The 12 Days of Christmas is an old yuletide favourite, doubly so because of all the birds in its lyrics. But the history of this song is rather long and complex. Just why is that Partridge in a pear tree, and what even is a Calling Bird? Join me this festive season as we break down some birds and get to the bottom of this old, folk carol.

Notes

Frank Kelly's The 12 Days of Christmas
The Greek Myth of Perdix
Bresse Gauloise

Theme music: Jingle Bells, by Scott Holmes Music