Leader of the Birds

Summary

Circle Round Podcast — "Leader of the Birds"

Host: Rebecca Sheir
Date: May 12, 2026
Story Contributors: Carolyn Michelle Smith, Christopher Rivas
Story Origin: Inspired by folktales from the Maya (Guatemala, Belize, southern Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador)
Featured Instrument: Ocarina

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Episode Overview

In this enchanting episode, "Leader of the Birds," Circle Round adapts a Maya-inspired folktale to explore timeless values such as leadership, honesty, humility, and kindness. Through a vibrant radio play, children and grown-ups alike are invited to ponder what makes a true leader, why beauty is more than feathers, and the consequences of deceit.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Structure

Introduction & Setting (00:09–02:39)

• Rebecca Sheir opens with a Spanish proverb: “Las mentiras tienen las patas cortas” (“Lies have short legs”).
• Introduces the story's roots in Mayan folklore and notable guest voice actors.
• Sets the scene with a playful description of the peacock—once as proud of his voice as his feathers were plain (and vice versa).

The Birds Are Called to Elect a Leader (03:59–06:25)

• Creator Spirit summons all birds to choose a leader.
• Peacock: Proud of his melodious voice, believes himself the best candidate.
• Turkey: Boasts about her strength; claims a leader needs muscle.
• Eagle: Insists that leadership requires keen vision.
• Nighthawk: Quietly humble, displays jaw-dropping flying skills and already possesses the beautiful feathers Peacock yearns for.

Quote:
“I may sing like an angel, but Nighthawk can fly like an acrobat. And she has the most glamorous feathers. With that combination, all the birds are sure to vote for her. Unless…” – Peacock (06:33)

Peacock’s Plot (06:33–11:18)

• Peacock, envious of Nighthawk, devises a plan: tricks Nighthawk into lending him her feathers, promising to make her co-leader.
• Nighthawk, trusting, agrees and plucks her feathers, shivering as she hands them over.

Memorable Moment:
Nighthawk’s act of trust, handing over her plumage, underscores vulnerability and innocence. (11:01)

The Election (11:59–13:47)

• Peacock bursts onto the scene, dazzling everyone with Nighthawk’s feathers.
• The birds, enraptured by his new look and sweet voice, are ready to vote him leader.
• Creator Spirit grows suspicious, quietly noting Peacock’s sudden transformation.
• During the voting, Nighthawk—now featherless and cold—appears and exposes Peacock’s deception.

Quote:
“You were just using me to gain power. How could you be so selfish?” – Nighthawk (14:19)

The Consequences (15:07–17:22)

• Creator Spirit instructs every bird to pluck a feather for Nighthawk, restoring her with a new array of plain yet warm and communal colors.
• Peacock is allowed to keep his borrowed feathers “every bit as beautiful as your voice.” However, as a punishment for his selfishness, his beautiful singing voice becomes a grating screech.

Quote:
“True beauty… isn’t something one wears on the outside. It’s something one has on the inside. And it rises to the surface when we show kindness, love and care.” – Creator Spirit (16:13)

Memorable Moment:
Peacock loses his melodious voice, now sounding “like a wailing cat or a broken trumpet,” which becomes an everlasting reminder to value inner goodness over outward show. (17:31)

Reflection & Activity for Listeners (17:42–end)

• Rebecca Sheir prompts listeners: “If you were choosing a leader, what are three qualities you would want them to have?”
• Suggests children discuss this with loved ones and practice leadership qualities in daily life.

