Bird of the Week

Thanks to their isolation and unique conditions, islands tend to boast a wide array of biodiversity found nowhere else on earth. But while this makes them special places, it also makes them vulnerable to outside influence. Many island dwelling birds across the globe are at risk of extinction. In this episode we'll look at a two islands, Guam and Mauritius, we'll find out what makes them...

Birds come in all shapes and sizes, but once a bird gets on an island all bets are off. They are a hotbed of avian biodiversity, and in this episode we'll find out just what exactly it is about tiny spits of land surrounded by deadly, deadly ocean that causes birds to become radically different from their continental cousins. 

On a windswept, rain-drenched spit of land in the Atlantic Ocean lives the Tristan Albatross. They're a majestic bird that has landed itself in a spot of bother. Join me as we find out what makes these giant birds special, learn how a hoard of mice has pushed them to the edge of extinction, and meet the fine folks working to save them. And hey, if you've got a spare penny to help out a b...

From language and tool use, to social learning and trickery, there's almost no limit to the fancy feats of avian mental gymnastics. Can they beat you at chess, can they fill out your tax return? Probably not, but join me as we go on a romp to find out just how smart birds can be.

Just what is a nest and why do birds make them? Join us as we explore the strange world of avian construction.

What is a feather and what can it do? Spoiler alert, it's a lot more than just flying.

Last time we asked 'what is a bird'? This time we're going even deeper. We're taking a tour of the 10,000 species of birds flip-flappin' their way  around this planet.

Just what is a bird? We're going on a romp to Bavaria to find out.