Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and nature podcast for bird lovers of all experience levels. Hosted by professional ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at the Field Museum in Chicago, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, the show blends expert insight with fresh curiosity.
John and Shannon bring decades of ornithology experience and access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, while RJ and Amanda represent newer birders—asking relatable questions that open the conversation to beginners without losing depth for seasoned bird watchers.
Each episode explores rare, exotic, extinct, and everyday birds, covering identification, behavior, conservation, and current avian research. From backyard birds to birds of the world, Birds of a Feather Talk Together offers expert knowledge in an approachable, conversational format.
Subscribe and discover the fascinating world of birds—one chirp at a time. 🐦
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
112: Brown-Headed Cowbird Explained: The Bird That Lays Eggs in Other Birds’ Nests
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Learn about the Brown-headed Cowbird, a unique bird known for brood parasitism—laying its eggs in other birds’ nests and letting them raise its young. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores cowbird behavior, nesting strategies, and the surprising science behind this controversial survival tactic. We’re revisiting our episode on the brown-headed cowbird, and trust me, this one’s a wild ride. Did you know cowbirds don’t build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and let them do the parenting?
Even birds that aren’t even close in size will get stuck raising the chicks of a brown-headed cowbird.
Hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole talk about the Brown-headed Cowbird!
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