Closing Notes & Credits (18:30–21:49)

• Background on contributors and the creative process.
• Invitation to download coloring pages and access more stories at WBUR.org/CircleRound.
• Listener submissions: Kids share their favorite stories and what they love about them.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Lies and Power:
  “Lies have short legs…sometimes lies don’t just have short legs, they have long tails, too.” – Rebecca Sheir (00:09)

• Peacock’s Ambition:
  “If anyone deserves to be leader of the birds, it’s me. And when I win this election, it’ll be a real feather in my cap.” – Peacock (06:53)

• Nighthawk’s Trust & Vulnerability:
  “I had no idea how cold I would be without feathers. You’ll give them back after the election, right?” – Nighthawk (11:22)

• Justice Delivered:
  “Nighthawk has been done a disservice. A dishonest, deceitful, devious disservice. So I want you to do her a kindness.” – Creator Spirit (15:07)

• Moral Takeaway:
  “True beauty… isn’t something one wears on the outside. It’s something one has on the inside.” – Creator Spirit (16:13)

• Transformation as Punishment:
  “While you may keep your beautiful feathers, you must lose your beautiful voice… From now on, your sweet, melodious song shall become a harsh, grating screech.” – Creator Spirit (16:29)

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Episode Highlights

• Peacock’s clever but unethical plan and its consequences: Children learn how trickery can achieve short-term wins at the cost of long-term happiness and integrity.
• Nighthawk’s humility and the birds’ communal kindness: The flock’s willingness to help Nighthawk symbolizes restorative justice and collective empathy.
• The ultimate moral: “True beauty is what’s inside,” and leadership is about kindness and honesty—not just outward talent or appearance.

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Interactive & Educational Elements

• Post-story Activity (17:42)
  • Listeners are encouraged to name three qualities they value in a leader, discuss them, and try to embody those traits in daily life.

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For Parents and Educators

• Values explored: Leadership, trust, consequences of dishonesty, beauty (external vs. internal), community support, restorative justice.
• Encouraged discussion: What makes a good leader? How do we treat others kindly? Why is honesty important?
• Creative enrichment: Downloadable coloring pages for further engagement.

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This episode of Circle Round sparkles with humor, warmth, and the gentle wisdom of a timeless folktale—equal parts cautionary and uplifting, memorable for listeners of all ages.

Transcript

[Peacock]

Wbur podcasts, boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

There's an old Spanish saying, las mentiras tienen las patas cortas. Translated to English, it means lies have short legs. In other words, falsehoods and fibs can't get far without being caught. As we'll hear in today's tale, sometimes lies don't just have short legs, they have long tails, too. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called Leader of the Birds. It was inspired by tales from the Maya, an indigenous people from a region including modern day Guatemala and Belize, plus parts of southern Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. Some really great people came together to bring you our story, including Carolyn Michelle Smith and Christopher Rivas. Carolyn Michelle Smith has appeared on such TV shows as the Shy and Just like that and Russian Doll. Her newest film is Familiar Touch. Christopher Rivas wrote the picture book youk're a Good Swimmer, the memoir Brown Enough, and hosts the the podcast's Rubi Rosa and Brown Enough. He also starred in a Circle round episode from 2022. We'll reveal which one at the end of the story. So circle around everyone for Leader of the Birds. If you've seen the member of the pheasant family known as the peacock, then you know that male peacocks, some of the most beautiful birds in the world. With iridescent plumage of sapphire blue, emerald green and shimmering gold, they can spread their long tail feathers into a big dramatic fan as wide and tall as a twin size bed. However, while their feathers may be gorgeous, their voices are anything but shrill and jarring. The peacock's voice sounds like a wailing cat or a broken trumpet or a combination of both. But back in the beginning, when Creator Spirit first introduced birds to the world,

[Peacock]

Peacock's voice, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Was nothing like a wailing cat or broken trumpet. It was rather pleasant, actually. And it made Peacock rather proud.

[Peacock]

Absolutely.

[Rebecca Shear]

But much as Peacock loved his voice, he loathed his feathers. Because in those days, Peacock's feathers were,

[Peacock]

well, blah as can be.

[Rebecca Shear]

That's right. Peacock's plumage was as dull and drab as a rainy afternoon. So he yearned for feathers that were fabulous.

[Peacock]

I'd be a sight to see. See, see, see.

[Rebecca Shear]

Hang on a sec, Peacock. Not to interrupt just as we're getting started, but could you maybe speak some of your lines too? This is a podcast, not an opera.

[Peacock]

That's fine by me. Me, me. Sorry, I get carried away.

