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In Episode 123 Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating world of subspecies—the diversity that exists within bird species. Learn how these populations arise, why ornithologists sometimes struggle to define them, and what makes the concept so important for both science and conservation.

From the record-breaking Island Thrush, once thought to have more subspecies than any other bird, to chickadees, sparrows, and hawks closer to home, Ivan shares examples that highlight just how complex and surprising intraspecific variation can be. Along the way, he touches on genetics, evolution, and the challenges of naming and classifying birds in a way that truly reflects reality.

Whether you’re a birder, a naturalist, or just curious about how new species begin, this episode offers a clear and engaging look at the “gray zone” between populations and species—and why it matters for birding, science, and conservation.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.

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⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!

The featured species in this episode is the White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus).

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This is Episode 122. Host Ivan Phillipsen takes listeners into the vast sagebrush steppe of western North America and introduces the remarkable birds that call it home—the sage grouse. These birds are icons of the American West, tightly bound to a rugged ecosystem that covers nearly a third of the lower 48 states.

Ivan explores how sage grouse have evolved to thrive on a diet of sagebrush—plants laced with bitter, toxic chemicals that most animals avoid. From their unusual digestive adaptations to their elaborate courtship displays, these birds reveal fascinating strategies for survival in a tough landscape.

Listeners will learn about the two species of sage grouse, their distinctive appearances and behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face today.

Links of Interest

• Body-popping sage grouse - Nature's Greatest Dancers - BBC [VIDEO]

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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