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 articleBald Eagle courtship ritualsA helpful overview (that we used a lot!) discussing the different kinds of bird courtshipCool examples of Bowerbird bowers (aka their colorful bachelor pads)Here’s how forced perspective worksFind free condoms and STD testing near you (for humans)Email us your bird sex questions (or other bird questions)! [email protected]Stalk us on Instagram: @birdshitpodcast

BIRDS WE DISCUSSED (in order)

Lake DuckIndian Peafowl (aka Peacock)MallardBald Eagle (listen to our special Bald Eagle episode!)Birds of ParadiseRed-Capped Manakin (MOONWALKING DANCE! AWESOME VIDEO!!)Great Crested GrebeAmerican RobinBowerbirds (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 episodeTeeth might be the scariest movie ever…?“Angel of Music” a la Phantom of the OperaIWe don’t get into it much, but there are some funky Birds of Paradise dancing rituals out thereActual Great-Crested Grebe “weed dance”Humans and Hobbits showing how forced perspective works in film