Birds of a Feather Talk Together

What happens when a bird lays its eggs in another bird’s nest and tricks unsuspecting parents into raising its young? Welcome to the fascinating—and sometimes downright creepy—world of the Great Spotted Cuckoo!

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're exploring one of nature's most unusual reproductive strategies: brood parasitism. Inspired by the 2024 horror movie Cuckoo, directed by Tilman Singer, RJ and Amanda bring their questions to Field Museum ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett to uncover the real science behind cuckoo behavior.

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The California Condor is one of the rarest birds in North America, and its remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction is one of the greatest wildlife conservation stories ever told.

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting our fascinating conversation with zoologist Christian Flores about the California Condor, the largest land bird in North America. With a wingspan approaching 10 feet, these incredible birds once soared across vast stretches of the continent before habitat loss, lead poisoning, and other human-caused threats pushed them to the edge of extinction.<...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re exploring the Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)—a striking black-and-white shorebird with a bright orange-red bill found across Europe, including the coasts of Northern Ireland.

There’s a family connection behind this week’s bird choice: John and Shannon’s son recently moved to Northern Ireland, so Shannon wanted to feature a bird he might actually encounter there. The Eurasian Oystercatcher turned out to be the perfect choice.

We dive into the fascinating biology, behavior, diet, habitat, and adaptations of the Eurasian Oystercatcher, including...

For the first time ever, Birds of a Feather Talk Together is recording in front of a live audience!

We had an incredible time at the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, a celebration of birds, birding, conservation, and the amazing wildlife that can be found right here in the city. Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett of the Field Museum join RJ and Amanda for a special live episode filled with bird stories, science, laughs, and questions from the audience.

One of our favorite things about Birds of a Feather is the community that has...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the fascinating world of the Swallow-tailed Kite, a striking black-and-white raptor famous for its incredibly long, deeply forked tail and seemingly effortless flight.

But the Swallow-tailed Kite doesn't just LOOK impressive in the air—it has evolved to do an astonishing amount of its daily life without landing. These birds can catch and eat prey while flying, drink on the wing, and even collect nesting material from trees without touching the ground.

So how do they do it?

...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re talking all about the Black Phoebe—a charismatic little flycatcher of the western United States known for its tail-wagging, insect-catching acrobatics, and habit of nesting around homes and other human structures.

Thanks to listener Emily for inspiring this episode! She wrote in to tell us about a Black Phoebe nesting in her carport, which sent us down the rabbit hole on this fascinating bird. We get into Black Phoebe behavior, nesting, identification, and some of the things that make this species so much fun to h...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re catching up on our summer birding adventures!

RJ and Amanda share stories from their trip to Maine, including birding around Bar Harbor and taking a wildlife cruise along the coast. They encountered some incredible seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, Common Eiders, and Black Guillemots, and talk about what it was like seeing these iconic Maine birds in person.

We also get into another fascinating part of coastal Maine: the lobster fishing industry. After spending time around lobster boats and learning more about the fishery, RJ an...

We're wrapping up our summer break with a revisit to one of North America's most iconic birds: the Common Loon!

We'll be back next week with brand-new episodes, but before we do, we're heading back to one of our favorite conversations about this unmistakable bird. From their striking black-and-white plumage and incredible diving abilities to the haunting calls that echo across northern lakes, Common Loons are truly fascinating birds.

And speaking of that famous sound—we're going to play a Common Loon call right before the episode begins! We talk a lo...

The Black-capped Chickadee may be tiny, but it has one of the most remarkable memories in the bird world.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations about this beloved backyard bird. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Black-capped Chickadee intelligence, behavior, food caching, winter survival, nesting, identification, and their famous "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call.

One of the most fascinating things about chickadees is their ability to hide food throughout their environment and later remember where...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our most unforgettable episodes: the Alpine Accentor.

While we're taking a short summer break, we couldn't resist bringing back this fascinating conversation about a bird that has one of the most unusual mating systems ever discovered. If you thought bird behavior couldn't surprise you, think again.

