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Matt Ross

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A Nature , Science and Education podcast

#93 in Nature · 🇳🇿 #109 in Nature · 🇳🇴
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About the show

Hi, I'm Matt, a bird enthusiast from New Zealand! So, not surprisingly, this is a podcast about birds! Learning about our avian friends has reconnected me with wonder, passion and an excitement for life, and I want to pass that experience on through the podcast. Follow me/message me on Instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 A big thank you has to go out to Ivan Phillipsen from the Science of Birds podcast for sparking this.

Newest episodes

Swooping (Human-Bird Conflict)

23 min

Come on... DIVE into the episode... Don't let it fly ya by! References: Champness, B. S., Fitzsimons, J. A., Kendal, D., & Palmer, G. C. (2023). Perceptions of birds by urban residents in an Australian regional city and implications for conservation. Birds, 4(3), 262-276. Gupta, S., Agrawal, A., & Saxena, K. (2022, December). Defense strategies in birds of Charadriidae family. In Proceedings of the Zoological Society (Vol. 75, No. 4, pp. 395-412). New Delhi: Springer India. Johnsson, R. D., Connelly, F., Lesku, J. A., & Roth, T. C. (2024). Australian magpies. Current Biology, 34(2), R41-R43. Lees, D., Sherman, C. D., Maguire, G. S., Dann, P., Cardilini, A. P., & Weston, M. A. (2013). Swooping in the suburbs; parental defence of an abundant aggressive urban bird against humans. Animals, 3(3), 754-766. Mo, M. (2024). Agonistic behaviour from Noisy Miners Manorina melanocephala toward Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen swooping humans. South Australian Ornithologist, 47, 2. Mo, M., & Waterhouse, D. R. (2021). Variations in defensiveness of a nesting raptor based on the number of human observers near the nest. Ornithology Research, 29(2), 76-78. Van Vuuren, K., O’Keeffe, S., & Jones, D. N. (2016). “Vicious, Aggressive Bird Stalks Cyclist”: The Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen) in the News. Animals, 6(5), 29. Warne, R. M., Jones, D. N., & Astheimer, L. B. (2010). Attacks on humans by Australian Magpies (Cracticus tibicen): territoriality, brood-defence or testosterone?. Emu, 110(4), 332-338. Abstract access only: Flanagan, J. P., Moyes, M., Goodwin, T., Crock, C., & Campbell, T. G. (2024). Seventeen years of bird‐related eye injuries at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, 2006–2022. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 52(7), 783. Support the show

The Manumea (Tooth-billed Pigeon)

23 min

Hear all about this close relative of the Dodo, managing to hold on in its little corner of the Pacific. References: Amaama, S. A., Schorch, P., & Sung, A. (2025). Sāmoan archival-museum entanglements,(re) activations of the Vā. Museum History Journal, 18(2), 179-195. Cardoso, G. C., & Price, T. D. (2010). Community convergence in bird song. Evolutionary Ecology, 24(2), 447-461. Gough, W. B., Hudson, M. A., Young, H. G., Wood, J., Whitehead, H., & Turvey, S. T. (2024). Modelling habitat suitability for the Critically Endangered Manumea or Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris using past and present baselines. Bird Conservation International, 34, e20. Jana, A., Uili, M., Atherton, J., O'Brien, M., Wood, J., & Brickson, L. (2025). An Automated Pipeline for Few-Shot Bird Call Classification: A Case Study with the Tooth-Billed Pigeon. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.16276. Pratt, H. D., & Mittermeier, J. C. (2016). Notes on the natural history, taxonomy, and conservation of the endemic avifauna of the Samoan archipelago. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 128(2), 217-241. Serra, G., Sherley, G., Failagi, S. A., Foliga, S. T., Uili, M., Enoka, F., & Suaesi, T. (2018). Traditional ecological knowledge of the Critically Endangered Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris, endemic to Samoa. Bird Conservation International, 28(4), 620-642. Serra, G., Wood, G. R., Faiilagi, S. A., Foliga, S. T., Uili, M., & Enoka, F. (2020). Using Samoan traditional ecological knowledge to identify calls of the critically endangered endemic tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris). Pacific Conservation Biology, 27(3), 275-283. Shapiro, B., Sibthorpe, D., Rambaut, A., Austin, J., Wragg, G. M., Bininda-Emonds, O. R., ... & Cooper, A. (2002). Flight of the dodo. Science, 295(5560), 1683-1683. Jetz, W., Thomas, G. H., Joy, J. B., Redding, D. W., Hartmann, K., & Mooers, A. O. (2014). Global distribution and conservation of evolutionary distinctness in birds. Current biology, 24(9), 919...

