Bird of the Week

Pelicans! Giant, big beaked birds of the water. Urban legends surrounded these critters, like the fact that they will sometimes eat dogs. Fact or myth? Who can say for sure? But one thing we can say is that they're fascinating birds, so let's get to know them.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Pelican eats Pigeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUs2kIGY9MAustralian Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/auspel1?siteLanguage=en_AUPink-Backed Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/pibpel1Spot-Billed Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/spbpel1Dalmatian Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/dalpel1Peruvian Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/perpel1Brown Pelican: https://ebird.org/species/brnpelPelican finds water: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-19/curious-central-west-why-pelicans-prefer-some-places/9054518hunting practices: https://asknature.org/strategy/cooperative-herding-catches-more-food/Dalmatian Pelican conservation: https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/turning-the-tide-for-the-dalmatian-pelican/Peruvian Pelican conservation: https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/south-america/how-the-peruvian-pelican-reflects-changes-in-the-environment/

Many birds mimic the calls of other birds. But there is no bird that has the repertoire of the Lyrebird, renown for being some of the greatest mimics in the avian world. So, what's they're deal? Let's find out. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Superb Lyrebird: https://ebird.org/species/suplyr1?siteLanguage=en_AUAlbert's Lyrebird: https://ebird.org/species/alblyr110 cents: https://www.ramint.gov.au/ten-centsLyrebirds are losing their voice: https://westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/lyrebirds_are_losing_their_voice_due_to_continued_habitat_lossBird Life: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/superb-lyrebird/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwY7ME7qaHqkOv23B2VUUFpxZ_VlL4BIEGim8z85fHyydXH7axWorld Wildlife Fund: https://wwf.org.au/blogs/the-superb-lyrebird-helping-these-amazing-mimickers-recover-from-the-2019-20-bushfires/

You know what film doesn't get talked about enough? Charlie's Angels (2000). But wait, this show isn't about middling films from two decades ago, it's about amazing birds, so how is that film connected to birds? Well, let's find out. I promise it's ridiculous. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Charlie's Angels: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie%27s_Angels_(2000_film)The Scene in question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-mbJhVl2XcPygmy Nuthatch: https://ebird.org/species/pygnutVenezuelan Troupial: https://ebird.org/species/ventro1Troupials are nest pirates: https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/documents/ogatt/Icterus_icterus%20-%20Troupial.pdfFox Sparrow: https://ebird.org/species/foxspaSlate's podcast on the issue: https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring/2024/10/how-did-the-big-budget-charlies-angels-movie-get-this-bird-so-wrong

The Kookaburra has to be one of Australia's most famous birds, with a call so iconic and strange that it has been used in a whole swarth of Hollywood films to evoke a feeling of the topics and the exotic, despite the fact that they do not live in that type of environment. But they're a bird of far greater interest than their call alone, so in this episode we'll see what else they have to offer.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Laughing Kookaburra: https://ebird.org/species/laukoo1Blue-Winged Kookaburra: https://ebird.org/species/blwkoo1?siteLanguage=en_AUSpangled Kookaburra: https://ebird.org/species/spakoo1Rufous-Bellied Kookaburra: https://ebird.org/species/rubkoo1Shovel-Billed Kookaburra: https://ebird.org/species/shbkoo1Kookaburra was Flipper: https://bioacoustics.stackexchange.com/questions/746/is-this-sound-made-by-flipper-dolphin-tv-series-realKookaburra in film: https://soundandthefoley.com/2013/05/30/that-jungle-sound/#:~:text=THE%20KOOKABURRA%20IN%20OTHER%20FILMS,on%20their%20way%20to%20Australia.Kookaburra chicks kill their siblings: https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2000/10/23/201846.htm 

The Bird is back, and we are back looking at a bird with a reputation for being the world's most dangerous. Maybe in a shock twist the bird with the badass reputation is a giant fruit eater from Papua New Guinea, the Cassowary. But is this reputation deserving? Well in this episode we will find out just how dangerous they are, but also what else makes them especially cool. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Southern Cassowary: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/soucas1/cur/introductionNorthern Cassowary: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/norcas1/cur/introduction?lang=esDwarf Cassowary: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/dwacas1/cur/introduction?lang=esKiwi: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/13777746-kiwis-fruit-people-birdsEmu: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/11406903-the-great-emu-warCassowary 1926 fatality: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175730542Ostrich lethality: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4323753/#:~:text=When%20attacking%20a%20person%2C%20ostriches,wild%20ostrich%20populations%20%5B2%5D.Keystone species: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb1bbIyF9OUCasque: https://tetzoo.com/blog/2022/4/9/inside-the-cassowarys-casque-updated

Today we welcome back friend of The Bird, Mr David Clay, as we discuss that one time China tried to eliminate all the sparrows in their nation. Did the plan work, were there unforeseen consequences, is this another tale of human folly? Almost certainly. Join us as we look at another strange avian story from history.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.NotesSorry I meant to have notes, but I'm not as organised this time. The story is quite well documented though in numerous online sources.

