Podcast Episodes

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Vagrancy: Why Some Birds End Up Far From Home

Why some birds turn up way beyond their normal range, and how these wrong turns can sometimes shape migration, range expansion, and even evolution

Episode
130
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From the Field: Birds and Birding in Vietnam and Cambodia

Recorded in a hotel room in China, Ivan shares his recent birding and travel experiences in the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Episode
107
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From the Field: How My Life Became All About Birds

From a jungle cabin in Vietnam, Ivan tells the tale of how he created a career centered on birds and birding.

Episode
106
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Mergansers

Of all the ducks in the world, mergansers are the species that depend the most on fish. Not surprisingly, they’re excellent divers and swimmers.

Episode
105
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Bird Habitat: Rocky Shores and Sandy Beaches

Explore how these dynamic habitats shape the lives of coastal birds, from their feeding and nesting behaviors to the conservation challenges they face

Episode
104
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The Common Kingfisher

Learn all about the unique behaviors, lifestyle, and adaptations of the Common Kingfisher, one of Eurasia's most beloved birds.

Episode
102
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The Evolution of Feathers

Explore the fascinating evolution of feathers, from their humble beginnings in the earliest dinosaurs to the intricate structures that enable flight in modern birds.

Episode
101
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100th Episode Celebration!

In this special episode of The Science of Birds, host Ivan Phillipsen reflects on the journey of the podcast, shares personal insights, and highlights three favorite bird species.

Episode
100
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Cormorants and Shags

Enter the world of cormorants and shags, members of the avian family Phalacrocoracidae. These sleek, hook-billed birds are known for their distinctive silhouettes, often seen drying their wings on seaside cliffs or wetland trees.

Episode
99
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