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
123: White-throated Sparrow Revisited
In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we revisit one of our favorite deep dives on the White-throated Sparrow, a fascinating and familiar North American bird. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole as we explore what makes this species so unique—and why sparrows are often tricky to identify.
We discuss sparrow identification, focusing on how behavior, song, and movement patterns can be just as important as plumage when telling species apart. The conversation also dives into compelling research showing how White-throated Sparrows have been shrinking in body size over the past 50 years, and how long-term museum specimen collections at the Field Museum have made this discovery possible.
You’ll also learn about the White-throated Sparrow’s two distinct head color morphs (tan-striped and white-striped), how these morphs influence mating preferences and behavior, and why this species is such a classic example in behavioral ecology.
Plus, we wrap things up by answering a mailbag question from a listener in the U.K.—all about vultures, their behavior, and why they play such an important ecological role.
Grab your binoculars and join us for this science-packed, bird-loving conversation! 🐦
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