Episode 49: Okie Dokie Towhee (Eastern and Spotted Towhee)

Explicit content warning

11/12/22 • 60 min

In this episode, Dr. John explores the life history of the Eastern and Spotted Towhee. While common birds in backyards and parks, there’s many interesting facts about them the average birder doesn’t know. Did you know their eye color varies with region? Or that humans and towhees share a microbiome? And what the heck do Towhees have to do with Shakespeare?! Listen to this episode to find out more! Dr. John reads all the research papers so you don’t have to! Learn everything you need to know about these two amazing bird species.
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Learn about: The meaning of their scientific name, their feeding and breeding behaviors, what kind of habitats they prefer, their evolutionary history, causes of predation and disease, and how their population numbers are doing. All facts are supported by research and review of scientific articles.
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Bird calls used in the show are from xeno-canto.org

Intro Eastern Towhee Song by Molly Jacobson

Intro Spotted Towhee Song by Manuel Grosselet

Towhee Saying its name by Caio Brito

Chewink call by John A. Middleton Jr. 2:00

Drink your tea song by Christopher McPherson 17:00

Communication call by Christopher McPherson

Spotted Towhee song by Manuel Grosselet

Spotted Towhee mew by Thomas Magarian

Blue-Grey Catbird mew by Russ Wigh

Combined chewink and song by Christopher McPherson

Tea song with flair by Christopher McPherson

Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Cover art used from the Public Domain

Bird calls used in the show are from xeno-canto.org

Intro Eastern Towhee Song by Molly Jacobson

Intro Spotted Towhee Song by Manuel Grosselet

Towhee Saying its name by Caio Brito

Chewink call by John A. Middleton Jr. 2:00

Drink your tea song by Christopher McPherson 17:00

Communication call by Christopher McPherson

Spotted Towhee song by Manuel Grosselet

Spotted Towhee mew by Thomas Magarian

Blue-Grey Catbird mew by Russ Wigh

Combined chewink and song by Christopher McPherson

Tea song with flair by Christopher McPherson

Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Cover art used from the Public Domain

Previous Episode

Episode 48: Bird Keepin' It Real: Interview with Animal Keeper Gavin McGrath of Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia

Vengeful owls, sloppy bears, and vultures hungry for human flesh: that's just another day on the job for Gavin, lead animal keeper for Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia. Maymont is a free historic park located in the capitol of Virginia that features rescued and rehabilitated animals. Among these animals are several hawks, owls, and vultures that Gavin helps care for every day. Along with feeding them and administering medicines, Gavin also has meaningful and hilarious encounters everyday with these amazing animals. Join us for some laughs, learning, and a good time all around! Also, special shout out to Mohi!!!

Next Episode

Episode 50: Pigeon A-Holed (Rock Dove) Part 1

The 50th episode! To celebrate, Dr. John talks with the creator of the Dirty Bird Podcast theme song and music video, Ricky Pistone. A skilled musician and video editor, Ricky is also John's lifelong friend and is full of bad puns, laughs, and dirty jokes. In this episode, we talk about a very misunderstood bird: the rock dove, better known as pigeon. Sometimes called "rats with wings" these surprisingly smart and talented birds can be found in any city in the world. In Part 1, John and Ricky explore the wild origins of pigeons, how they became domesticated and then ended up in our cities, the different breeds of domesticated pigeons, and the biology behind their navigational skills. Be prepared to learn and laugh along with Ricky and John!
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Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in to help celebrate the 50th episode!
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Intro song by Ricky Pistone, outro song by the Sidewalk Slammers.
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Record scratch recording from freesound.org, recorded by Luffy