[Rebecca Shear]

That's okay. So if Peacock started off With a pleasant voice and plain feathers. How did he become the way he is today? Well, it all began one sunny morning when Creator Spirit gathered the birds in a clearing in the forest to make an announcement.

[Creator Spirit]

My fine feathered friends, I believe it is time for you birds to elect a leader. A ruler to make laws, solve problems, and maintain order. The question is, who should this leader be?

[Rebecca Shear]

There was a brief silence. Then Peacock spoke or sang up.

[Peacock]

It should be me, me, me, me, me. After all, a leader makes a lot of speeches, right? And who doesn't want a leader with a sweet, melodious voice?

[Rebecca Shear]

However, to maintain leader needs strength. Turkey chimed in next, stretching her wide wings and snapping a branch off a tree. I'm the strongest bird of all, so our leader should be me.

[Peacock]

But a leader needs vision.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now. Eagle piped up, his sharp yellow eyes glittering from up above.

[Peacock]

I can see everything you birds do, and I can judge you for your acts.

[Rebecca Shear]

Soon all the birds were sounding off, insisting to the others why they should be the new leader. But Cringer Spirit noticed that one bird remained quiet.

[Creator Spirit]

Nighthawk, you haven't said a word. Would you like to share why the bird should vote for you?

[Rebecca Shear]

Nighthawk shrugged her long, slender wings.

[Creator Spirit]

I don't know, Creator Spirit. I guess I'm a decent flyer.

[Rebecca Shear]

She offered a humble smile and lofted into the air. After a series of steep dives, sharp turns, and daring loops, she gracefully soared back to earth. Most of the birds were mesmerized by Nighthawk's fantastic flight. But Peacock was mesmerized by something else. Nighthawk's fantastic feathers. In those days, her plumage was an iridescent swirl of sapphire blue, emerald green, and shimmering gold.

[Creator Spirit]

That was a wonderful display, Nighthawk. Thank you. And thanks to all of you for suggesting why you should be the bird's new leader. Tomorrow we shall hold an election. Meet me at dawn, ready to cast your vote. Till then, farewell.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the birds exited the clearing, Peacock hung back, his dull, drab head bowed.

[Peacock]

Oh, woe is me, me, me, me, me. I may sing like an angel, but Nighthawk can fly like an acrobat. And she has the most glamorous feathers. With that combination, all the birds are sure to vote for her. Unless.

[Rebecca Shear]

A devilish grin crossed his face.

[Peacock]

What if I can make sure Nighthawk doesn't get a single vote and all the birds vote for me instead? Because let's face it, if anyone deserves to be leader of the birds, it's me. And when I win this election, it'll be a real feather in my cap.

[Rebecca Shear]

What is Peacock planning? Will his sneaky scheme succeed? We'll find out after a quick break.

[Brains On Universe Announcer]

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[Rebecca Shear]

Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called Leader of the Birds. Before the break, the birds were about to elect a new leader. Peacock yearned to win the election, but while his voice was pleasant, his feathers were plain. Nighthawk, on the other hand, had gorgeous feathers. Sapphire blue, emerald green, and gold. She was also an impressive flyer. Peacock worried that Nighthawk would get all the votes, so he decided to play a trick. Pasting on the friendliest smile he could muster, he crossed the forest and paid Nighthawk a visit.

[Peacock]

Hey there, Nighthawk. How you doing?

[Creator Spirit]

I'm great, Peacock. How are you?

[Peacock]

I'm good. I'm pretty good. But I've been thinking about this election thing. Creator Spirit says we need one bird to make laws, solve problems, and maintain order. But I can't help but wonder why

[Rebecca Shear]

just one Nighthawk cocked her blue, green, and gold head.

[Creator Spirit]

Are you saying we should have more than one bird in charge?

[Peacock]

I sure am.

[Rebecca Shear]

Peacock leaned in close as if sharing a secret.

[Peacock]

From what I hear, I've got this election in the bag. With my beautiful singing voice, all the birds plan on voting for me. Me me me me me me me me.

[Creator Spirit]

Really?