Native to the high mountains of Europe and Asia, the Alpine Accentor has become famous among ornithologists for its extraordinarily complex breeding behavior. Unlike many birds that form simple pairs, Alpine Accentors have a highly flexible...

How does a Baltimore Oriole build one of the most extraordinary nests in the bird world?

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Baltimore Oriole—one of North America's most beautiful and recognizable songbirds.

Famous for their brilliant orange-and-black plumage, rich flute-like songs, and remarkable hanging nests, Baltimore Orioles are favorites among backyard birdwatchers. But their incredible ability to weave a nest suspended from thin branches makes them even more fascinating.

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett jo...

Why does one of Australia's most familiar birds have a reputation for being such a bully?

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're exploring the Noisy Miner—a highly social, intelligent, territorial Australian bird that can completely change the bird community around it.

John recently encountered Noisy Miners while birding in Australia, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating—and sometimes controversial—behavior of this species.

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explain Noisy Miner aggres...

How can a bird spend almost its entire life in the air?

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the remarkable world of the Chimney Swift—one of North America's most unusual aerial birds.

Chimney Swifts are built for life on the wing. They feed on flying insects in midair, spend much of their day airborne, and even gather in spectacular flocks before disappearing into chimneys to roost.

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Ch...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by ornithologist David Vander Pluym to explore a fascinating bird from Central America and South America: the Slate-throated Redstart—also known as the Slate-throated Whitestart.

David is a graduate student at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science whose research focuses on bird ecology and migration. Before beginning graduate school, he spent years studying birds along the Colorado River in Arizona and California, and he now researches the remarkable altitudinal migration of the Slate-throated Redstart.

Together, we discuss why this colorful bird may no...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're taking a closer look at one of North America's most energetic and recognizable backyard birds: the Carolina Wren.

This episode was inspired by listener Rebekah, who wrote to us asking if we could convince her to appreciate Carolina Wrens a little more. Like many birders, she noticed just how loud these tiny birds can be around your house—and wondered what makes them so special. Challenge accepted!

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to ex...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of North America's most secretive and fascinating birds: the Black-billed Cuckoo.

Often heard more than seen, Black-billed Cuckoos are mysterious forest birds known for their elusive behavior, unique adaptations, and surprising diet. In this episode, we dive into what makes this species so unusual, from its preference for hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid to its remarkable migration and nesting behaviors.

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Black-billed Cuckoo...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by zoologist and science communicator Christian Flores (better known as @crikeyitschristian) for a deep dive into one of the greatest conservation success stories in modern history: the California Condor.

Once soaring alongside mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and other Ice Age megafauna, California Condors have survived for tens of thousands of years—only to come perilously close to extinction in the 1980s. In this episode, we explore how one of North America's most iconic birds was saved through one of the most ambitious wi...

We're officially back with a brand-new episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together!

After a short break, the full crew returns to catch up on birding adventures, international travel, spring migration, and some exciting personal updates. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a wide-ranging conversation that takes us from Australia and New Zealand all the way back to Chicago.

John shares stories from his recent travels across three countries, including incredible birding experiences in Australia and New Zealand. We discuss some of...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of the most extraordinary birds we've ever covered—and the official winner of our 2026 Bird of the Year tournament: the Club-winged Manakin.

While we're getting ready to return with brand-new episodes next week, we couldn't resist taking another look at the bird that captured the hearts of our listeners and earned the title of 2026 Bird of the Year. Native to the cloud forests of South America, the Club-winged Manakin is famous for producing one of the strangest sounds in the bird world—not with its voic...

What does it take to see 10,000 species of birds in the wild?

Legendary birder Peter Kaestner joins Birds of a Feather Talk Together to tell the story of becoming the first person ever to reach one of birding's most extraordinary milestones: seeing 10,000 bird species.

Peter has spent decades traveling the world in search of birds, building one of the largest life lists in birding history. We talk about the adventures, travel, persistence, and obsession behind a lifetime spent looking for birds—and what it actually feels like to finally see bird number 10,000.

