Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Science of Birds
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| Mockingbirds and Thrashers | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:59:49 | |
👕 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 | |||
| Random Bird Thursday: A Fatally Fearless Bird That Seems to Swallow Basketballs | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:20:38 | |
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). | |||
| From the Field: Mongolia | 11 Jul 2025 | 01:03:07 | |
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 | |||
| Artificial Intelligence in Bird Research | 28 May 2021 | 00:52:09 | |
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 ~~
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| New World Warblers | 12 May 2021 | 00:58:32 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
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| Mate Choice and Sexual Selection in Birds | 27 Apr 2021 | 00:52:54 | |
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 ~~
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| Sandpipers | 11 Apr 2021 | 00:47:51 | |
Birds in the family Scolopacidae include all the world’s sandpipers and birds such as godwits, curlews, snipes, dowitchers, willets, stints, and more. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
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| Bird Intelligence | 28 Mar 2021 | 00:48:41 | |
Our understanding of bird brains and intelligence has grown tremendously in the last couple decades. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Vermilion Flycatcher | 07 Mar 2021 | 00:20:43 | |
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?” Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Cats vs Birds | 24 Feb 2021 | 00:39:12 | |
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 | |||
| Finches | 05 Feb 2021 | 00:55:56 | |
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 ~~
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| How Birds Survive in Winter | 24 Jan 2021 | 00:41:21 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~
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| Kingfishers | 10 Jan 2021 | 00:47:51 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Links of Interest
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| Three of the World's Weirdest Bird Species | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:59:05 | |
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. | |||
| 5 Awesome Things We Learned About Birds in 2020 | 31 Dec 2020 | 00:34:50 | |
Despite much of human civilization grinding to a halt in 2020, research on birds continued to be published in scientific journals.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Ducks, Geese, and Swans | 20 Dec 2020 | 00:48:37 | |
This episode focuses on the biological family Anatidae. This family includes the over 150 species of ducks, geese, and swans in the world.
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| Bird Party: Mixed-Species Flocks | 12 Dec 2020 | 00:32:18 | |
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. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Peregrine Falcon | 05 Dec 2020 | 00:36:36 | |
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 | |||
| What Is a Species, Really? | 29 Nov 2020 | 00:45:20 | |
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. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Pelicans | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:39:15 | |
Summary 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 | |||
| Feathers: Form and Function | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:38:38 | |
Summary 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
Attributions
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| Brood Parasites Are Devious Birds | 05 Nov 2020 | 00:31:16 | |
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
Errors and Clarifications
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| Woodpeckers | 29 Oct 2020 | 00:38:28 | |
Summary 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
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| How Do Birds Sleep? | 22 Oct 2020 | 00:30:12 | |
In this episode, we discuss the most important functions of sleep in birds. Then we get into the evolution of sleep in birds.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Errors and Clarifications
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| How to Identify Birds in the Field | 31 May 2025 | 00:43:28 | |
In this practical episode about birding skills, Ivan Phillipsen dives into the process of bird identification. Listeners are introduced to a five-step framework for figuring out which bird species they’re observing. Ivan walks through how to use shape, location, behavior, coloration, and detailed field marks to gradually narrow down a bird’s identity. The episode highlights how our brains are naturally equipped to categorize and name things, and how even beginners often know more about birds than they realize. Ivan encourages listeners to start locally, study bird families, and pay attention to habitats and seasonal patterns. While modern technology like the Merlin Bird ID app can fast-track identification, Ivan makes a case for the joy and deeper learning that come from using traditional methods. He acknowledges the real-world challenges of tricky species groups, vagrants, and hybrids, but invites listeners to embrace these challenges as part of the journey. Bird ID, he reminds us, is not just a means to an end—it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of birding itself. Links of Interest
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| The Biggest Global Threats to Birds | 13 Oct 2020 | 00:29:55 | |
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
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| Hummingbirds | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:36:47 | |
Episode: 8 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
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| Vision in Birds | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:23:46 | |
Episode: 7 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
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| Bird Songs - Part 2 | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:19:31 | |
Episode: 6 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 | |||
| Bird Songs - Part 1 | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:21:42 | |
Episode: 5 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 | |||
| Migration in Birds | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:31:50 | |
Episode: 4 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 | |||
| The Biodiversity of Birds | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:23:55 | |
Episode: 3 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 | |||
| Competition Between Bird Species | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:23:04 | |
Episode: 2 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! | |||
| The Origin of Birds | 19 Sep 2020 | 00:25:07 | |
Episode: 1 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. | |||
| Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers | 12 May 2025 | 00:56:33 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| How to Find Birds | 22 Apr 2025 | 01:12:19 | |
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. Links of Interest
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| The Osprey | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:57:28 | |
In this episode—which is Number 114—host Ivan Phillipsen dives into the world of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)—a bird that’s all about fish. With a global distribution and a singular place in the avian family tree, the Osprey is both biologically unique and instantly recognizable. Ivan explores this raptor’s physical traits, from its distinctive wing shape to its powerful, semi-zygodactyl feet designed for grabbing slippery prey. Listeners will also learn about the Osprey’s evolutionary history, its cosmopolitan range, and the adaptations that allow it to thrive on a diet of pretty much just fish. The episode touches on the Osprey’s conservation story—one of dramatic decline and hopeful recovery—underscoring how this bird serves as a vital indicator of aquatic ecosystem health. Whether you’ve seen an Osprey hover over a lake or are just discovering this raptor for the first time, this episode offers a deep, fascinating look at one of the most iconic birds on the planet. Links of Interest
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Traditional Field Guides vs. Mobile Apps: A Birder's Dilemma | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:48:34 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| From the Field: Patagonia | 14 Mar 2025 | 01:05:57 | |
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 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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Crossbills | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:51:13 | |
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. Links of Interest
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Cooperative Breeding in Birds | 01 Feb 2025 | 01:00:30 | |
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.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Bird Subspecies: Another Layer of Diversity | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:48:21 | |
👕 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. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan | 11 Jan 2025 | 01:01:34 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| From the Field: Birding in China | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:52:46 | |
Ivan shares his birding experiences and impressions from an amazing 3-week adventure through the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| From the Field: Birds and Birding in Vietnam and Cambodia | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:53:09 | |
Recorded in a hotel room in China, Ivan shares his recent birding and travel experiences in the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| From the Field: How My Life Became All About Birds | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:33:28 | |
From a hotel in Vietnam, Ivan tells the tale of how he created a career centered on birds and birding. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Mergansers | 17 Oct 2024 | 01:00:29 | |
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." Links of Interest
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| Bird Habitat: Rocky Shores and Sandy Beaches | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:48:44 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| New World and African Parrots | 08 Sep 2024 | 01:01:34 | |
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. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||
| The Common Kingfisher | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:51:44 | |
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.
Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website | |||