[Peacock]

Oh yeah. Word has it I'm gonna win this election hands down. Wings down too. And when I become the new leader, I want you to lead with me as my partner. I just ask one thing in return.

[Creator Spirit]

And what would that be?

[Rebecca Shear]

Peacock folded his drab wings over his drab chest.

[Peacock]

Your feathers.

[Creator Spirit]

My feathers?

[Rebecca Shear]

Nighthawk's beak dropped open.

[Creator Spirit]

You want my feathers?

[Peacock]

Just till after the election. Once I get the bird's vote, you can have them back.

[Creator Spirit]

And then you'll announce that I'm your co leader? Sure.

[Rebecca Shear]

Nighthawk paused and thought it Over.

[Creator Spirit]

Okay, Peacock, I'll let you borrow my feathers.

[Rebecca Shear]

Nighthawk made quick work of plucking out her plumage, and Peacock made quick work of putting it on. After pasting the blue, green and gold feathers all over his body, he puffed out his chest with pride.

[Peacock]

Well, how do I look?

[Rebecca Shear]

Nighthawk, who was now as bald as a ping pong ball, shivered.

[Creator Spirit]

You look great, Peacock. Though I have to admit, I had no idea how cold I would be without feathers. You'll give them back after the election, right? And we'll lead the birds together.

[Rebecca Shear]

But she didn't get an answer because Peacock had already bounded away in a dazzling blur of blue, green and gold. Peacock stayed up all night, too excited to sleep. Come dawn, he raced to meet Creator Spirit and the birds in the clearing.

[Peacock]

Good morning, folks. I hope you didn't start voting without me. Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me.

[Rebecca Shear]

The birds stared at Peacock, their beaks agape. His once dull head was crested with bright feathers, and his long, lustrous tail was spread out in a wide, breathtaking fan. You look amazing, Peacock.

[Peacock]

Absolutely regal.

[Rebecca Shear]

Between your feathers and your voice. You've got my vote for leader of birds.

[Peacock]

Mine, too.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the birds twittered their agreement, Peacock gave Creator Spirit a grin.

[Peacock]

Well, Creator Spirit, there you have it. I was just elected leader of the Birds. Shall we make it official?

[Rebecca Shear]

Creator Spirit said nothing. Instead, the deity's eyes traveled down Peacock's colorful body, from his colorful head to his gray, colorful neck to his colorful wings. When they landed on his colorful tail, they rested there, unblinking.

[Peacock]

Um, Creator Spirit, shouldn't we swear me in or whatever? As you just heard, I just won the election unanimously. Everybody voted for me.

[Creator Spirit]

Everybody.

[Rebecca Shear]

Creator Spirit's brow knotted with anger.

[Creator Spirit]

Everybody voted for you. What about Nighthawk? Did Nighthawk vote for you? Oh, wait. Nighthawk isn't here. All I see of Nighthawk are her feathers. Because you are wearing them.

[Rebecca Shear]

Peacock felt a rush of panic, but he tried playing it cool.

[Peacock]

You're right, Creator Spirit. I am wearing Nighthawk's feathers. She wanted so badly for me to win this election. She was certain that prettier plumage would get me the vote. So she insisted on taking off her feathers and giving them to me.

[Creator Spirit]

I insisted on what?

[Rebecca Shear]

The birds swiveled their heads to the edge of the clearing, and there, pale, thin and trembling with cold, was Nighthawk.

[Creator Spirit]

I didn't give you my feathers, Peacock. I let you borrow them because you promised that if I did, I would be your co leader when you won the election. But it was all a lie. You were just using me to gain power. How could you be so selfish?

[Rebecca Shear]

Creator Spirit shot Peacock a look so sharp it could have cracked a bird's egg.

[Creator Spirit]

Peacock, is what Nighthawk says true?

[Peacock]

Is it true?

[Rebecca Shear]

Peacock's colorful chest surged with panic.

[Peacock]

Well, the thing is. Enough.

[Rebecca Shear]

Creator Spirit fired Peacock a scowl, then flashed the other birds a smile.

