Podcast Episodes

What's Behind Those Lustrous Red Feathers?

Male Northern Cardinals, Scarlet Tanagers, and House Finches all have striking red plumage that’s thought to play a role in attracting mates. Males with the brightest red feathering tend to have the …

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Some Birds Have Two Voices

The amazing vocal organ found in most birds, the syrinx, has two sides, with different sets of muscles and nerves controlling each side.  That lets some songbirds sing two separate melodies at the sa…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

The Most Abundant Birds in North America

By August, most birds in North America have finished nesting, bringing billions of new birds into the world. So many birds. It might make you wonder: what is the most abundant bird in North America?

M…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

The Best Nest

Some birds woo a mate by building the best nest. Males of many weaverbird species construct a series of intricately woven nests to impress a prospective partner. A male Red-winged Blackbird can even …

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Andean Condors Soar for Hours Without Flapping

In the blue skies over the Andes Mountains, Andean Condors look majestic, with a ten-foot wingspan. While flying, according to researchers from Argentina and the UK, Andean Condors only flap one perc…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Ospreys Never Stop Building

Ospreys are remarkable nest builders. Many reuse their massive stick nests from the previous year, but continue tinkering with it once the nesting season begins. And the nest transforms along with th…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Great Horned Owls in the Neighborhood

Not all owls live in the deep woods. Many Great Horned Owls make their homes in urban areas. Though mostly nocturnal, Great Horned Owls are also active early in the morning and just after sunset, off…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Pheasants of Detroit

Because of its abundant open space, Detroit, Michigan has a thriving ring-necked pheasant population. The birds have endeared themselves to many by representing a connection to the natural world. But…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Finding the Links Between Plants and Birds

There are many great tools for identifying birds, some of them right on your phone. If you’re stumped on an unfamiliar plant species, iNaturalist is a great resource. When you upload a photo to iNatu…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Creating an Inviting Habitat

Bird feeders and birdbaths are great ways to attract birds to your yard, but they aren’t the only ways to entice our feathered friends. Planting an area densely with native shrubs, trees, and other v…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago