warblers

2021/5/12

New World Warblers are all the birds in the family Parulidae. You’ll sometimes hear these birds refe

This episode is all about how birds choose their mates and the evolutionary outcomes of those choice

Sandpipers

2021/4/11

Birds in the family Scolopacidae include all the world’s sandpipers and birds such as godwits, curle

Bird Intelligence

2021/3/28

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

Vermilion Flycatcher

2021/3/7

The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a charming bird found in the arid southwest of th

Cats vs Birds

2021/2/24

Join Ivan as he wades into the conservation quagmire surrounding house cats and their effects on wil

Finches

2021/2/5

All about the ‘true’ finches, the species belonging to the family Fringillidae. These small songbird

Winter can be a cold, dark time when food is scarce. Birds fight to stay alive during this season by

Kingfishers

2021/1/10

Kingfishers—all the birds in the family Alcedinidae—are the focus of this episode. There are many sp

Despite much of human civilization grinding to a halt in 2020, research on birds continued to be pub

Ducks, Geese, and Swans

2020/12/20

This episode focuses on the biological family Anatidae. This family includes the over 150 species of

Sometimes birds of many feathers flock together. Mixed-species foraging flocks are seen in forests a

Peregrine Falcon

2020/12/5

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

What Is a Species, Really?

2020/11/29

The definition of ‘species’ isn’t as simple as you might think. In this episode, we look at the meth

Pelicans

2020/11/19

SummaryPelicans are large, peculiar waterbirds with a unique way of feeding. Using their long bills

Feathers: Form and Function

2020/11/12

SummaryThe feather is one of the most iconic symbols of nature. Feathers are indispensable to birds,

SummaryBrood parasitism is a strange and fascinating behavior that we see (in one form or another) i