[Creator Spirit]

My fine feathered friends, Nighthawk has been done a disservice. A dishonest, deceitful, devious disservice. So I want you to do her a kindness. I want each of you to pluck out one of your feathers, bring it to Nighthawk so she may have a new coat of plumage to keep her warm.

[Rebecca Shear]

The birds did as they were told. They plucked out a feather and adorned Nighthawk's head and face.

[Creator Spirit]

Thank you, friends.

[Rebecca Shear]

Her chest and belly.

[Creator Spirit]

Much obliged, friends.

[Rebecca Shear]

Her wings and tail.

[Creator Spirit]

I'm so grateful, friends.

[Rebecca Shear]

When they were finished, Nighthawk had a whole new look. She was covered in shades of gray, brown, black and white, with a bright crescent shaped patch on the underside of her long sleeve, slender wings. Creator Spirit gave the birds a satisfied nod, then leveled Peacock with a steely gaze.

[Creator Spirit]

Peacock, those green, blue and gold feathers you wear are gorgeous. Stunning. Every bit as beautiful as your voice. And you may keep them.

[Peacock]

I can keep them?

[Creator Spirit]

Yes. But you must understand this true beauty. Real beauty isn't something one wears on the outside. It's something one has on the inside. And it rises to the surface when we show kindness, love and care. Just like your fellow birds showed for Nighthawk. Indeed they did. But you, Peacock, you showed the opposite. And so, while you may keep your beautiful feathers, you must lose your beautiful voice. From now on, your sweet, melodious song shall become a harsh, grating screech.

[Peacock]

But, Creator Spirit, can't you take pity on me? Me, me, me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Peacock's beak fell open.

[Peacock]

What have you done? My voice sounds like a wailing cat or a broken trumpet. Or a combination of both.

[Rebecca Shear]

And ever since, that shrill and jarring voice has served as an unforgettable reminder that when we show kindness or love and care, we can hit the right note with anyone. Unlike Peacock, who's forever doomed to hit the wrong one. Now it's your turn. If you were choosing a leader, what are three qualities you would want them to have? Brainstorm your top three qualities. Then share them with a family member or friend. And as you go about your daily life, try to demonstrate those qualities. Even if you don't want to rule the world, it never hurts to show a little leadership. This week's episode Leader of the Birds was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis, whose featured instrument this week is the Ocarina. You can learn more about this ancient wind instrument and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can color them in grown ups. Download our 300 coloring pages at WBUR.org CircleRound Special thanks to this Week GM Hakim, Erica Rose, Christopher Rivas, and Carolyn Michelle Smith. Carolyn Michelle Smith has appeared on such TV shows as the Shy and Just like that and Russian Doll. Her newest film is Familiar Touch. Christopher Rivas wrote the picture book you're a Good Swimmer, the memoir Brown Enough, and hosts the podcasts Rubi Rosa and Brown Enough. You, longtime Circle Round fans will remember him as Fox in our 202022 episode, the wheat and the Chaff. Circle Round is a production of WBUR Boston's npr. I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for Circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Circle Round Listeners]

Hi, my name's Alia and I live in Weymouth, England and my favorite Circle Round story is Stella and the Dragon. And my favorite part is when Stella finds all her 100 children. My name is Ed, I live in Berwyn, Pennsylvania and my favorite story is Blizzard Wizard. I like the part when him and his castle melts. My name is Abilene and I live in California and my favorite Circle Round story is the Lion's Whisker. My favorite part is where they feed the lion because it's very, very very very thoughtful and kind. Hi, my name is Felicity, I live in Poolesville, Maryland and my favorite Circle Round sort is a biscuit in a basket and my favorite part is when the little girl frees a tiger. I'm George and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. My favorite circle Round story is the Song of the Horse. I like to park and see who finds the horse. My name is Theodore and I live in Jersey City, New Jersey and my favorite Circle Round episode is the Zodiac 12. Cause I like the part when the cat says rat, you cheated me. And now you're gonna pay. My name is Lily. I live in Washington, D.C. and my family. My favorite Circle Round story is of Beans and bunnies from July 8.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh, so much more on our website, WBUR.org circle.