Bird of the Week special announcement: there is a baby on the way so there's no better time to talk about Storks and what they have to do with baby delivery. Where did that myth of the Stork bringing babies to expectant parents come from? Well, today we are going to find out.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird. NotesStorks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StorkSaddle-Billed Stork: https://ebird.org/species/sabsto1Marabou: https://ebird.org/species/marsto1?siteLanguage=en_AUWhite Stork: https://ebird.org/species/whisto1?siteLanguage=en_AUBlack Stork: https://ebird.org/species/blasto1Migration: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/9912409-migration-part-ii Speared Stork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PfeilstorchHera: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230119-the-weird-history-of-baby-mythsHans Christian Andersen: http://hca.gilead.org.il/storks.htmlWork Without Hope: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43999/work-without-hope

In our follow up episode on avian flight we dive deeper into the question of how birds get into the air. In part two we look at the machinery birds have and the physiological attributes they needed to make a flapping wing work. But do we answer the question, 'how do birds fly?', almost certainly not.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird. NotesPart 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/16146149-power-of-flight-part-1Feather episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/8438286-the-heck-s-a-feather Keel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel_(bird_anatomy)#:~:text=A%20keel%20or%20carina%20(%20pl,the%20plane%20of%20the%20ribs.hollow bones: https://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/news/some-birds-have-hollow-bones-and-new-research-helps-us-understand-whylungs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXuWi_ODAgofeathers: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/wing design: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Bird-Wing-Types-Handout.pdf 

Flying is basically the most defining thing about what birds do, and yet I've never really spoken about it. Well no more, today we begin the mission to figure out how exactly birds fly. We will begin in the long past and look at the evolutionary journey from lizard to bird, as I refuse to answer the question: how do birds fly. But then I guess that's Part 2 will be for?To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Flightless bird episodesKiwis: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/13777746-kiwis-fruit-people-birdsEmu: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/11406903-the-great-emu-warFlightless birds: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/11317493-flightless-birdsThe Great Auk: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/10605634-the-great-aukPenguins: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/10464354-penguin-extravaganzaNotesFlying Snake: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChrysopeleaArchaeopteryx: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArchaeopteryxHuxley's Near Bird: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AnchiornisHoly Confucius Bird: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConfuciusornisOpposite Birds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enantiornithes

Wow, does this podcast even release episodes anymore? Yes it does, and we are back with Albatross, renown as some of the biggest birds in the world. Majestic birds of the open ocean, clumsy buffoons on land. What is it that makes them special? We find out in this episode. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.NotesPelagic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelagic_zoneProcellariiformes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProcellariiformesThe Rime of the Ancient Mariner: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43997/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner-text-of-1834Wandering Albatross: https://ebird.org/species/wanalb1Tube nose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRTRRMwXuEgWaved Albatross: https://ebird.org/species/wavalb?siteLanguage=en_AULaysan Albatross: https://ebird.org/species/layalb?siteLanguage=en_AUShort-tailed Albatross: https://ebird.org/species/shtalb?siteLanguage=en_AUSmell: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0709047105#:~:text=Wandering%20albatrosses%20(Diomedea%20exulans)%20forage,role%20in%20natural%20foraging%20behavior.Waved Albatross moves egg: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/cd6b/5ba04ee23bec2f62f223216ef97be0d307d8.pdfMating dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EYNazaodHgProventriculus: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/proventriculus#:~:text=The%20proventriculus%20is%20a%20glandular,a%20koilin%20layer%20(cuticle).Wisdom: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/wisdom-laysan-albatross-super-mom-is-73-and-still-going-strong/Plight of the Tristan Albatross: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/8788007-the-tristan-albatross

I'm sure we've all heard some fun facts about birds, a duck's quack won't echo, an Ostrich sticks its head in the sand when threatened. But is there any truth to these statements, or are they straight up lies?Well on this episode we dive into 5 famous bird myths, break them do and see if there is any truth to the rumours.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.NotesQuack's quack won't echo: https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2004/05/06/1102602.htmOstrich with its head in the sand: https://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/z/2020/03/11/truth-or-tail-do-ostriches-really-bury-their-head-in-the-sand-when-scared-or-frightenedEgyptian Plover cleans crocodile teeth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_ploverTrochilus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trochilus_(crocodile_bird)Don't touch baby birds: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=426#:~:text=Q%3A%20If%20a%20person%20touches,prevent%20people%20from%20disturbing%20wildlife.Birds can't smell: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/january-february-2014/birds-can-smell-and-one-scientist

Who among us hasn't thrown a chip at a seagull or a slice of bread at a duck? Feeding birds is a wonderful way to interact with our feathered friends. Except, if we do it wrong we could literally kill them with kindness. So what are the dos and don'ts of feeding birds? Well good news, we look at the worse consequences that can occur, and how to do it right so everyone is happy.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:Feeding advice: https://birdlife.org.au/a-guide-to-feeding-wild-birds-in-australia/#:~:text=Seed%2Deating%20birds%20have%20a,oats%2C%20sorghum%20and%20peanut%20pieces.Making a bird friendly garden: https://birdlife.org.au/discover-birds/birds-in-your-backyard/bird-friendly-garden/

Eagles are majestic animals, fearsome apex predators that hunt large prey. But then their is that one Kite that only eats snails, the Snail Kite. Today we meet an odd ball bird, and find out how they're adapting to survive in a changing world.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:Snail Kite: https://ebird.org/species/snakitPhenotypic Plasticity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenotypic_plasticityOystercatcher bill: https://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2010/07/11/incredible-bill-of-oystercatcher

Flamingos are kinda freaky. They are a pink, stork-like bird that eats algae and feeds its chicks blood red milk. What is going on with that? Luckily we will be digging into these questions in this episode, to join me as find out a couple of fun facts about Flamingos.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:American Flamingo: https://ebird.org/species/grefla2Colour rant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TtnD4jmCDQ Flamingos related to Grebes: https://www.10000birds.com/exploring-the-relationship-between-flamingos-and-grebes-the-wonderful-birds.htmLamellae: https://asknature.org/strategy/lamellae-filter-food-of-different-sizes/Pink!: https://www.newscientist.com/question/why-are-flamingos-pink/Milk!: https://thepopularflamingo.com/en-au/blogs/posts/flamingos-produce-milk-yep-and-this-is-how-whyOne leg!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIoE18JYGcM

