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 birdersâasking 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 birdsâone chirp at a time. đŚ
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
133: Are Magpies Smarter Than You Think? đŚ Black-Billed Magpie Explained
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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, weâre diving deep into the remarkable world of the Black-billed Magpieâone of North Americaâs most intelligent and visually striking birds.
Hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole share firsthand stories from their time living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where encounters with Black-billed Magpies were part of everyday life. Known for their bold personalities, problem-solving skills, and dazzling black-and-white plumage with iridescent blue-green feathers, these birds are anything but ordinary.
Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join the conversation to break down what makes Black-billed Magpies so fascinatingâfrom their advanced intelligence and social behavior to how they thrive across western landscapes. Whether youâre a dedicated birder or just curious about wildlife, this episode offers expert insights and engaging storytelling you wonât want to miss.
Plus, we answer a fun listener question in our Q&A segment: wombat poop vs. bird poopâyes, we really go there.
Have a question youâd like us to answer on a future episode? Send it our way at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com
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