Birding In Samoa

25 min

From endemics to beach chickens... Hear all about my cycling and birding trip around Upolu, Samoa! (I think I'm a converted cyclo-birder now!). Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support blurbs through the support the show link! Support the show

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All episodes

Swooping (Human-Bird Conflict)

23 min

Come on... DIVE into the episode... Don't let it fly ya by! References: Champness, B. S., Fitzsimons, J. A., Kendal, D., & Palmer, G. C. (2023). Perceptions of birds by urban residents in an Australian regional city and implications for conservation. Birds, 4(3), 262-276. Gupta, S., Agrawal, A., & Saxena, K. (2022, December). Defense strategies in birds of Charadriidae family. In Proceedings of the Zoological Society (Vol. 75, No. 4, pp. 395-412). New Delhi: Springer India. Johnsson, R. D., Connelly, F., Lesku, J. A., & Roth, T. C. (2024). Australian magpies. Current Biology, 34(2), R41-R43. Lees, D., Sherman, C. D., Maguire, G. S., Dann, P., Cardilini, A. P., & Weston, M. A. (2013). Swooping in the suburbs; parental defence of an abundant aggressive urban bird against humans. Animals, 3(3), 754-766. Mo, M. (2024). Agonistic behaviour from Noisy Miners Manorina melanocephala toward Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen swooping humans. South Australian Ornithologist, 47, 2. Mo, M., & Waterhouse, D. R. (2021). Variations in defensiveness of a nesting raptor based on the number of human observers near the nest. Ornithology Research, 29(2), 76-78. Van Vuuren, K., O’Keeffe, S., & Jones, D. N. (2016). “Vicious, Aggressive Bird Stalks Cyclist”: The Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen) in the News. Animals, 6(5), 29. Warne, R. M., Jones, D. N., & Astheimer, L. B. (2010). Attacks on humans by Australian Magpies (Cracticus tibicen): territoriality, brood-defence or testosterone?. Emu, 110(4), 332-338. Abstract access only: Flanagan, J. P., Moyes, M., Goodwin, T., Crock, C., & Campbell, T. G. (2024). Seventeen years of bird‐related eye injuries at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, 2006–2022. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 52(7), 783. Support the show

The Manumea (Tooth-billed Pigeon)

23 min

Hear all about this close relative of the Dodo, managing to hold on in its little corner of the Pacific. References: Amaama, S. A., Schorch, P., & Sung, A. (2025). Sāmoan archival-museum entanglements,(re) activations of the Vā. Museum History Journal, 18(2), 179-195. Cardoso, G. C., & Price, T. D. (2010). Community convergence in bird song. Evolutionary Ecology, 24(2), 447-461. Gough, W. B., Hudson, M. A., Young, H. G., Wood, J., Whitehead, H., & Turvey, S. T. (2024). Modelling habitat suitability for the Critically Endangered Manumea or Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris using past and present baselines. Bird Conservation International, 34, e20. Jana, A., Uili, M., Atherton, J., O'Brien, M., Wood, J., & Brickson, L. (2025). An Automated Pipeline for Few-Shot Bird Call Classification: A Case Study with the Tooth-Billed Pigeon. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.16276. Pratt, H. D., & Mittermeier, J. C. (2016). Notes on the natural history, taxonomy, and conservation of the endemic avifauna of the Samoan archipelago. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 128(2), 217-241. Serra, G., Sherley, G., Failagi, S. A., Foliga, S. T., Uili, M., Enoka, F., & Suaesi, T. (2018). Traditional ecological knowledge of the Critically Endangered Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris, endemic to Samoa. Bird Conservation International, 28(4), 620-642. Serra, G., Wood, G. R., Faiilagi, S. A., Foliga, S. T., Uili, M., & Enoka, F. (2020). Using Samoan traditional ecological knowledge to identify calls of the critically endangered endemic tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris). Pacific Conservation Biology, 27(3), 275-283. Shapiro, B., Sibthorpe, D., Rambaut, A., Austin, J., Wragg, G. M., Bininda-Emonds, O. R., ... & Cooper, A. (2002). Flight of the dodo. Science, 295(5560), 1683-1683. Jetz, W., Thomas, G. H., Joy, J. B., Redding, D. W., Hartmann, K., & Mooers, A. O. (2014). Global distribution and conservation of evolutionary distinctness in birds. Current biology, 24(9), 919...