I recently visited New Zealand, and I had a great chance to see some of their unique birds and travel the country a little. And I came away from the trip with a few impressions about their birds and the environment that I wanted to share. So slightly different, more personal account than the usual, but hopefully will still be of some interests and entertainment. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:Brushtail Possum: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests-and-threats/possums/Zealandia: https://www.visitzealandia.com/Tui: https://ebird.org/species/tui1Saddleback: https://ebird.org/species/saddle2Kaka: https://ebird.org/species/nezkak1?siteLanguage=en_AUKereru: https://ebird.org/species/nezpig2New Zealand Fantail: https://ebird.org/species/nezfan1Tomtit: https://ebird.org/species/tomtit1?siteLanguage=en_AUPredator Free Wellington: https://www.pfw.org.nz/Takahe previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/14346484-lazarus-risingKiwi previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/13777746-kiwis-fruit-people-birds

We interrupt our usual format to bring you a slightly different episode. It's an Australian bird quiz, pretty straight forward, play along at home and see how you go.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:Eastern Rosella: https://ebird.org/species/easros1Rainbow Lorikeet: https://ebird.org/species/railor5?siteLanguage=en_AUAussie Bird Count: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/Australian Magpie: https://ebird.org/species/ausmag2?siteLanguage=en_AUMagpies swoop bald men: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-09/magpies-swoop-bald-more-often-survey-finds/103297520Peregrine Falcon: https://ebird.org/species/perfal?siteLanguage=en_AUNoisy Miner: https://ebird.org/species/noimin1?siteLanguage=en_AUCockatoos open bins: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2022-09-13/cockatoos-cockies-bin-lid-flip-culture-bricks-bird-cognition/101424194Raven language: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/wa-afternoons/how-to-speak-raven/13424156 

In the last episode we said there were no parrots in the United States of America. But that was only a half truth. A better truth would have been to say that once upon a time there was a parrot, the Carolina Parakeet that went extinct about 100 years. And in its place today there is an invasive species, the Monk Parakeet. So what is the story of these two birds, why did one die while the other has thrived? Today we are going to try and find out.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Links:Carolina Parakeet: https://ebird.org/species/carpar/Why the Carolina Parakeet went extinct: https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/carolina-parakeet-extinction-mysteryMonk Parakeet: https://ebird.org/species/monparMonk nest: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/parrots-are-taking-over-the-world/Parakeet panic: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/cautionary-tales/when-parakeets-plundered-new-york

Have you been hankering for a cracker, well has polly got one for you today as we look at Parrots. This is a big old family of birds, so join me as we do a speed run of parrots and find out what these birds are all about.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Parrot beaks: https://parrotjunkie.com/blogs/health/parrot-beak-anatomyTripedal locomotion: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2022.0245#:~:text=Our%20findings%20demonstrate%20that%20parrots,substrate%20reaction%20forces%20and%20power.Lorikeet Tongue: https://www.psittacology.com/lorikeet-tongue-diet/ Powder Down: https://www.birdnote.org/listen/shows/powder-downOld World Parrots: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/psitta4/cur/introductionNew World Parrots: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/psitta3/cur/introductionCockatoos: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cacatu2/cur/introduction#:~:text=Cockatoos%20are%20large%20parrots%20of,also%20the%20most%20widely%20recognized.New Zealand Parrots: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/strigo1/cur/introduction#genusNestorKea: https://www.firstlighttravel.com/blog/cheeky-keaAlex: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_(parrot)Burrowing Parrots: https://ebird.org/species/burparEclectus Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/eclpar4?siteLanguage=en_AUOrange-Bellied Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/orbpar1Greater Vasa Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/vaspar1

This will be a different episode. I have also had a strong association between my grandmother and Budgerigars, she owned one and gifted me one of my own for my sixth birthday. So this episode will be part memoir, part eulogy, part ... Budgerigar discussion...? Maybe not one for everyone, but let's give it a spin.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Budgerigar: https://ebird.org/species/budger/Murmuration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEiuKDEPM5gBudgie colour mutation: https://www.budgie-bubble.co.uk/budgie-mutationsUV feathers: https://budgiesareawesome.blogspot.com/2010/07/glowing-budgies.html

Sadly our world is not populated with magical unicorns. But what we lack in horned horses we make up for with horned birds. Join me this week as we meet one of the strangest birds, the avian equivalent of the unicorn, the Horned Screamer.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Horned Screamer: https://ebird.org/species/horscr1/Horned Lark: https://ebird.org/species/horlarHorned Parakeet: https://ebird.org/species/horpar2Hollow bones: https://www.montananaturalist.org/blog-post/avian-adaptations/#:~:text=Hollow%20bones%20are%20also%20called,areas%20in%20a%20bird's%20bones.

In the 1960s the United States of America lost a unique sub-species of bird when the Kennedy Space Centre was developed as part of the space race. Today, Australia is on the cusp of repeating this history, with the home of the endangered Southern Emu-wren being earmarked for the development of a launch site. Until 2 February 2024 public submissions are open on the site's proposed development. To help protect the Emu-wren visit Birdlife Australia and use their form to voice your opposition: https://www.actforbirds.org/whalersway Notes:Birdlife media release on Whalers Way: https://birdlife.org.au/news/rocket-launch-facility-will-destroy-threatened-bird-habitat/Dusky Seaside Sparrow: https://www.fws.gov/species/dusky-seaside-sparrow-ammodramus-maritimus-nigrescensSouthern Emu-wren: https://ebird.org/species/souemu1?siteLanguage=en_AUAustralian Government Emu-wren species profile: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=26006

