The Spooky World of Birds: Spooky Birds Demystified

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Birding Tools Podcast: Spooky Birds Demystified.

In this episode, I’ll be diving into some spooky birds and bird myths that might be considered spooky or scary. We’ll see, though, that demystifying these seemingly spooky birds shows they’re actually just really neat.

For Black and Latinx birders going to school in the DMV and Deleware, skip to [10:00] to learn more about the Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship, applications for which are being accepted until 1 November.

Oh, and I’d love to see you over at our Birding Tools Facebook Community! Connect with other birders and post your birding photos, wins, and questions – can’t wait to see you there.

Here’s how the episode goes

[0:45] Shrikes might be small, but they have a well-adapted knack for being able to impale their prey to ease in consuming their food.

[4:30] The term “a murder of crows” dates back to Medieval Times, but don’t worry, it’s as antiquated as it is unrepresentative of these smart and fascinating birds.

[6:30] Owls are often featured in scary movies, so it’s no wonder that their hooting sends chills up people’s spines. Their incredible adaptations to the environments in which they live make them truly remarkable!

[11:07] Vultures are some of the most misunderstood birds in the world because they love to eat dead things. But, they’re so important to the ecosystem, as they break down dead matter and eliminate potential bacteria and diseases.

[13:37] We have totally innocuous finches in our backyards eating the seeds we put out. But the Galapagos has the Vampire Ground Finch, a fairly plain-looking bird with a thirst for blood.

[15:54] Cassowaries are known for looking positively prehistoric, and they have a killer kick to boot. They’re also critical in revegetating the forests in which they live!

[17:50] Have you ever heard of toxic feathers? Neither had I! The Hooded Pitahuis has toxins in its feathers, built up from the beetles they eat, that can be deadly to humans.

Click here to listen!

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Links Mentioned in this Podcast

The links mentioned in this episode are specific to the Global Big Day and Global Birding Weekend, which are both worldwide events. If you aren’t finding the resources you need to participate in these events, please reach out!