Birding In Samoa

25 min

From endemics to beach chickens... Hear all about my cycling and birding trip around Upolu, Samoa! (I think I'm a converted cyclo-birder now!). Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support blurbs through the support the show link! Support the show

Instinct In Birds

23 min

Will you like this episode? Listen to your instincts! (and then check it out to see if you were right!).  References: Bird, A. (2024). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: A critical perspective. Frontiers in epigenetics and epigenomics, 2, 1434253. Blumberg, M. S. (2017). Development evolving: the origins and meanings of instinct. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 8(1-2), e1371. Conway, P. B. Plasticity of instinct: Interactions of the memory engram with innate behaviour. Guerrero-Bosagna, C., Morisson, M., Liaubet, L., Rodenburg, T. B., De Haas, E. N., Košťál, Ľ., & Pitel, F. (2018). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in birds. Environmental Epigenetics, 4(2), dvy008. Helm, B., & Liedvogel, M. (2024). Avian migration clocks in a changing world. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 210(4), 691-716. Kashetsky, T., Avgar, T., & Dukas, R. (2021). The cognitive ecology of animal movement: evidence from birds and mammals. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, 724887. Leopold Jr, N. F. (1923). Reason and Instinct in Bird Migration. The Auk, 409-414. Levis, N. A., & Pfennig, D. W. (2016). Evaluating ‘plasticity-first’evolution in nature: key criteria and empirical approaches. Trends in ecology & evolution, 31(7), 563-574. Nieder, A., & Mooney, R. (2020). The neurobiology of innate, volitional and learned vocalizations in mammals and birds. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 375(1789), 20190054. Rajan, S., Lamers, K. P., Both, C., & Wheatcroft, D. (2024). Translocated wild birds are predisposed to learn songs of their ancestral population. Current Biology, 34(11), 2535-2540. Robinson, G. E., & Barron, A. B. (2017). Epigenetics and the evolution of instincts. Science, 356(6333), 26-27. Verhulst, E. C., Mateman, A. C., Zwier, M. V., Caro, S. P., Verhoeven, K. J., & Van Oers, K. (2016). Evidence from pyrosequencing indicates that natural variation in animal personality is associated with DRD 4 DNA methylation. Molecular ecology,...

The Kererū

22 min

Lynchpin... glutton... wearer of stylish overalls... there are so many ways to describe the kererū! Come and hear all about this amazing bird. References: Cousins, R. A. (2010). Kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae)-Impact injuries, morphometrics, moult and plumage (Doctoral dissertation, MSc-thesis, massey University, New Zealand). Carpenter, J. K., Walker, S., Monks, A., Innes, J., Binny, R. N., & Schlesselmann, A. K. V. (2021). Factors limiting kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) populations across New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(2), 1-15. Clout, M. N., & Robertson, H. A. (2021). Longevity records for Chatham Island pigeon (Hemiphaga chathamensis) and New Zealand pigeon (H. novaeseelandiae). Notornis, 68, 86-88. Goldberg, J., Trewick, S. A., & Powlesland, R. G. (2011). Population structure and biogeography of Hemiphaga pigeons (Aves: Columbidae) on islands in the New Zealand region. Journal of Biogeography, 38(2), 285-298. Mander, C. J., Hay, J. R., & Powlesland, R. (1998). Monitoring and management of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) (p. 44). Wellington,, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Website used for research: https://www.chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz/resources/blog-and-news/spotlight-parea/ Support the show

