Nov 28, 2025 · 15 min
TS
Science
The Science of Birds
Ivan Phillipsen
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.
- 152 episodes
- Updated July 16
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Episodes152
- TSNov 18, 2025 · 36 min
How Birds Breathe: The Avian Respiratory System
👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ This is Episode 125. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners inside the amazing respiratory system of birds. He starts by grounding the topic in familiar territory—how mammal lungs work—before revealing how different the avian system really is. The episode walks through the unique division of labor between birds’ small, rigid lungs and their large air sacs, and explains the elegant, one-way flow of air that keeps oxygen constantly moving across gas exchange surfaces. The episode also looks back in time, exploring how this respiratory design first evolved. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation of what’s happening inside every bird with each breath. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSNov 6, 2025 · 18 min
Random Bird Thursday: A Sparrow-sized Drummer from the Neotropics
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 Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus) Support the show
- TSOct 31, 2025 · 58 min
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
👕 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 Northern Mockingbird Wing Flashing [VIDEO] Catbird singing [VIDEO] Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSOct 9, 2025 · 20 min
Random Bird Thursday: A Fatally Fearless Bird That Seems to Swallow Basketballs
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). Support the show
- TSOct 2, 2025 · 46 min
Bird Subspecies: Another Layer of Diversity
👕 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. From the record-breaking Island Thrush, once thought to have more subspecies than any other bird, to chickadees, sparrows, and hawks closer to home, Ivan shares examples that highlight just how complex and surprising intraspecific variation can be. Along the way, he touches on genetics, evolution, and the challenges of naming and classifying birds in a way that truly reflects reality. Whether you’re a birder, a naturalist, or just curious about how new species begin, this episode offers a look at the “gray zone” between populations and species—and why it matters for birding, science, and conservation. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSSep 11, 2025 · 28 min
Random Bird Thursday: A Master of the Sky That Flies Fast and Far
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 White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus). Support the show
- TSSep 2, 2025 · 54 min
Sage Grouse
👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ This is Episode 122. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners into the vast sagebrush steppe of western North America and introduces the remarkable birds that call it home—the sage grouse. These birds are icons of the American West, tightly bound to a rugged ecosystem that covers nearly a third of the lower 48 states. Ivan explores how sage grouse have evolved to thrive on a diet of sagebrush—plants laced with bitter, toxic chemicals that most animals avoid. From their unusual digestive adaptations to their elaborate courtship displays, these birds reveal fascinating strategies for survival in a tough landscape. Listeners will learn about the two species of sage grouse, their distinctive appearances and behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face today. Links of Interest Body-popping sage grouse - Nature's Greatest Dancers - BBC [VIDEO] Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSAug 22, 2025 · 24 min
Random Bird Thursday: An Orange and Black Species With Females That Like to Sing
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 Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus). Support the show
- TSAug 15, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
From the Field: Japan
👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ This is Episode 121. In this unscripted “From the Field” episode, host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners on an immersive, unscripted journey through his recent month-long travels in Japan. Splitting his time between scouting for a future birding tour and exploring for fun, Ivan revisits the country for the first time since spending a formative summer there as an 11-year-old. He reflects on Japan’s geography, climate, and rich biogeographic history, from its tectonic origins to its unique mix of endemic species, setting the stage for the birding adventures that unfold. Ivan’s travels span Tokyo’s green spaces, the slopes of Mount Fuji, the rice paddies and alps of central Honshu, and the wild northern landscapes of Hokkaido. Along the way, he shares encounters with both common and rare birds—species like Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Japanese Grosbeak, Masked Bunting, Narcissus Flycatcher, and the iconic Red-crowned Crane. Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSAug 7, 2025 · 19 min
Random Bird Thursday: A Mostly Motionless Bird with Walrus Tusks
In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) 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. SPOILER ALERT! The featured species in this episode is the White-whiskered Puffbird. Support the show
- TSJul 29, 2025 · 43 min
Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025
👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts! ~~~ In this episode—which is Number 120—Ivan answers questions sent in by listeners. So this is what we call an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode. The listeners who get to contribute questions for these Ask Me Anything episodes are members of the Science of Birds community on Patreon. There are several tiers of support that people can join, and at the Helpful Hornbill and Awesome Osprey level, one perk is getting to contribute questions for episodes like this one. So if you’d like to have Ivan answer your bird questions in a future episode, consider signing up on the Patreon page, and become a Helpful Hornbill or an Awesome Osprey. Support the show
- TSJul 18, 2025 · 18 min
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 Interest Courtship Rituals [VIDEO] SPOILER: The randomly selected species today is the Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus) Support the show
- TSJul 11, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
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 Support the show
- TSJun 18, 2025 · 57 min
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. Support the show
- TSMay 31, 2025 · 41 min
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 Interest Birding 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 Support the show
- TSMay 12, 2025 · 54 min
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 Support the show
- TSApr 22, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
How to Find Birds
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. Learn how to use digital tools like eBird, iNaturalist, and Google Maps to research hotspots and track species movements. Ivan also explores daily and seasonal bird activity patterns, offering advice on when and where to look based on habitat, weather, and migration timing. Real-world examples—from birding trips in Chile to last-minute local outings—illustrate how preparation can dramatically boost your chances of success. The episode includes a look at field techniques, including how to scan effectively with your eyes and ears, the importance of subtle movement, and how to use binoculars without missing your target. Ivan also discusses ethical considerations around using playback and the dynamics of birding in a group. Whether you’re new to birding or chasing your 5,000th lifer, this episode has tools, tips, and inspiration to sharpen your skills in the field. Links of Interest The Art of Bird Finding [BOOK] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSApr 7, 2025 · 55 min
The Osprey
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 Osprey in Scotland diving in slow-motion [VIDEO] Bald Eagle steals fish from Osprey [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show
- TSMar 21, 2025 · 47 min
Traditional Field Guides vs. Mobile Apps: A Birder's Dilemma
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 Support the show