So if it's one thing we know people are good at it's making other things go extinct. We are living during one of the great mass extinct events. But every now and again, we come across a bird that was thought to have gone extinct, only for them to be rediscovered, sometimes hundreds of years later. Well, this year, we are going to meet three birds that were thought to be extinct only to be found alive and (not so) well many years later.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Lazarus Taxon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_taxonLazarus of Bethany: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_of_BethanyIt's time to D-D-D-Duel!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFkdcQgNJHoBlue-eyed Ground Dove: https://ebird.org/species/begdov2Doves raised in captivity: https://abcbirds.org/news/blue-eyed-ground-dove-captive-rearing/ Inbreeding depression: https://evolution.berkeley.edu/the-relevance-of-evolution/conservation/inbreeding-depression/Bermuda Petrel: https://ebird.org/species/berpetDavid Wingate: https://www.birdnote.org/listen/shows/david-wingate-and-rescue-cahowA Tale of Two Islands: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9071817-a-tale-of-two-islandsTakahe: https://ebird.org/species/takahe3Story of the Takahe: https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/takahe-the-bird-that-came-back-from-the-dead/International Union for the Conservation of Nature: https://www.iucn.org/

Last year New Zealand crowned the Puteketeke as their Bird of the Century. This raise a lot of questions: who has the authority to name a bird for the century, why is 2023 the year it happened, and what the heck is the Puteketeke? Join me in this episode to learn more and to find out how John Oliver made a dramatic entry to saw the vote in favour of an underdog.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Great Crested Grebe: https://ebird.org/species/grcgre1?siteLanguage=en_AUForest and Bird: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/Bird of the Century winner: https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/Previous Bird of the Year winners: https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/past-champions/Puteketeke: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/bird-century-winner-announced-puteketeke-pandemonium-prevails#:~:text=The%20p%C5%ABteketeke%20Australasian%20crested%20grebe,atop%20its%20burnt%2Dorange%20mullet.Feet for tail feathers: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4070281?seq=2Grebe mating dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs_3WAfDVscGrebes eat feathers: https://www.audubon.org/news/grebes-their-meals-side-feathers-heres-why#:~:text=Strange%20as%20it%20sounds%2C%20grebes,way%20to%20slow%20down%20digestion.John Oliver on Jimmy Fallon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVE1hBzHn3sDoes John Oliver hate birds?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l2Y6Z-maAU 

As we enter the festive season there is no better bird to feature than the European Robin. These bright little birds have an association with Christmas that extends way waaaaay back. So let's dive in with a short min Christmas stocking stuffer Bird of the Week special to find out what the deal is with Christmas and Robins.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.If you're interested in the work of Artemis and their efforts to save the Golden Shoulder Parrot check out: https://artemis.org.au/Notes:European Robin: https://ebird.org/species/eurrob1?siteLanguage=en_AURobins and Christmas: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2019/12/why-do-we-associate-robins-with-christmas/Robins and the nativity: https://www.birdspot.co.uk/culture/the-legend-of-robin-redbreastThe Six Birds of Christmas, previous Christmas special: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9782095-the-six-birds-of-christmasDead Wrens on Christmas cards: https://culturacolectiva.com/en/art/design/victorian-christmas-cards-weird-dead-birds/

The Night Parrot is known as one of the most elusive birds in the world. Between 1912 and 1990 there was no evidence that they lived, and even then it would be another 23 before a living one was even seen. But then in 2013, the Night Parrot was re-discovered to much fanfare. However, it later emerged that much subsequent evidence for their existence was falsified. Just what happened and why is a wild tale, so joy me as we tell the story of the Night Parrot.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Night Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/nigpar2Ground Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/gropar1/Dick Smith: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Smith_(entrepreneur)Walter Boles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5OSiN_6Lr0Robert Cupitt: https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.308723421800147John Young and the Night Parrot: https://www.audubon.org/news/john-young-rediscovered-australian-night-parrot-did-he-lie-about-his-laterJohn Young and the Blue-Fronted Fig Parrot: https://www.smh.com.au/national/new-parrot-species-found-in-queensland-20061108-gdos73.htmlPenny Olsen: https://reporter.anu.edu.au/all-stories/the-truth-behind-the-quest-to-find-the-elusive-night-parrot Future of the Night Parrot: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/04/science/night-parrot-ghost-bird-australia.html 

It's a common story throughout the world: when people turn up we tend to kill things, with many animals being driven to extinction. So join me today as we do a review of the Australian birds that have gone extinct since European colonisation. But would you be shocked if I told you there was only one? It's true, the Paradise Parrot is the only Australian bird that has gone extinct. So let's find out who they were, what happened, and if we can stop their close cousin from going the same way.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.If you're interested in the work of Artemis and their efforts to save the Golden Shoulder Parrot check out: https://artemis.org.au/Notes:Paradise Parrot: https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=723Red-Rumped Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/rerpar1?siteLanguage=en_AUHooded Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/hoopar1?siteLanguage=en_AUGolden Shouldered Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/gospar1?siteLanguage=en_AUJohn Gilbert: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gilbert_(naturalist)John Gould: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_GouldGilbert's Whistler: https://ebird.org/species/gilwhi1?siteLanguage=en_AUGilbert's Honeyeater: https://ebird.org/species/whnhon3?siteLanguage=en_AUGilbert's Potoroo: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/episodes/newGilbert's Dunnart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert%27s_dunnartAlec Chisholm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hugh_ChisholmStory of the Paradise Parrot: https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-this-man-discovered-an-exquisite-parrot-thought-to-be-extinct-what-came-next-is-a-tragedy-we-must-not-repeat-171939

We finally got to the TAXONOMY episode. Join me as we explain what taxonomy is, how it works, and how we use it to arrange a big old family tree that contains every bird and maps how they're all related to each other. It's an overview of bird family tree from the dinosaurs to today.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Bird Taxonomy: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/speciesMorphology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morphology_(biology)Convergent Evolution: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convergent_evolutionTherapod: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheropodaFeathered dinosaurs: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-among-us/feathersOpposite birds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EnantiornithesNeoaves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NeoavesHoatzin: https://ebird.org/species/hoatzi1

