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The Science of Birds

Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Other Goatsuckers

The Science of Birds

Ivan Phillipsen

Natural History, Science, Nature, Birds, Birdwatching, Life Sciences, Biology, Birding

4.8734 Ratings

🗓️ 12 May 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode, Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners on an immersive journey into the strange and secretive world of birds in the family Caprimulgidae. These cryptically colored, nocturnal birds include nightjars, nighthawks, poorwills, and whip-poor-wills. Ivan reveals the fascinating biology of this group—everything from their frog-like gapes to their odd names and eerie calls. Listeners will learn about the distinctive physical traits and behaviors that define caprimulgids, including their spe...

Transcript

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0:00.0

I want to tell you about the sponsor of this podcast and an organization that I really believe in,

0:06.2

the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. They're doing important work to conserve birds and their habitats.

0:12.8

As a listener of this podcast, you know that birds are essential to healthy ecosystems. They spread

0:17.7

seeds, pollinate plants, control pests, and serve as indicators of environmental

0:23.1

health.

0:24.1

And just like us, they need clean air, clean water, and thriving landscapes.

0:29.4

But here's the reality.

0:31.0

North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years.

0:36.3

That's insane. But it doesn't have to continue.

0:39.3

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is helping to turn things around. They're working to recover

0:44.1

native bird populations and support the people and communities who share the land.

0:49.3

Their approach blends solid science with education, land stewardship, and local knowledge to create conservation

0:56.4

solutions that last, not just across habitats but across generations. I love that they're also

1:02.8

focused on connecting people with nature in a way that's inclusive and inspiring. Because when we feel

1:09.4

connected to the natural world, we're more likely to take action

1:12.9

to protect it. You can learn more about their nearly 40 years of conservation work and find out how to get

1:18.9

involved by visiting birdconservancy.org.

1:26.9

Have you ever found yourself staring at a pile of dead brown leaves for several long minutes,

1:33.4

hoping that the pile of leaves will magically resolve itself into a living creature?

1:38.2

Well, I guess that's a silly question, though, right?

1:40.3

Because of course you have.

1:42.7

Well, I've done this in various tropical places, walking around,

...

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