Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and birdwatching podcast for beginners and experts alike, blending expert ornithology with curiosity, storytelling, humor, and real-time discovery.
Hosted from Chicago by married Field Museum ornithologists and curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, the podcast explores the fascinating world of birds through conversations that are educational, approachable, and fun.
Each episode dives into bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, bird songs and calls, backyard birds, conservation, bird intelligence, evolution, ecology, and the science behind how birds live and adapt. From hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and herons to rare bird sightings, viral bird stories, and surprising animal behavior, every episode uncovers something remarkable about the natural world.
What makes the show unique is the mix of professional scientists and newer birders learning in real time together. Whether you’re an experienced birder, a casual birdwatcher, or completely new to birding, the conversations are designed to make ornithology accessible and engaging without losing the depth of the science.
The podcast regularly features stories and research connected to the Field Museum, listener-submitted bird sightings, birding adventures, wildlife conservation topics, and current events from across the birding world.
If you love birds, birdwatching, nature podcasts, wildlife, science storytelling, animal behavior, or simply want to better understand the birds around you, Birds of a Feather Talk Together will help you see the natural world in a whole new way.
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Latest Episodes
157: Alpine Accentors Revisited: One of the Wildest Mating Systems in the Bird World 🐦
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 ...
156: Baltimore Orioles: The Master Weavers of 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...
155: Noisy Miners: Australia's Most Aggressive Bird? 🐦
This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're traveling to Australia to explore one of the country's most fascinating—and controversial—birds: the Noisy Miner.John recently encountered Noisy Miners during his birding trip...
154: Chimney Swifts: The Birds That Almost Never Stop Flying 🐦
How long can a bird stay in the air without landing?This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the incredible world of the Chimney Swift—one of North America's most unique birds. These aerial specialists sp...
153: Slate-throated Redstart (or Whitestart) with David Vander Pluym
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 Whitesta...