Without a question, the Kiwi is one of the most unusual birds in the world. A lifetime of isolation on New Zealand has lead to a bird that is doing an impersonation of a rodent. This week we will find out who the Kiwi is, where they came from, how they live and where they're going.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Flightless Birds: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/11317493-flightless-birdsIsland Birds: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/8978808-island-birdSouthern Brown Kiwi: https://ebird.org/species/sobkiw1/Northern Brown Kiwi: https://ebird.org/species/nibkiw1/Okarito Kiwi: https://ebird.org/species/okbkiw1/Little Spotted Kiwi:https://ebird.org/species/liskiw1/Great Spotted Kiwi: https://ebird.org/species/grskiw1/How Kiwis got to New Zealand: https://savethekiwi.nz/about-kiwi/kiwi-facts/how-kiwi-came-here/

So birds can fly, and as result they have spread themselves every corner of the world. And yet, despite this fact, very few individual species have managed to find a way to conquer the world on their own. Well, nearly none, because there are five birds, just five that have found their way onto every continent. These birds, the cosmopolitan birds make up an exclusive club. Join me in this episode to meet the five birds that have spread themselves around the world. Find out how they did, and why so few birds have managed the trick.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes: Biogeographic Realms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W94Rth-aIkc&t=1164s&ab_channel=AtlasProPeregrine Falcon: https://ebird.org/species/perfal?siteLanguage=en_AUMigration: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9834248-the-heck-s-migration Osprey: https://ebird.org/species/osprey?siteLanguage=en_AUGlossy Ibis: https://ebird.org/species/gloibi?siteLanguage=en_AUCattle Egret: https://ebird.org/species/categr/Barn Owl: https://ebird.org/species/brnowlOwls: How Gives a Hoot?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/11822647-owls-who-gives-a-hootSpeciation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speciation

It's time to talk Puffins. The auks are a fascinating group of ocean going birds. They have fancy plumes, fancy beaks, some of them even smell like citrus, and the evolved to fly under the waves and in the air. So let's meet these penguins for the northern hemisphere and find out what they got going on.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:The Great Auk: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/10605634-the-great-aukHow do Eggs Work?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/12734438-how-do-eggs-workThe Egg War: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/12858732-the-egg-warAuks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AukAtlantic Puffin: https://ebird.org/species/atlpufTufted Puffin: https://ebird.org/species/tufpufHorned Puffin: https://ebird.org/species/horpufPuffin beaks: https://www.audubon.org/news/puffins-amp-their-sex-appeal-glowing-beaksRhinoceros Auklet: https://ebird.org/species/rhiauk?siteLanguage=en_AU Whiskered Auklet: https://ebird.org/species/whiaukCrested Auklet: https://ebird.org/species/creaukCitrus smelling bird: https://nerdfighteria.info/v/ZELEjE92D-c/Guillemot eggs: https://bou.org.uk/blog-birkhead-guillemot-eggs/Marbled Murrelet: https://ebird.org/species/marmur?siteLanguage=en_AUAncient Murrelet: https://ebird.org/species/ancmurKiviaq: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-is-kiviaq

A bird's ability to sing has long fascinated and enchanted we people. But how do birds sing, do all birds sing and why do they sing? These are important questions, and maybe we will ever answer some of them. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Larynx: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LarynxSyrinx: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrinx_(bird_anatomy)Songbirds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SongbirdWhite Bellbird: https://ebird.org/species/whibel2?siteLanguage=en_AUCommon Nightingale: https://ebird.org/species/comnig1Bell Miner: https://ebird.org/species/belmin1?siteLanguage=en_AUSuperb Lyrebird: https://ebird.org/species/suplyr1?siteLanguage=en_AUEurasian Bullfinch: https://ebird.org/species/eurbul?siteLanguage=en_AUEastern Whipbird: https://ebird.org/species/easwhi1?siteLanguage=en_AU

Today we are meeting the Woodpeckers, those chisel faced birds that spend all day banging their head into a tree, sounds frustrating. Well as it turns out the Woodpeckers are evolved for a life of a tree pecking. In this episode we will find out how they do it, why they do it, and how they avoid a concussion. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Wrynecks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WryneckPiculet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PiculetBlack-backed Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/bkbwoo?siteLanguage=en_AUNorthern Flicker: https://ebird.org/species/norfli Gila Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/gilwoo?siteLanguage=en_AUGround Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/growoo1?siteLanguage=en_AUTongues: https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/science/woodpeckers-hammer-without-headaches/ Tail feathers: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/3-a26-freshman-seminar-the-nature-of-engineering-fall-2005/47a3837503f2449db79f7d54ec71e171_wp_tail_feathev1.pdfSapsuckers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapsucker Acorn Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/acowooDrumming: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/woodpecker-knocking-actually-drum-solo-scientists-say-rcna49456Ivory-billed Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/ivbwooIvory-bill rediscovery?: https://earthsky.org/earth/ivory-billed-woodpecker-isnt-extinct/

There is a famous Swiss case from 1474 of a rooster that was put on trial for the unnatural crime of laying an egg. It is a silly story of human folly, as is so often the case. But this strange tale does lead to a deeper and more interesting point about avian gender, how it is radically different to mammals, and how in some rare cases a hen can maybe turn into a rooster. How is that possible? Tune in to find out and we even have a little surprise at the start of the show as well.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Rooster burned at the stake: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-009-6331-3_13BBC story on gender flipping birds: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40016817 

Who doesn't love a Wren? They're adorable stub-tailed birds with beautiful voices. But wait! Are we talking about the same bird? As it turns out there are hundreds of unrelated birds that are called Wrens. The state of play when it comes to what is and isn't a Wren is wild, and this episode we do a full review of all the wrens buzzing around out there.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Eurasian Wren: https://ebird.org/species/winwre4?siteLanguage=en_AUTure Wrens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WrenAustralasian Wrens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_wrenNew Zealand Wrens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_wrenAntbrids: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AntbirdWren-babblers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PnoepygaOld World Babblers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_World_babblerJungle Babblers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PellorneidaeOvenbirds:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovenbird Wren-warblers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamonastes

