The Science of 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 professional birding guide and passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.

The Science of Birds is a science podcast hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, with 153 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ivan Phillipsen hosts The Science of Birds, a science show with 153 episodes published.

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  The Science of Birds

  Random Bird Thursday: A Citrus-themed Species with Runny Mascara

  Aug 13, 202618 min

  In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! The featured species in this episode is the Orange-headed Thrush ( Geokichla citrina ). Sound Citations : Chuenguey Hwang, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3dXua_kD20 Support the show

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  Episode #136

  From the Field: Australia

  Aug 8, 202649 min

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

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  The Science of Birds

  Random Bird Thursday: A Duet-singer That Uses Bones for Decoration

  Jul 16, 202612 min

  In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! The featured species in this episode is the Rufous Cacholote ( Pseudoseisura unirufa ). Sound Citations : Sjoerd Mayer, XC3496. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/3496. Support the show

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  The Science of Birds

  Random Bird Thursday: A Tiny Island Dweller That Likes Vines

  Jul 2, 202610 min

  In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! The featured species in this episode is the Rufous-sided Gerygone ( Gerygone dorsalis ). Sound Citations : Colin Trainor, XC138529. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/138529. Support the show

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  Episode #135

  Red-winged Blackbird

  Jun 21, 202655 min

  👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ Episode 135 takes on one of North America's most recognizable birds: the Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus . With a population possibly approaching 200 million, this species is a fixture of wetlands and marshes across the continent, and one of the most intensively studied birds in ornithology. Ivan explores the biology and behavior that make this bird so compelling: its striking sexual dimorphism, the surprisingly complex story behind those iconic red epaulets, and a breeding system that turns out to be far messier than it first appears. Territorial wars, interspecies conflict, and the occasional human casualty are all part of the picture. The episode also digs into the Red-winged Blackbird's fraught relationship with agriculture—from the enormous crop damage these birds can cause to the high-tech and sometimes controversial methods farmers use to manage them. And despite being among the most abundant birds on the continent, the species has seen a significant population decline over recent decades. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 🔥 Bird Merch - 20 New Shirt Designs ! Support the show

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