Just the Zoo of Us · Ellen & Christian Weatherford

285: American Woodcock & Camel Spider

·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Ellen forgets her own name, sparking an identity crisis just seconds into the animal review podcast.

This episode of Just the Zoo of Us reviews the American woodcock and the camel spider. Hosts Ellen and Christian Weatherford humorously rate animals on effectiveness, ingenuity, and aesthetics. They clarify they are not zoological experts but aim to share the best animal information they can find. The American woodcock is a shorebird that lives in forests, possessing a long bill for probing soil to eat earthworms. Its brain is positioned upside down and backwards compared to other birds, a unique adaptation discussed by the hosts. Ellen describes the woodcock's distinctive, bobbing walk that resembles a dance. Christian highlights the bird's "sky dance" courtship display, which involves spiraling flights and chirping sounds. A memorable moment involves the hosts playing an audio clip of the American woodcock's "peent" call. They note the bird's eyes are positioned high and far back on its head, granting it nearly 360-degree vision. The camel spider, or solifuge, is not a true spider and lacks venom, which surprises Christian. Ellen explains these arachnids are incredibly fast, using their large jaws to crush prey like insects and small vertebrates. The hosts share a story about camel spiders allegedly chasing people, a myth they attribute to the animal's shadow-seeking behavior. Christian finds the camel spider's method of liquefying its food with digestive enzymes particularly interesting. Ellen points out the creature's hair-covered body, which may help insulate it from desert heat. A lighthearted debate occurs over whether the camel spider's appearance is more fascinating or frightening. The tone is consistently conversational and comedic, filled with the hosts' playful banter and personal asides. The style is informal and accessible, blending animal facts with relatable humor and occasional audio clips. Listeners who enjoy lighthearted, funny explorations of animal oddities will love this episode. Those seeking a formal, lecture-style zoology lesson might prefer to skip it.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Just the Zoo of Us