A slightly different episode to look at three birds with odd names. We will look at how the Turkey, the Jamaican Mango and the Gouldian Finch got their names. What do these birds have to do with each other? Nothing whatsoever, but maybe we can find a theme in there somewhere. Really though, this is just a shameless plug for my second podcast, What's Up With That Bird's Name, available only through Patreon. www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Wild Turkey: https://ebird.org/species/wilturOcellated Turkey: https://ebird.org/species/ocetur1/Turkey changed its name: https://theconversation.com/why-does-turkey-want-other-countries-to-start-spelling-its-name-turkiye-199390Guineafowl: https://ebird.org/species/helgui?siteLanguage=en_AUJamaican Mango: https://ebird.org/species/jamman1?siteLanguage=en_AUIndian Golden Oriole: https://ebird.org/species/ingori1/Gouldian Finch: https://ebird.org/species/goufin3?siteLanguage=en_AUFinch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FinchJohn Gould: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_GouldElizabeth Gould: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Gould_(illustrator)

The Egg War is the rather bizarre story of how a colony of Common Murres on the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco sparked conflict during the American Gold Rush in the 1850-60s.  It is a wild tale of murder, piracy, lighthouse keepers with delusions of grandeur and an awful lot of people wearing hats. Join me for a silly story.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:California Gold Rush: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_RushFarallon Islands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farallon_IslandsCommon Murre: https://ebird.org/species/commur?siteLanguage=en_AUAuks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AukMurre eggs: https://americanornithology.org/distinctive-egg-color-variations-in-common-murres/The Egg War: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-california-went-war-over-eggs-180971960/Penguin eggs: https://www.capetownetc.com/news/penguin-egg-whites-may-turn-clear-when-boiled-but-this-is-not-a-breakfast-idea/ 

Eggs may be an every day mundane thing. Something that lives in your fridge and that you see all the time. And yet, they are little marvels of nature. So join me today as we learn everything there is to know about eggs.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Hummingbird eggs: https://abcbirds.org/blog21/hummingbird-eggs/Ostrich eggs: https://www.americanostrichfarms.com/blogs/news/all-about-ostrich-eggs-and-what-you-can-do-with-themEmu eggs: https://hmnh.harvard.edu/emu-eggsTinamou eggs: https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2022/01/19/high-gloss-eggs/Calcium in eggs: https://nurturing-nature.co.uk/gardening-for-wildlife/birds-need-calcium-to-lay-their-eggs-where-do-they-get-it-from/Blue eggs: https://www.thespruce.com/why-robin-eggs-are-blue-4161031Anatomy of an egg: https://www.scienceofcooking.com/eggs/anatomy-of-a-chicken-egg.htmlBrood patch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brood_patchCommon Murre eggs: https://www.audubon.org/news/why-are-murre-eggs-so-pointy-new-research-debunks-prevailing-theory

This is Part II of our story on the Chicken. In this episode we will find out how the Chicken was domesticated, and how we changed them to suit our needs and transitioned them from Junglefowl to industrialised factory production line.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Cockfighting in The Philippines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXK6uog-f6g&ab_channel=VICEAsia World Slasher Cup: https://www.worldslashercup.ph/Egyptian Egg Oven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_egg_oven#:~:text=An%20Egyptian%20egg%20oven%20or,other%20techniques%20of%20the%20time. Sacred Chickens of Rome: https://www.anecdotesfromantiquity.com/the-sacred-chickens-of-rome/Gallic Rooster: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallic_roosterChicken gene mutation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26873630/#:~:text=Our%20study%20indicates%20that%20the,been%20important%20for%20chicken%20domestication.The Chicken-of-Tomorrow: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/poultry-food-production-agriculture-mckennaHen Fever: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/poultry-food-production-agriculture-mckennaAyam Cemani: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayam_CemaniDong Tao: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dong_Tao_chickenBird Flu: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/h5n1-bird-flu-avian-influenza-what-can-be-done/RSPCA standards: https://rspcaapproved.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2020_08_MEATCHICKENS_Standard_v1.1.pdfHilltop Eggs: https://www.hilltopsfreerange.com/

In the world today there are some 20 billion chickens. They are the most abundant bird in the world, and almost all of them exist to feed us people. They are the world's  most delicious bird, but where did they come from and what makes them special? Good news, I have the answers to these questions. So join me for Part 1 of our exploration on the domesticated chicken.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Red-billed Quelea: https://ebird.org/species/rebque1?siteLanguage=en_AURed Junglefowl: https://ebird.org/species/redjun?siteLanguage=en_AUWhere the word rooster came from: https://www.etymonline.com/word/roosterChicken purring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOkqOPfMQj4&ab_channel=mercyforanimalsTidbitting: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2017/07/tidbitting-what-it-is-and-why-chickens.html

Long time listeners may remember our episode on pigeons, where I tried to convince two friends that pigeons are amazing. But that episode only looked at the Rock Dove, and the world of pigeons is so much bigger than that. So in this episode we will take a proper tour of the family and learn some reasons to love pigeons. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Pigeons Volume 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9684204-pigeons-are-disgusting-change-my-mindRock Dove: https://ebird.org/species/rocpig/Diamond Dove: https://ebird.org/species/diadov1Victoria Crowned Pigeon: https://ebird.org/species/vicpig1Pigeon Milk: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2011/09/mysteries-of-pigeon-milk-explained/Pigeons and magnets: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/september-october-2012/how-do-pigeons-find-their-way-homeGolden Dove: https://ebird.org/species/goldov1Orange Dove: https://ebird.org/species/oradov1/Crested Pigeon: https://ebird.org/species/crepig1/Nicobar Pigeon: https://ebird.org/species/nicpig1/Luzon Bleeding-heart: https://ebird.org/species/lubhea1/Tooth-billed Pigeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth-billed_pigeonA Tale of Two Islands: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9071817-a-tale-of-two-islandsPassenger Pigeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_pigeonBlue-eyed Ground Dove: https://ebird.org/species/begdov2?siteLanguage=en_AU

You know me, I love me a good island, and Norfolk Island is a good island. I recently did a short talk on the birds of Norfolk Island, and I thought, hey, why not share it with anyone who has a care to listen. So please enjoy this slightly shorter episode about the birds that call Norfolk home.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Norfolk Island: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_IslandSlender-billed White-eye: https://ebird.org/species/sbweye1Norfolk Morepork Owl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_boobookGreen Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/noipar1Crimson Rosella: https://ebird.org/species/criros2?siteLanguage=en_AUHow Many Birds are There?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9413157-how-many-birds-are-there

Because sleep is something we all do it is understandable that we might think the experience would be similar for other animals. And birds have developed a whole range of unique sleep tactics to help them get through their day. In this special episode I am joined by a guest, clinical psychologist Lucienne Shenfield. Join us on a discussion about how people sleep, how birds sleep, and the difference and similarities between the two.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Bar-tailed Godwits: https://ebird.org/species/batgod?siteLanguage=en_AUGreater Frigatebirds: https://ebird.org/species/grefriPectoral Sandpiper: https://ebird.org/species/pecsan?siteLanguage=en_AU

Nowhere in the avian kingdom is there another bird that makes a structure as amazing as the Bowerbirds. But why do they do it? Why, to impress the ladies of course. But as always, there is a lot to unpack, so join me today to find out everything is to know about the Bowerbirds and the bowers they make.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Notes:Catbirds - https://ebird.org/species/grecat1?siteLanguage=en_AUAustralasian Biogeographic Realm - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_realmTooth-billed Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/tobcat2?siteLanguage=en_AUThe Birds-of-Paradise - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9146983-the-birds-of-paradiseGolden Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/golbow1?siteLanguage=en_AUMacGregor's Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/macbow2Vogelkop Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/vogbow2Satin Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/satbow1/Greater Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/grebow1/Spotted Bowerbird - https://ebird.org/species/spobow1/

Who are the Owls? They are the ninjas of the night, swooping on silent wings to snatch their preys. They have a range of unique attributes that allows them to hunt totally blind, and without making a sound. They are unlike any other family of birds, and today we're going to learn all about them.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Snowy Owl: https://ebird.org/species/snoowl1Barn Owl: https://ebird.org/species/brnowl?siteLanguage=en_AUBlakiston's Fish-Owl: https://ebird.org/species/blfowl1Elf Owl: https://ebird.org/species/elfowl?siteLanguage=en_AUNorthern Pygmy-Owl: https://ebird.org/species/norpyo1?siteLanguage=en_AUBay Owls: https://ebird.org/species/orbowl1?siteLanguage=en_AUBurrowing Owl: https://ebird.org/species/burowlOwls' silent flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_FEaFgJyfA&ab_channel=BBCEarth

Our two week late Halloween special. Join me for a quick romp to meet five birds with some creepy vibes. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Genus Corvus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CorvusThe Heck's Intelligence: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/8718335-the-heck-s-intelligenceNew Caledonian Crow: https://ebird.org/species/neccro1?siteLanguage=en_AUThe Raven: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-ravenThe Magic Circle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magic_Circle_(Waterhouse_paintings)Great Tit: https://ebird.org/species/gretit1Paracitic Birds: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/11093471-parasite-birdCommon Loon: https://ebird.org/species/comloo?siteLanguage=en_AUMarabou Stork: https://ebird.org/species/marsto1?siteLanguage=en_AUWhere'd all my Vultures go?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/11013993-where-d-all-my-vultures-goShoebill: https://ebird.org/species/shoebi1

Today we're going to talk about nests. What are, how are they made, what's their deal? Also, how does each type of nest design compare to the others on a five star scale? It's a question no-one thought to ask until now. So join me as I review nests.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/NotesThe Heck's a Nest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/8597804-the-heck-s-a-nestThe Tristan Albatross: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/8788007-the-tristan-albatrossAmerican Robin: https://ebird.org/species/amerob/L1210588Hummingbirds: https://ebird.org/species/rthhumYellow-rumped Thornbill: https://ebird.org/species/yertho1?siteLanguage=en_AUHornero: https://ebird.org/species/rufhor2?siteLanguage=en_AUWrybill: https://ebird.org/species/wrybil1Sociable Weaver: https://ebird.org/species/socwea1Cape Penduline Tit: https://ebird.org/species/soptit1Tailorbird: https://ebird.org/species/comtai1Potoo: https://ebird.org/species/compot1Barn Swallow: https://ebird.org/species/barswa?siteLanguage=en_AUEdible-nest Swiftlet: https://ebird.org/species/ednswi1Belted Kingfisher: https://ebird.org/species/belkin1Woodpecker: https://ebird.org/species/rebwooElf Owl: https://ebird.org/species/elfowlGrebe: https://ebird.org/species/gregre1Albatross: https://ebird.org/species/wanalb3?siteLanguage=en_AUBrush Turkey: https://ebird.org/species/ausbrt1?siteLanguage=en_AUPurple Martin: https://ebird.org/species/purmar

Maybe you've heard of the Great Emu War, popularly known as that time Australia declared war on a bird, and lost. But what is the real story? Was in a war, or was it a tokenistic pest control operation ... with machine guns? This week we dive into the misguided story. We learn some fun facts about Emus and meet the mysterious Major G. P. W. Meredith, the officer placed in command of the operation.*Correction, I say the men were armed with Maxim Machine guns, they were actually Lewis Machine guns, please pardon my slip. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/NotesThe Emu: https://ebird.org/species/emu1?siteLanguage=en_AUFlightless Birds episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/11317493-flightless-birdsAustralian Coat of Arms: https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/commonwealth-coat-armsEmus can walk backwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65-XthWr9kY&ab_channel=CheepChickenpeepTinamous: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinamou#Egg-layingSir George Pearce: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_PearceGwynydd Purves Wynne-Aubrey Meredith: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/i-was-only-doing-my-job-by-ros-3994702/episodes/the-great-emu-war-hbrig-gen-gw-126143343John Cleese Emu War movie: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/john-cleese-jim-jefferies-great-emu-war-2021-afm-1235037607/

