Random Bird Thursday: A Naughty Yet Agreeable Seabird
This is the first ever Random Bird Thursday! Ivan is experimenting with publishing these shorter, unscripted episodes. In each Random Bird Thursday episode, the idea is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they deserve some appreciation and attention. Random Bird Thursday episodes will be in addition to the normal, long-form episodes. Enjoy, and let Ivan know what you think!Links of InterestCourtship Rituals [VIDEO]SPOILER: The randomly selected species today is the Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!Support the show
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19:52
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19:52
From the Field: Mongolia
This is Episode 119. In this unscripted “From the Field” episode, host Ivan Phillipsen takes you on a journey through the grasslands, forests, and mountains of Mongolia. Fresh from a ten-day scouting trip in central Mongolia, Ivan recounts his experience scouting for a future birding tour. Along the way, he explores ancient ruins, crosses epic landscapes, and shares observations of unique habitats like the Eastern Steppe, the Daurian Forest Steppe, and the Trans-Baikal Conifer Forests.Ivan highlights some of the most thrilling bird and wildlife encounters of the trip, from charismatic Steppe Eagles and Demoiselle Cranes to critically endangered Siberian Cranes, and the iconic Przewalski’s Wild Horse.Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the world’s wilder places, this episode offers a look at Mongolia’s ecology, avifauna, and wildlife. Learn more about Ivan’s upcoming Mongolia tour at wildlatitudes.com.Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!Support the show
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1:03:12
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1:03:12
Three of the World's Weirdest Bird Species
Ivan was a recent guest on Just the Zoo of Us, a fun podcast about animals. The full conversation between Ivan and Host Ellen Weatherford is included in this special episode. They talk about three of the world's weirdest bird species.👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!Support the show
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59:09
How to Identify Birds in the Field
In this practical episode about birding skills, Ivan Phillipsen dives into the process of bird identification. Listeners are introduced to a five-step framework for figuring out which bird species they’re observing. Ivan walks through how to use shape, location, behavior, coloration, and detailed field marks to gradually narrow down a bird’s identity.The episode highlights how our brains are naturally equipped to categorize and name things, and how even beginners often know more about birds than they realize. Ivan encourages listeners to start locally, study bird families, and pay attention to habitats and seasonal patterns. While modern technology like the Merlin Bird ID app can fast-track identification, Ivan makes a case for the joy and deeper learning that come from using traditional methods. He acknowledges the real-world challenges of tricky species groups, vagrants, and hybrids, but invites listeners to embrace these challenges as part of the journey. Bird ID, he reminds us, is not just a means to an end—it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of birding itself.Links of InterestBirding by Impression [BOOK]The Art of Bird Identification [BOOK]Peterson Guide to Bird Identification—in 12 Steps [BOOK]~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!Support the show
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43:33
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43:33
Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers
In this episode, Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners on an immersive journey into the strange and secretive world of birds in the family Caprimulgidae. These cryptically colored, nocturnal birds include nightjars, nighthawks, poorwills, and whip-poor-wills. Ivan reveals the fascinating biology of this group—everything from their frog-like gapes to their odd names and eerie calls.Listeners will learn about the distinctive physical traits and behaviors that define caprimulgids, including their specialized eyes for low-light vision, aerial insect-hunting strategies, and mating displays involving wing claps and booming dives. Ivan also explores their global distribution, evolutionary history, and conservation status, while highlighting standout species like the Lyre-tailed Nightjar, the Common Poorwill, and the elusive—and possibly nonexistent—Nechisar Nightjar.This deep dive into Caprimulgidae is packed with scientific insights and fun facts. Whether it’s unpacking myths of goat-milking birds or listening to spooky vocalizations from around the world, the episode celebrates the mystique and diversity of these birds that thrive in the twilight.~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!Support the show
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.
New Zealand