The Science of Birds

By: Ivan Phillipsen
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  • Summary

  • 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 passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.
    © 2025 The Science of Birds
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Biological Sciences
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Episodes
  • Cooperative Breeding in Birds

    Cooperative Breeding in Birds
    Feb 1 2025

    In this episode—which is number 110—Ivan explores the fascinating world of cooperative breeding in birds, a system in which multiple adults help raise young in a group setting. He begins with an intriguing story from the Kalahari Desert, where Southern Pied-Babblers resort to “chicknapping” during droughts to bolster their flock size.

    Ivan then broadens the discussion, examining the global distribution of cooperative breeding among bird species and the evolutionary mechanisms that drive this behavior. He introduces key scientific concepts, such as inclusive fitness and kin selection, to explain why some birds delay their own reproduction to assist relatives. Additionally, he covers various hypotheses, from ecological constraints to life history strategies, that influence the evolution of this breeding system. Featured examples of cooperative breeders in the episode include the Florida Scrub-Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, and Superb Fairywren, each of which showcases the complexity and diversity of this strategy in different environments.


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    59 mins
  • From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan

    From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan
    Jan 11 2025

    The final installment of "From the Field" episodes from Ivan's 2.5-month journey through Asia. In this episode he describes his experiences in the Himalayan countries of Nepal and Bhutan.

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    1 hr
  • From the Field: Birding in China

    From the Field: Birding in China
    Dec 26 2024

    Ivan shares his birding experiences and impressions from an amazing 3-week adventure through the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China.

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    51 mins

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Profile Image for Albert

Brilliant just brilliant!

Not interested in birds? Then listen to this and I guarantee you will be! Ivan is your host and is so knowledgeable on birds and delivers the content in such an entertaining way that you will be an expert on the science of birds!🐦🦜🦚🦢🐧

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Profile Image for Amber Gothe

Science of birds

I love birds!! So informative and educational of all kinds of different species. This is my favorite podcast to listen to and so well documented of birds and their environment they live in. Thank you so much!

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Profile Image for Arthur K. Stittleburg

Super Podcast.1

love the podcast . Will listen to all the episodes. Thanks Ivan great work! Excellent.

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Profile Image for Susan S.

Love birds, love this podcast!

I love this podcast. Ivan's approach is very balanced - lots of good, well-researched details for the avid birder in the deep dives into a single topic, but also presented in a way that doesn't require the listener to already know the lingo and have lots of birding experience. The humorous cultural references are done very well, and in just the right amount. Thank you for this podcast, Ivan!

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Profile Image for Marissa

enjoying this so much!

I'm so glad I discovered this podcast! I'm learning so much and it's light and fun. thank you!

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Profile Image for Lewija

Great stuff!

I really enjoy your podcast. I love birds and I'm always looking for new ways to make life better for them.

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