19: The People Behind the Birds Named After People

Ever wonder who the people are that named the birds named after people? Well, we wondered about it and decided to do some research. This isn't a collection of hum-drum stories about old white dudes. That's not how we roll. We uncovered tantalizing ornithological tales for your podcasting enjoyment.

What you can expect: meet Napoleon Boneapart's not-as-terrible nephew, a weird uncle-niece love affair dripping in research scandal, the saucy poem that catapulted Alexander Wilson's bird research, and more juicy stories!

Plus, "Birds in the News" is back with some birdy news! Researchers provide insights as to why parrots throw their food, "state birds" that may no longer have habitats in the states honoring them, and a roaming Steppe Eagle shattering researchers' phone bills.

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Audubon’s Climate Action Guide! Check it out and help save birds!
• More info on the Linnean Society: the world’s oldest active biological society

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Parrots
• American Robin
• Brown Thrasher
• Purple Finch
• Common Loon
• California Quail
• American Goldfinch
• Ruffed Grouse
• Steppe Eagle
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Wilson’s Warbler
• Wilson’s Snipe
• Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
• Wilson’s Phalarope
• Wilson’s Plover
• Bonaparte’s Gull
• Bonaparte’s Nightjar
• Bonaparte’s Parakeet
• Highland Tinamou
• Swainson’s Thrush
• Swainson’s Hawk
• Swainson’s Warbler
• Mountain Chickadee
• Lady Amherst’s Pheasant
• Forest Owlet
• Afghan Snowfinch

BIRDS IN THE NEWS

• Parrots throw their food. Here’s (maybe) why. 
• Lots of “state birds” could lose their homes in their honoring states. 
• Steppe Eagle drives up researchers' roaming data.