Birds of a Feather Talk Together

How did the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), a small bird native to Eurasia, become one of the most widespread and recognizable birds in North America?
In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're taking a deep dive into the fascinating history, evolution, genetics, and ecology of the House Sparrow. This episode was inspired by a mailbag question from our listener Janelle, who suggested we dedicate an entire episode to this familiar but surprisingly remarkable bird!
House Sparrows were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s, and within a relatively short period, they spread across much of North America. Today, they're found in cities, suburbs, farms, and neighborhoods across the continent. But how did they become so successful? What makes them so adaptable? And what can their remarkable expansion teach scientists about evolution and population genetics?
To help us answer these questions, we're joined by special guest Dylan Maddox, a Molecular Laboratory Specialist at Chicago's Field Museum, where he works alongside our hosts Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett. Dylan's research focuses on bird evolution, population genetics, and ecology, and he has extensive experience studying House Sparrows and other bird species.
Together, we explore the extraordinary story of the House Sparrow, from its introduction to North America to its rapid expansion across the continent. We discuss the science behind its success, the role of genetics in understanding bird populations, and why this seemingly ordinary backyard bird is such a fascinating subject for ornithological research.
Whether you're interested in birdwatching, backyard birds, invasive and introduced species, evolutionary biology, or the natural history of North American birds, this episode offers a new perspective on a bird you've probably seen hundreds of times!
A special thank you to Janelle for suggesting this episode! We love hearing from our listeners, so keep sending us your bird questions and episode ideas.
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About Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Hosted by Field Museum ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett alongside RJ and Amanda Pole, Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a conversational birdwatching and ornithology podcast exploring bird behavior, evolution, conservation, ecology, and natural history.
From familiar backyard birds to some of the rarest species on Earth, we bring together scientific expertise, curiosity, and a shared love of birds.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're discussing a tragic weekend in Chicago when more than 1,000 birds were reported dead or injured after colliding during fall migration. This mass bird collision event made national headlines and raised important questions about bird migration, light pollution, glass windows, and the dangers that urban environments pose to migratory birds.
Our hosts, Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, are ornithologists and Curators of Birds at Chicago's Field Museum, where thousands of birds killed in window collisions have been collected and studied over the years. Drawing on their scientific expertise and firsthand experience with the museum's bird collections, John and Shannon help us understand why these collisions happen, which migratory bird species are most vulnerable, and what these tragic events can teach us about bird conservation.
We explore why Chicago is such an important stop along North America's migratory bird flyways, how artificial lights and reflective glass contribute to bird deaths, and what individuals, homeowners, and cities can do to make buildings safer for birds.
While this is a difficult subject, it's also an important conversation about protecting the millions of birds that migrate across North America every spring and fall.
Plus, we have some exciting news! Birds of a Feather Talk Together is proud to announce our new partnership with Raven Birding Apparel! We're excited to introduce you to this birding apparel company, and our listeners can enjoy 10% off Raven Birding gear. 
Here is a link to get 10% off: https://ravenbirdingapparel.com/discount/BOAF10?utm_campaign=1c1072&utm_source=birdsofafeather&utm_medium=podcast
You can use the code 'BOAF10' for 10% off!
Whether you're an experienced birder, a backyard birdwatcher, or simply curious about wildlife conservation, join John, Shannon, RJ, and Amanda for an important conversation about bird migration, urban bird collisions, and how we can help protect migratory birds.
Topics covered: Chicago bird collisions, fall bird migration, migratory bird deaths, Field Museum bird collections, Dr. John Bates, Dr. Shannon Hackett, bird window strikes, light pollution, Chicago bird conservation, bird-safe buildings, North American bird migration, and Raven Birding Apparel.
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Meet the Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator), one of Africa's most remarkable birds, known for its extraordinary relationship with humans and its fascinating reproductive strategy called brood parasitism.
In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're continuing our exploration of brood parasitism following our episode on the Great Spotted Cuckoo. This time, we're diving into the incredible biology, behavior, and evolutionary adaptations of the Greater Honeyguide—a bird with one of the strangest life histories in the avian world.
Field Museum ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole and Amanda Pole explore how honeyguides lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving unsuspecting host parents to raise their chicks.