Field Mu...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes about the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—one of North America's smallest, busiest, and most beloved songbirds.

While John is off birding in New Zealand and Australia, we're taking a look back at this conversation about a bird that perfectly captures what makes birdwatching so rewarding. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers may be tiny, but their energetic behavior, buzzy calls, and constant movement make them unforgettable once you start noticing them.

When we originally recorded this episode, we talked about how special it would be to...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of the most spectacular birds in Africa: the Rwenzori Turaco.

Chosen by Shannon, this stunning bird is famous for its brilliant colors, striking crest, and almost unbelievable appearance. If you’ve never seen a Rwenzori Turaco before, you may want to look up a photo right now—its vibrant plumage makes it one of the most beautiful birds in the world and a favorite among birders, wildlife photographers, and ornithologists alike.

John also shares stories from his birding adventures in Africa, including what it w...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Black-and-white Warbler—one of the most unique and behaviorally unusual warblers in North America.

Unlike most warblers that hop through leaves and branches, Black-and-white Warblers climb tree trunks and branches much like nuthatches or woodpeckers, making them instantly recognizable to birders once you know what to look for. Their bold black-and-white striped plumage, energetic movements, and distinctive behavior make them one of the most charming songbirds in the forest.

This episode was inspired by listener Kelsey, who asked us to...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re talking about one of the most beautiful doves in the world: the Pink-headed Fruit Dove.

Native to the mountain forests of Indonesia, the Pink-headed Fruit Dove is known for its stunning pink head and chest, vibrant green body, and striking necklace-like markings. Because these birds live in remote high-elevation habitats, they haven’t been studied as extensively as many other bird species, which makes them even more fascinating to explore.

Shannon picked this week’s bird—unsurprisingly, because she loves the color pink—and the conver...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into one of the most dazzling birds in North America—the Costa’s Hummingbird. After a listener wrote in with a question, we decided this tiny desert specialist deserved a full episode—and it does not disappoint.

From its iridescent purple crown to its high-speed aerial displays, the Costa’s Hummingbird is a master of survival in some of the harshest environments. We explore its unique behavior, desert habitat, feeding strategies, and what makes it stand out among hummingbirds.

We also revisit th...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re joined by birder Ryan Shostack to talk about the incredible Black-backed Woodpecker—and how birding can be more inclusive for everyone.

The Black-backed Woodpecker is a fascinating species known for its unique relationship with burned forests, and Ryan shares his firsthand experiences seeing this bird multiple times in the wild. We explore its behavior, habitat, and why it’s such a special find for birders.

Ryan also opens up about his experience birding on the autism spectrum (including Asperger’s), and what birding means to him...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into stories about two fascinating (and very different) blackbirds: the Rusty Blackbird and the Brown-headed Cowbird.

The Rusty Blackbird is one of the fastest-declining bird species in North America, and we explore what makes this bird so unique, and RJ and Amanda's recent sighting of them. Then we shift to the Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the most controversial birds in birding, known for its unusual nesting behavior and brood parasitism.

We also reveal the Final Four results of our Bi...

Can a bird actually use bait to catch a fish?

Green Herons can—and it's one of the most remarkable examples of tool-like behavior in the bird world.

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Green Heron hunting, tool use, intelligence, nesting, diet, habitat, and behavior.

Green Herons have been observed dropping insects, feathers, pieces of bread, and other objects onto the surface of the water to attract fish within striking di...

Learn about Long-Eared Owls, one of the most fascinating owl species in birding, and why they gather in massive communal roosts. This birdwatching podcast breaks down owl behavior, migration, and ecology for beginners and experts alike. This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into one of the most mysterious and underrated owls out there—the Long-eared Owl. Known for its secretive behavior and incredible camouflage, this owl is a true master of staying hidden… until you know where to look.

John brings an amazing story from Serbia, where hundre...