Colour Polymorphism In Kākāpō

18 min

Who new that one different shade could tell us so much about a birds evolutionary history.... References: Ducatez, S., Giraudeau, M., Thebaud, C., & Jacquin, L. (2017). Colour polymorphism is associated with lower extinction risk in birds. Global Change Biology, 23(8), 3030-3039. Ruzicka, F., Zwoinska, M. K., Goedert, D., Kokko, H., Li Richter, X. Y., Moodie, I. R., ... & Connallon, T. (2026). A century of theories of balancing selection. Biological Reviews, 101(2), 804-825. Urban, L., Santure, A. W., Uddstrom, L., Digby, A., Vercoe, D., Eason, D., ... & Morales, H. E. (2024). The genetic basis of the kākāpō structural color polymorphism suggests balancing selection by an extinct apex predator. PLoS biology, 22(9), e3002755. Support the show

The Hoatzin

23 min

Hear all about this one of a kind bird! I can't wait for you to see "hoatzin" store! A big thank you to @theweenuthatch (instagram) for his insight and resources for this topic! Check him out for bird guiding services! Follow me on instagram: @matt.rossella Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Abourachid, A., Herrel, A., Decamps, T., Pages, F., Fabre, A. C., Van Hoorebeke, L., ... & Garcia Amado, M. A. (2019). Hoatzin nestling locomotion: acquisition of quadrupedal limb coordination in birds. Science advances, 5(5), eaat0787. Buitrón-Jurado, G. (2014). An aberrant record of Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin (Statius Muller, 1976)(Aves: Opisthocomidae) in Venezuela. Check List, 10(1), 153-155. Cracraft, J. (2022). The Hoatzin. Current Biology, 32(20), R1068-R1069. Mayr, G. (2014). A hoatzin fossil from the middle Miocene of Kenya documents the past occurrence of modern-type Opisthocomiformes in Africa. The Auk: Ornithological Advances, 131(1), 55-60. Mayr, G., Alvarenga, H., & Mourer-Chauviré, C. (2011). Out of Africa: Fossils shed light on the origin of the hoatzin, an iconic Neotropic bird. Naturwissenschaften, 98(11), 961. Mayr, G., & De Pietri, V. L. (2014). Earliest and first Northern Hemispheric hoatzin fossils substantiate Old World origin of a “Neotropic endemic”. Naturwissenschaften, 101(2), 143-148. Pagès, F. (2019). Compared and functional morphology of the hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) (Doctoral dissertation, Museum national d'histoire naturelle-MNHN PARIS). Other resources: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd edition. The Science of Birds podcast episodes: Bird Bones: The Avian SkeletonThe Avian Digestive SystemHow Birds Fly Support the show

Haast's Eagle

22 min

The largest eagle ever known - hear all about this extinct apex predator! Reach out to me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show (a.k.a become an endemic blurb!): patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Brathwaite, D. H. (1992). Notes on the weight, flying ability, habitat, and prey of Haast’s Eagle (Harpagornis moorei). Notornis, 39(4), 239-247. Bunce, M., Szulkin, M., Lerner, H. R. L., Barnes, I., Shapiro, B., Cooper, A., & Holdaway, R. N. (2005). Ancient DNA provides new insights into the evolutionary history of New Zealand's extinct giant eagle. PLoS biology, 3(1), e9. Holdaway, R. N. (2021). Two new radiocarbon ages for Haast’s eagle (Hieraaetus moorei)(Aves: Accipitridae) and comments on the eagle’s past distribution and possible survival into the 19th century. Notornis, 68(4), 278. Holdaway, R. N. (2025). The genus name for the extinct New Zealand Eagle (Accipitridae) and a suggested replacement for an inappropriate vernacular name. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 145(4), 406-410. Knapp, M., Thomas, J. E., Haile, J., Prost, S., Ho, S. Y., Dussex, N., ... & Scofield, R. P. (2019). Mitogenomic evidence of close relationships between New Zealand’s extinct giant raptors and small-sized Australian sister-taxa. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 134, 122-128. Scofield, R. P., & Ashwell, K. W. (2009). Rapid somatic expansion causes the brain to lag behind: the case of the brain and behavior of New Zealand's Haast's Eagle (Harpagornis moorei). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 29(3), 637-649. Van Heteren, A. H., Wroe, S., Tsang, L. R., Mitchell, D. R., Ross, P., Ledogar, J. A., ... & Sansalone, G. (2021). New Zealand's extinct giant raptor (Hieraaetus moorei) killed like an eagle, ate like a condor. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 288(1964). Support the show

