9: Let's talk about bird sex (because of course we would)

We’re not big into euphemisms. This episode is all about birds having sex. With so many different bird species in the world, it’s no wonder that there are hundreds of different ways birds attract, court, and lock down a mating partner. 

In addition to “doing the birdie dirty,” learn about the clever, generous, and romantic ways birds woo a mate. Maybe you’ll pick up some great courtship moves, like the Great Crested Grebe tango, the Red-Capped Manakin moonwalk, the free fallin’ Bald Eagle death spiral…ok, maybe not that last one unless you’re into some seriously kinky sh*t. One thing’s for certain: human courtship will look preeeeetty boring after this. Prepare to start nesting.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Info about the infamous “necrophilia duck” research article
• Bald Eagle courtship rituals
• A helpful overview (that we used a lot!) discussing the different kinds of bird courtship
• Cool examples of Bowerbird bowers (aka their colorful bachelor pads)
• Here’s how forced perspective works
• Find free condoms and STD testing near you (for humans)
• Email us your bird sex questions (or other bird questions)! hellobirdshit@gmail.com
• Stalk us on Instagram: @birdshitpodcast

BIRDS WE DISCUSSED (in order)

• Lake Duck
• Indian Peafowl (aka Peacock)
• Mallard
• Bald Eagle (listen to our special Bald Eagle episode!)
• Birds of Paradise
• Red-Capped Manakin (MOONWALKING DANCE! AWESOME VIDEO!!)
• Great Crested Grebe
• American Robin
• Bowerbirds (general)
• Satin Bowerbird

OTHER COOL SH*T

• “Let’s Talk About Sex” by Salt-N-Pepa: just a little warm-up music to get you into the mood for this episode
• Teeth might be the scariest movie ever…?
• “Angel of Music” a la Phantom of the OperaI
• We don’t get into it much, but there are some funky Birds of Paradise dancing rituals out there
• Actual Great-Crested Grebe “weed dance”
• Humans and Hobbits showing