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Artwork for The Science of Birds

The Science of Birds

Ivan Phillipsen
Conservation
Ornithology
Birds
Birding
White-Whiskered Puff Bird
White-Throated Needletail
Avian Digestive System
Crossbills
South America
Cuculidae
Osprey
Bird Biology
Owl
Central America
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Bird Migration
Evolution
Cooperative Breeding
Paridae
Wildlife Conservation

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.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes159Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureLife SciencesScience

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Artwork for The Science of Birds

Latest Episodes

👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

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Episode 139 of The Science of Birds takes listeners into prehistory to meet the Terror Birds: giant, flightless predators of the family Phorusrhacidae. Standing as tall as 10 feet, with axe-like b... more

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 an... more

👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

~~~

In this episode, host Ivan Phillipsen steps back from bird facts themselves to explore the process behind them: the Scientific Method. He breaks down how scientific understanding is built, from th... more

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 an... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Host

Ivan Phillipsen
Host of the science-focused bird podcast; professional birding guide and naturalist with a Zoology PhD.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Great educational podcast

    Fun, lighthearted, but thorough and informative. This podcast is always a good choice whether to learn, to drift off to sleep, or even to laugh. One of my favorite nature podcasts without a doubt.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MikeyTee1
    United Statesa month ago
  • Birds

    I like birds

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    That one grower
    Swedena month ago
  • Delightful

    I stumbled across The Science of Birds a few weeks ago and I’m loving it!

    I’ve been birding for four or five years now and Ivan’s podcast is reinforcing all that I’ve learned and adding to my existing knowledge. I especially like the discussions around the taxonomy of birds because it really helps me put my knowledge in context.

    Really awesome, Ivan! Keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jim majure
    United States2 months ago
  • Awesome education podcast he makes these complex things feel digestible

    Podchaser
    5
    jbladeyates
    2 months ago
  • After listening to 30 or more hours of The Science of Birds, I can say that I am hooked. Even friends and family who do not ordinarily listen to science programs love this one. An excellent mix of science and quirky humor. Ivan, the host, enjoys selecting the most interesting bird studies which apply to his well rounded stories.

    Podchaser
    5
    gotemon88
    2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience appreciates the balance of science and entertainment, making complex topics approachable.
Listeners love the birding depth and clear explanations, plus engaging storytelling.
The host is praised for accessible, scientific depth and humor.
Many find it a top resource for learning about birds and ornithology, with broad international content.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#9
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#71
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#16
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#55
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#128
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#10
Australia/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025
Q: How common are color abnormalities like albinism and leucism?
Albinism is rare, estimated between one in 2000 to one in 30,000, while leucism is more common, about one in 100 to one in 1000.
Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025
Q: If you could bring back one species of extinct bird, which species would it be and why?
The Carolina Parakeet, because it was once abundant and would be amazing to see back in large flocks.
Ask Me Anything About Birds - Summer 2025
Q: How can I make my yard welcoming and enticing to the local birds?
Focus on planting native species and creating different microhabitats. Include water features and keep cats indoors.
Answers to Your Questions About Birds - AMA - Vol 4
Q: How often do bird parents lose track of their fledglings, and at what point do they give up looking for them?
The duration before a parent bird gives up on searching for a fledgling likely varies among species, and the research on this topic is scant, indicating a need for more studies.
Answers to Your Questions About Birds - AMA - Vol 4
Q: Why do morning doves throw like two sticks and a rock in a pile for a nest and call it good?
Morning doves build flimsy nests that meet their survival needs, suggesting that this minimal effort is sufficient for their breeding success given their short average lifespan.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Science of Birds

What is The Science of Birds about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show offers accessible, literature-informed explorations of bird biology and natural history, blending clear explanations with engaging storytelling. Episodes frequently thread together species profiles, ecological concepts, and field observation anecdotes, making complex ornithology approachable for both beginners and seasoned birders. Beyond deep dives into specific birds, the host also ties in conservation, taxonomy updates, and practical field tips, often with a global perspective. A notable strength is the host's ability to balance rigor with humor and storytelling, creating a welcoming vibe for listeners who want both education and entertainment. Potential sponsors or guests may value a scientifically grounded yet broadly appeali... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Science of Birds?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Science of Birds:

1. The American Birding Podcast
2. Life List: A Birding Podcast
3. BirdNote Daily
4. Nature Guys
5. Okay, But... Birds

How many episodes of The Science of Birds are there?

The Science of Birds launched 6 years ago and published 159 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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