Island Dwarfism In Birds

23 min

Can you do me a small favour real quick? Have a listen to this episode! I hope you enjoy! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Want to help my work? click the support the show link at the bottom! References: Benítez-López, A., Santini, L., Gallego-Zamorano, J., Milá, B., Walkden, P., Huijbregts, M. A., & Tobias, J. A. (2021). The island rule explains consistent patterns of body size evolution in terrestrial vertebrates. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 5(6), 768-786. Lomolino, M. V. (2005). Body size evolution in insular vertebrates: generality of the island rule. Journal of biogeography, 32(10), 1683-1699. Matthews, T. J. (2023). Evolution: The rise and fall of island dwarfs and giants. Current Biology, 33(12), R684-R686. Meiri, S., Raia, P., & Phillimore, A. B. (2011). Slaying dragons: limited evidence for unusual body size evolution on islands. Journal of Biogeography, 38(1), 89-100. Ponti, R., Doutrelant, C., & Covas, R. (2023). Strength of the ‘island rule’ in birds is positively associated with absence of avian predators. Biology Letters, 19(3), 20220536. Thomson, V. A., Mitchell, K. J., Eberhard, R., Dortch, J., Austin, J. J., & Cooper, A. (2018). Genetic diversity and drivers of dwarfism in extinct island emu populations. Biology Letters, 14(4), 20170617. Wei, C., Peng, L., Zhang, Y., Nishiumi, I., Carey, G. J., Liu, Z., ... & Liu, Y. (2024). Integrative taxonomy of an East Asian songbird indicates rapid dwarfism after island colonization. Zoologica Scripta, 53(5), 509-522. Support the show

The Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin)

26 min

Thankyou to Sam Holt for suggesting this topic! Follow them on instagram @samholtnz56 for excellent photography of New Zealand's landscapes and birds! If you'd like to suggest a topic, then consider becoming a patron!: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Alley, M. R., Suepaul, R. B., McKinlay, B., Young, M. J., Wang, J., Morgan, K. J., ... & Gartrell, B. D. (2017). Diphtheritic stomatitis in yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in New Zealand. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 53(1), 102-110. Bergen, D. J., & Gartrell, B. D. (2010). Discospondylitis in a yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 24(1), 58-63. Darby, J. T., Seddon, P. J., & Davis, L. S. (1990). Breeding biology of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes). Penguin biology, 45-62. French, R. K., Muller, C. G., Chilvers, B. L., & Battley, P. F. (2019). Behavioural consequences of human disturbance on subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins Megadyptes antipodes. Bird Conservation International, 29(2), 277-290. Johnson, K. L. (2023). Marine predation injuries in yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes): a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Veterinary Science in Wildlife Health at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Moore, P. J. (2001). Historical records of yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) in southern New Zealand. Notornis, 48(3), 145-156. Muller, C. G., Chilvers, B. L., & French, R. K. (2020). Population estimate for yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in the. Notornis, 67(1), 299-319. Muller, C. G., Chilvers, B. L., Chiaradia, A., French, R. K., Kato, A., Ropert-Coudert, Y., & Battley, P. F. (2021). Foraging areas and plasticity of yellow-eyed penguins Megadyptes antipodes in their subantarctic range. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 679, 149-162. Website used for research: https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/yellow-eyed-penguin Suppor...

