Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the White-throated sparrow. We talk about sparrows in general, and how to differentiate them based on behavior and not just their appearance. We also talk about how they have been shrinking in size over the last 50 years, and how the specimen collection at the Field Museum have helped determine that. We also talk about their different head-types, and mating preferences between the two head types.

We also answer a mailbag question from a listener in the U.K. on vultures.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

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This week we discuss the wrentit with Kevin Burns! You've probably heard this bird's call in many movies and tv shows, but only seen it if you've been to California or Oregon. They are one of the most sedentary birds in North America, but somehow their closes relatives are in Asia. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart in Birds of a Feather Talk Together!

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Kevin Burns joins us again to discuss the Inti Tanager. Kevin is an ornithologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University and goes way back with Shannon and John. Kevin tells us all about the story of this bird, from the sighting in the early 2000’s in Peru, to it finally being described as a species 20 years later. The bird earned the nickname the 'Kill Bill Tanager' due to its bright yellow feathers and black brow which resembled Uma Thurman’s outfit in the movie. We’re not quite sure how we feel about the nickname, but hopefully that paints a picture for you.

We also answer a question on a leucitic red-tailed hawk that was seen in Michigan.

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This super unique bird from New Caledonia has been isolated on an island in the Pacific for so long, but somehow its closest relative is the Sunbittern in Central and South America. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Kagu.

We also answer a question on feathers. Here is the organization that we were referencing in the feather question: https://libertywildlife.org/conservation-services/non-eagle-feather-repository-2/

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We interview evolutionary biologist and the author of 'Slow Birding' Joan E. Strassmann. Joan has a new book released on October 22nd and is called 'The Slow Birding Journal'. It is a unique companion for bird enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with the avian world around them. The journal encourages a slow, mindful approach to birding, celebrating the beauty and diversity of birds wherever you find them. We talk to Joan all about her new book, and get an interesting backstory on her first book as well.

Join our usual hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as they interview Joan.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

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We are revisiting an older episode on Roseate Spoonbills for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Roseate Spoonbills are pink, and we talk all about how they get their pink color and where that comes from (hint - it may come from their diet.) We also answer a question on Great Blue Herons.

Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart on Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

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This week we talk about the double-crested cormorant. We also answer a question on swans. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together this week.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

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This week’s episode with Kevin Burns is on Darwin’s Finches. Kevin and Shannon’s research reclassified Darwin’s Finches as Tanagers, so we hear all about what the process was like, and learn more about Darwin’s Finches in this week’s episode. Kevin, an ornithologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University, goes way back with Shannon and John, and led the research that reclassified what exactly a tanager is.

John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart and Kevin Burns are Birds of a Feather Talk Together this week. Enjoy!

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

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