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Artwork for The Science of Birds

The Science of Birds

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

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes146Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Life SciencesNatureScience

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Science of Birds

Latest Episodes

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!

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In Episode 132, Ivan Phillipsen explores the "circulatory system of the land"—the world of rivers and streams. These flowing-water environments, serve as vital habitats for avian life.

The episod... 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 Episode 131 of The Science of Birds, host Ivan Phillipsen takes a deep dive into one of North America's most familiar woodpeckers: the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). Found year-round acro... more

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Host

Ivan Phillipsen
Host of The Science of Birds; professional birding guide and zoologist.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.7k ratings
  • Highly entertaining and educational

    I found this podcast randomly and became a loyal listener because of Ivan's delightful sense of humor. It's impressive and refreshing that a scientific podcast makes me cackle so much. I've long believed that the educational system should incorporate humor into every class curriculum and this podcast proves my point. I retain so much more information when it cracks me up. My second favorite part of the podcast is that Ivan takes the time to spell out the many scientific or unusual words so I... more

    Audible
    5
    Southern Samurai
    United States15 days ago
  • Always good, never bad

    I think the episode where Ivan described his trip to Mongolia and the landscape of the steppe cured a migraine I had while listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    _C_E_U_
    United Statesa month ago
  • Interesting

    A good podcast for people who are novice Birders and like science

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jessica Chickadee
    United States2 months ago
  • So great

    So much info

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Juan Soto fan
    United States3 months ago
  • Burrito Burrito

    Surely Ivan “Burrito Burrito” (ref episode 22) Phillipsen is Apple’s #1 podcaster. Of this I have no doubt. Certainly he has the #1 theme song. Thankfully he updated it at some point. As a recent listener of the only past few month’s podcasts, I just now went back to episode 1. I cannot wait to reach the point at which he updates to the current theme song. That original one would have forced me to give Ivan 4 stars. Of course, now he gets a HIGH 5! Sincerely, Tostada Tostada

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Toyota apps???
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the host's engaging, educational delivery and clear passion for birds.
The show blends scientific rigor with approachable storytelling and humor, making complex topics accessible.
Audiences appreciate the global scope and field-relevant insights that enhance both casual listening and professional curiosity.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#8
United States/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#57
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#11
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#19
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#71
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#99
United Kingdom/Science

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 a lighthearted yet scientifically grounded tour of bird biology and ornithology. Episodes cover a wide range of species and topics—from identification and behavior to evolution and ecology—delivered by a professional birding guide with a strong zoological background. Listeners can expect accessible explanations, vivid natural-history storytelling, and a global perspective on avian life, often enriched with field observations, audio components, and practical takeaways for birders and naturalists alike. The host's engaging blend of humor and rigor helps make complex topics approachable, making it a strong fit for curious hobbyists, students, and professionals seeking engaging, insightful content about birds. A notable strengt... 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. BirdNote Daily
3. Life List: A Birding Podcast
4. Nature Guys
5. The Warblers by Birds Canada

How many episodes of The Science of Birds are there?

The Science of Birds launched 6 years ago and published 146 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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