The Silvereye (Tauhou)

20 min

Hear all about a little bird that has earned the big title of "GREAT SPECIATOR"!🥈 Connect with me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Estandía, A., Merino Recalde, N., Sendell‐Price, A. T., Potvin, D. A., Goulding, W., Robertson, B. C., & Clegg, S. (2025). Islands Promote Diversification of the Silvereye Species Complex: A Phylogenomic Analysis of a Great Speciator. Molecular ecology, e17830. Estoup, A., & Clegg, S. M. (2003). Bayesian inferences on the recent island colonization history by the bird Zosterops lateralis lateralis. Molecular Ecology, 12(3), 657-674. Scott, T., Scholer, M., Melville, D. S., & Underhill, L. G. (2023). Timing and duration of primary moult in New Zealand’s silvereye (tauhou, Zosterops lateralis). Notornis, 70, 97-110. Sendell-Price, A. T., Ruegg, K. C., Anderson, E. C., Quilodrán, C. S., Van Doren, B. M., Underwood, V. L., ... & Clegg, S. M. (2020). The genomic landscape of divergence across the speciation continuum in island-colonising silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis). G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 10(9), 3147-3163. Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman  Bird New Zealand (Beauty Like No Other) - Paul Gibson The Brilliance of Birds (a New Zealand Birdventure) - Skye Wishart & Edin Whitehead Support the show

Mast Seeding: Implications For Birds

24 min

You "mast" listen to this episode! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Bogdziewicz, M., Zwolak, R., & Crone, E. E. (2016). How do vertebrates respond to mast seeding?. Oikos, 125(3), 300-307. Elliott, G., & Kemp, J. (2016). Large‐scale pest control in New Zealand beech forests. Ecological Management & Restoration, 17(3), 200-209. Kelly, D., Koenig, W. D., & Liebhold, A. M. (2008). An intercontinental comparison of the dynamic behavior of mast seeding communities. Population Ecology, 50(4), 329-342. O'Donnell, C. F., & Hoare, J. M. (2012). Quantifying the benefits of long-term integrated pest control for forest bird populations in a New Zealand temperate rainforest. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 131-140. Pearse, I. S., Wion, A. P., Gonzalez, A. D., & Pesendorfer, M. B. (2021). Understanding mast seeding for conservation and land management. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 376(1839), 20200383. Support the show

The Hawaiian Honeyeaters (Mohoidae)

19 min

Come and hear about the only entire bird family to go extinct in recent times... Footage of the last Kauaʻi ʻōʻō : https://youtu.be/x2KH5AoyeBc?si=rEONFaoyUNL6Cpsm  References: Fleischer, R. C., Campana, M. G., & James, H. F. (2022). Hawaiian songbird radiations. Current Biology, 32(20), R1070-R1072. Fleischer, R. C., James, H. F., & Olson, S. L. (2008). Convergent evolution of Hawaiian and Australo-Pacific honeyeaters from distant songbird ancestors. Current Biology, 18(24), 1927-1931. Lovette, I. J. (2008). Convergent evolution: raising a family from the dead. Current Biology, 18(24), R1132-R1134. Pender, R. J., Morden, C. W., & Paull, R. E. (2014). Investigating the pollination syndrome of the Hawaiian lobeliad genus Clermontia (Campanulaceae) using floral nectar traits. American journal of botany, 101(1), 201-205. Schmitt, C. J., & Edwards, S. V. (2022). Passerine birds. Current Biology, 32(20), R1149-R1154. Zhao, M., Kimball, R. T., & Braun, E. L. (2025). The phylogenetic position of the extinct Hawaiian honeyeaters: Overcoming the limitations of antique DNA. bioRxiv, 2025-06. Support the show

The Saddleback (Tīeke)

20 min

Saddle up for another episode of blurbs! Links to Jimmy’s work Instagram: @jimmy_birds  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyR_Birds Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@FeelGoodBirder References: Cash, W., & Briskie, J. V. (2012). Abnormally long bill in a South Island Saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus). Notornis, 59, 88-89. Hooson, S., & Jamieson, I. G. (2003). Breeding biology of the South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus, Callaeatidae). Notornis, 50(4), 191-200. Hooson, S., & Jamieson, I. G. (2003). The distribution and current status of New Zealand saddleback Philesturnus carunculatus. Bird conservation international, 13(2), 79-95. Jenkins, P. F., & Veitch, C. R. (1991). Sexual dimorphism and age determination in the North Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus rufaster). New Zealand journal of zoology, 18(4), 445-450. Lloyd-Jones, D. (2014). Wattle function and territoriality in the South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus).  Parker, K. A., Ludwig, K., King, T. M., Brunton, D. H., Scofield, R. P., & Jamieson, I. G. (2014). Differences in vocalisations, morphology and mtDNA support species status for New Zealand saddleback Philesturnus spp. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 41(2), 79-94. Sutherland, K. (2021). Temporal changes in cultural diversity across a growing meta-population of North Island saddleback (tīeke; Philesturnus rufusater): effects of mixed versus single-source translocations: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Biology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Taylor, S. S., & Jamieson, I. G. (2007). Determining sex of South Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) using discriminant function analysis. Notornis, 54(2), 61. Support the show