A rare Spectacled Eider showed up far outside its Arctic range—and birders took notice. Learn about eiders, migration patterns, and rare bird sightings in this birding podcast episode. A rare Spectacled Eider sighting in the Netherlands—far outside its normal Arctic range—sparked this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

In this episode, we explore all four living species of eiders—from the iconic Common Eider to the stunning King and Spectacled Eiders. Along the way, we break down what makes these Arctic ducks so unique, from their extreme co...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re joined by Dr. Nick Mason, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Curator of Birds at the Museum of Natural Science at LSU, for an in-depth and engaging conversation all about the fascinating Horned Lark.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on Horned Larks, Nick brings incredible insight into this unique grassland bird—from its behavior and evolution to what makes it so special among North American birds. With strong ties to hosts...

Can birdwatching actually improve brain health or slow aging? We explore the science, what research says, and how observing birds may benefit cognition and mental wellness. We came across a recent article suggesting that birdwatching might actually help slow the aging process, and naturally we had to dig into it. As it turns out, tracking down the original scientific paper isn’t exactly easy, which led us into a fun exploration of what the research actually says—and what it might mean.

Along the way, the conversation took a really personal turn as Shannon shared her...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into the subtle but fascinating world of the Eastern Wood-Pewee—one of North America’s most recognizable (yet often overlooked) flycatchers. Known for its iconic “pee-a-wee” call echoing through eastern forests, the Eastern Wood-Pewee is a bird that many people hear long before they ever see.

With the pewee fresh on their minds, Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda to explore what makes this bird so unique—from its distinctive song and migration patterns to...

Learn about the Black-billed Magpie, one of the most intelligent birds in North America, and how its behavior, social structure, and problem-solving abilities make it stand out among corvids. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores magpie behavior, habitat, and intelligence for beginners and experts alike. In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving deep into the remarkable world of the Black-billed Magpie—one of North America’s most intelligent and visually striking birds.

Hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole share firsthand stories from their time l...

Acorn Woodpeckers have one of the strangest behaviors in birding—storing thousands of acorns in trees. Learn how this impacts survival, social structure, and evolution. This week, we’re diving into one of North America’s most unforgettable birds: the Acorn Woodpecker.

After spotting Acorn Woodpeckers near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, RJ couldn’t stop thinking about these bold, clown-faced birds—and for good reason. Known for their incredible food-storage behavior, some Acorn Woodpeckers have been documented hoarding hundreds of pounds of acorns, drilling thousands of perfectly spaced holes into trees, utility poles, and...

This week, we’re diving into one of the strangest and most unforgettable birds in the world: the Calfbird. Found in the forests of northern South America, this bizarre species is famous for its bald head, striking blue skin, and an otherworldly call that sounds like a chainsaw. Even wilder? The Calfbird produces that sound using a mechanism similar to how a bullfrog vocalizes—making it a true standout in avian biology and animal sound production.

Join married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with bird-loving co-h...

Can Cedar Waxwings really get drunk from eating fermented berries?

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into one of North America's most beautiful—and unusual—birds: the Cedar Waxwing.

Known for their silky plumage, black masks, yellow-tipped tails, and mysterious red waxy tips on their wings, Cedar Waxwings are unlike almost any other backyard bird. They're also incredible fruit eaters, sometimes consuming huge quantities of berries—including fruit that has begun to ferment.

Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda...

Welcome to the first new episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together in 2026!

After wrapping up our duck series, we're kicking off the new year by looking back at some of the biggest science stories of 2025 and sharing what we're most excited to follow in 2026. Each of us brings a favorite scientific discovery, breakthrough, or research story to the table, leading to a wide-ranging conversation about birds, technology, conservation, and the future of science.

Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss everything...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we revisit one of our favorite episodes: the incredible Wood Duck.

Known for its stunning colors, unique nesting behavior, and one of the greatest conservation comeback stories in North America, the Wood Duck is one of the most recognizable and fascinating ducks in birding. From their iridescent plumage to their unusual habit of nesting in tree cavities, these birds are full of surprises.

In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Wood Duck behavior, habitat, migration...