But the Greater Honeyguide takes brood parasitism to another level. Unlike Great Spotted Cuckoo chicks, which generally grow up alongside their host's young, Greater Honeyguide chicks hatch with specialized bill hooks that they use to kill the host's chicks, eliminating competition for food.
And that's only half the story! Greater Honeyguides are also famous for their remarkable cooperative relationship with humans, guiding honey hunters to wild beehives and benefiting from the beeswax left behind.
🪺 In this episode, we explore:
What is a Greater Honeyguide, and where does it live?
What is brood parasitism, and why do some birds lay eggs in other species' nests?
How do Greater Honeyguides trick other birds into raising their young?
Why do honeyguide chicks have specialized hooks on their bills?
How do Greater Honeyguides differ from Great Spotted Cuckoos?
How does the evolutionary arms race between brood parasites and host birds work?
Why do Greater Honeyguides lead humans to wild beehives?
How can humans and wild birds communicate and cooperate to find honey?
From the ruthless competition inside a bird's nest to an extraordinary partnership between humans and wild birds, the Greater Honeyguide reveals just how surprising evolution can be.
Whether you're a lifelong birder, a backyard birdwatcher, or someone fascinated by unusual animal behavior, this episode explores bird evolution, brood parasitism, coevolution, mutualism, and the remarkable adaptations that help birds survive.
🎧 ABOUT BIRDS OF A FEATHER TALK TOGETHER
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a conversational birdwatching, nature, and ornithology podcast featuring Field Museum scientists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett alongside RJ and Amanda.
Together, we explore the fascinating world of birds—from their extraordinary behaviors and evolutionary history to migration, conservation, and the incredible relationships between birds, humans, and the natural world.
Our goal is to make bird science accessible, entertaining, and inspiring for everyone, whether you're an experienced birder or just beginning to discover the wonders of birds.
🐦 Subscribe for more bird facts, wildlife science, and fascinating conversations about nature!
💬 Which brood parasite do you find more fascinating—the Great Spotted Cuckoo or the Greater Honeyguide? Let us know in the comments!
#GreaterHoneyguide #BroodParasitism #BirdFacts #Birdwatching #Ornithology
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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.
The Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) is a remarkable bird known for laying its eggs in the nests of other species, particularly crows and magpies. But how do these birds choose their hosts? Why do other birds raise cuckoo chicks as their own? And how has evolution shaped this extraordinary relationship between parasites and their hosts?
We explore the surprising biology of cuckoos, the evolutionary adaptations that make brood parasitism possible, and the complex relationships between birds that have developed over millions of years.
Along the way, we separate Hollywood horror from scientific reality and discover that the natural world can be even stranger than fiction.
Whether you're an experienced birder, a backyard birdwatcher, or simply fascinated by animal behavior, this episode offers a fascinating look at bird evolution, reproductive strategies, ornithology, and one of the strangest behaviors in the avian world.
Join us for another fun, curious, and science-filled conversation about the incredible world of birds!
Topics covered: Great Spotted Cuckoo, brood parasitism in birds, cuckoo eggs and nests, host birds, magpies and crows, coevolution, bird reproductive behavior, evolutionary adaptations, and the science behind the 2024 horror film Cuckoo.
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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.
By 1987, less than 30 California Condors remained in the world, prompting an extraordinary conservation effort to capture the remaining wild birds and establish a captive breeding program. Christian joins us to explore the difficult decisions that saved the species, the challenges of reintroducing condors into the wild, and the ongoing efforts to protect their future.
We also dive into the fascinating world of vultures and scavengers, exploring their essential role in healthy ecosystems, their unique adaptations, and why these often misunderstood birds deserve our admiration.
Join hosts Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, ornithologists at Chicago's Field Museum, alongside RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, for an engaging conversation about bird conservation, endangered species, evolution, and the incredible resilience of the California Condor.
Whether you're an experienced birder, a backyard birdwatcher, or simply curious about wildlife and nature, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to bring a species back from the brink.
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and ornithology podcast exploring the fascinating world of birds through expert insights, scientific discoveries, conservation stories, and lively conversations.
Subscribe for more episodes about birds, birdwatching, wildlife conservation, and the natural world.
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