Birds of a Feather

Big Picture Science

Science, Technology

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 23 February 2026

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

With only a microscope and a collection of birds, taxidermist Roxie Laybourne became the world’s first forensic ornithologist. The “feather detective” was on the case, examining pieces of plumage to solve mysteries. From bird strikes that caused plane accidents to homicide investigations, no case was too big. In the process, Roxie changed the world of aviation safety and crime investigation forever. Even now, feathers are unraveling a new type of mystery, as scientists from the Bird Genoscape Project use them to map the migratory routes of birds. Guests: Chris Sweeney – Journalist and author of “The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne” Kristen Ruegg – Co-Director of the Bird Genoscape Project and Associate Professor of Biology at Colorado State University Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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1:16.9	We'd like to introduce you to Roxy Laybourne. Her science career was unusual when it began in the 1930s, but once it got going, it soared.
1:24.0	This whole field of forensic ornithology traces back to this little unusual old woman at the Smithsonian.
1:29.9	Roxy Laybourne was the world's first forensic ornithologist. She used clues left behind from all
	...

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