For birds, flight is their whole schtick. To come across a bird that doesn't fly gives us pause. Flight gives a bird so many advantages, why would they ever give it up? Well, if conditions are just right sometimes it can make sense. Join me today to discover what forces can compel a bird to give up the sky.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Penguin Extravaganza!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/10464354-penguin-extravaganzaRatites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RatiteKeels: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel_(bird_anatomy)Ostrich: https://ebird.org/species/ostric2Cassowary: https://ebird.org/species/soucas1Terror Birds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhorusrhacidaeDemon Ducks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DromornithidaeKiwi: https://ebird.org/species/nibkiw1Kakapo: https://ebird.org/species/kakapo2Takahe: https://ebird.org/species/takahe3/Inaccessible Island Rail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inaccessible_Island_railWaiting for Godot (bird astride the grave): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_for_Godot Giant Coot: https://ebird.org/species/giacoo1?siteLanguage=en_AUKagu: https://ebird.org/species/kagu1Junin Grebe: https://ebird.org/species/jungre1Titicaca Grebe: https://ebird.org/species/titgre1Flightless Steamer Duck: https://ebird.org/species/flistd1Steamer Duck ... steaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKAUA-g6sp8&ab_channel=JohnViveirosLyall's Wren: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyall%27s_wrenA Tale of Two Islands: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1733312/9071817-a-tale-of-two-islands

In part two of our exploration of the parasites of the bird world we meet the brood parasites: the birds that lay their eggs in other birds' nests. They are the dead-beat parents who can't be bothered raising their own young. But while we might think of these birds as the lowest of cheats, when we dig further we discover that being a freeloader isn't as easy as it seems. They have evolved a range of impressive traits that make them successful birds. So join me today to learn about Cuckoos and their other parasitic kin.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Brood parasitism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brood_parasiteThe Family Cuculiformes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CuckooCowbirds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CowbirdIndigobirds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ViduidaeHoneyguides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HoneyguideCuckoo Duck: https://ebird.org/species/blhduc1?siteLanguage=en_AUVillage Indigobird: https://ebird.org/species/vilindPacific Koel: https://ebird.org/species/asikoe3?siteLanguage=en_AUGreater Honeyguide: https://ebird.org/species/grehon2Common Hawk-Cuckoo: https://ebird.org/species/cohcuc1?siteLanguage=en_AUDrongo-cuckoos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SurniculusShining Bronze-cuckoo: https://ebird.org/species/shbcuc1?siteLanguage=en_AUFairy-wrens sing to their eggs: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature.2012.11779#:~:text=Superb%20fairy%2Dwren%20(Malurus%20cyaneus,they%20want%20to%20get%20fed.American Goldfinch: https://ebird.org/species/amegfi 

When we think of parasites we're more likely to think of a mosquito or a leech, some gross bug that latches onto you and sucks your blood. We wouldn't normally think of a bird, but there are many freeloading birds out there, more than willing to take advantage of another animal. There are even some birds that suck blood. Today we're going to a rarely visited corner of the avian world to find vampires, pirates and changelings. It's going to be fun.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Types of parasites:Fish tongue  parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymothoa_exiguaPhantom orchid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalanthera_austiniaeZombie ant fungus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralisCrab parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacculina Mistletoe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MistletoeRat parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondiiToday's birds:Sword-billed hummingbird: https://ebird.org/species/swbhum1?siteLanguage=en_AUScreech owl: https://ebird.org/species/easowl1?siteLanguage=en_AUScreech owl and blind snakes: https://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/screech-owls-keep-blind-snakes-as-live-in-housekeepers/Cattle Tyrant: https://ebird.org/species/cattyr?siteLanguage=en_AUFlowerpiercer: https://ebird.org/species/rusflo1Skua: https://ebird.org/species/brnsku3Tropicbird: https://ebird.org/species/whttroFrigatebird: https://ebird.org/species/grefri?siteLanguage=en_AUTropic V Frigate: https://ebird.org/species/grefri?siteLanguage=en_AUOxpecker: https://ebird.org/species/reboxp1Vampire Ground Finch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_ground_finchBlue footed booby: https://ebird.org/species/bfoboo?siteLanguage=en_AUBlue footed booby mating dance: https://ebird.org/species/bfoboo?siteLanguage=en_AUWhite winged chough: https://ebird.org/species/whwcho1?siteLanguage=en_AU

They may not be the prettiest bird flapping about, but the humble vultures plays an incredibly important role in their ecosystem, performing waster removal, disease reduction and recycling nutrients back into the food chain.Sadly though, vultures are in trouble, having seen a 90% reduction in their population in recent years. To find out more about these fascinating birds, and learn what's killing them all in one handy 30 minute episode.To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweekWant birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at weekly.bird@outlook.com and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird.Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/Notes:Old World Vultures: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_World_vultureNew World Vultures: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_vultureConvergent evolution: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convergent_evolutionVulturine Guineafowl: https://ebird.org/species/vulgui1Vulturine Parrot: https://ebird.org/species/vulpar1Highest flying bird: https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/wilson/v086n04/p0461-p0462.pdfWhy do vultures have bald heads?: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306456508000107Circling vultures: https://www.audubon.org/news/a-closer-look-how-vultures-lazily-circle-air-1Vulture population collapse: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/hooded-vultures-extinction-africa-mass-poisoning