The Ig Nobel Prize: Bird Research

20 min

Thanks @theweenuthatch for the topic idea! (go give him a follow on instagram!) Become an "endemic blurb" on Patreon to suggest your own episode topic ideas  (through the support the show link!). References: Bubier, N. E., Paxton, C. G., Bowers, P., & Deeming, D. C. (1998). Courtship behaviour of ostriches (Struthio camelus) towards humans under farming conditions in Britain. British Poultry Science, 39(4), 477-481. Ghirlanda, S., Jansson, L., & Enquist, M. (2002). Chickens prefer beautiful humans. Human Nature, 13(3), 383-389. Grossi, B., Iriarte-Díaz, J., Larach, O., Canals, M., & Vásquez, R. A. (2014). Walking like dinosaurs: chickens with artificial tails provide clues about non-avian theropod locomotion. PloS one, 9(2), e88458.  Meyer-Rochow, V. B., & Gal, J. (2003). Pressures produced when penguins pooh—calculations on avian defaecation. Polar Biology, 27(1), 56-58. Watanabe, S., Sakamoto, J., & Wakita, M. (1995). Pigeons’ discrimination of paintings by Monet and Picasso. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 63(2), 165-174. Yuan, Z. M., Chen, M., Jia, L., Ji, C., & Incecik, A. (2021). Wave-riding and wave-passing by ducklings in formation swimming. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 928, R2. Support the show

Ornithomycology (Birds & Fungi)

19 min

This is an evolving area of research! Come and hear abit about the fascinating world of birds and fungi... Support Jen, a.k.a StagPath, (the inspiration for this episode) instagram: @stagpath                    Nature guidance work: stagpath.com Note - at 14:18, it sounds like I say "pop"rolites, but the correct word (and what I said) was coprolites! References: Boast, A. P., Weyrich, L. S., Wood, J. R., Metcalf, J. L., Knight, R., & Cooper, A. (2018). Coprolites reveal ecological interactions lost with the extinction of New Zealand birds. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(7), 1546-1551. Brunton-Martin, A., Wood, J., & Gaskett, A. C. (2024). Evidence for adaptation of colourful truffle-like fungi for birds in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 18908. Elliott, T. F., Jusino, M. A., Trappe, J. M., Lepp, H., Ballard, G. A., Bruhl, J. J., & Vernes, K. (2019). A global review of the ecological significance of symbiotic associations between birds and fungi. Fungal Diversity, 98(1), 161-194. Wood, J. R., Dickie, I. A., Moeller, H. V., Peltzer, D. A., Bonner, K. I., Rattray, G., & Wilmshurst, J. M. (2015). Novel interactions between non‐native mammals and fungi facilitate establishment of invasive pines. Journal of Ecology, 103(1), 121-129. Support the show

The Eastern Spinebill

19 min

Come and learn about my favourite Australian bird! Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Chan, K., Ford, H. A., & Ambrose, S. J. (1990). Ecophysiological adaptations of the Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris to a high altitudinal winter environment. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 90(2), 119-122. Ford, H. A. (1991). Coping with an erratic nectar source—eastern spinebills Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris at New England National Park. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 91(1), 53-56. Ford, H. A., & Paton, D. C. (1982). Partitioning of nectar sources in an Australian honeyeater community. Australian Journal of Ecology, 7(2), 149-159. Ford, H. A., & Pursey, J. F. (1982). Status and feeding of the Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris at New England National Park, north-eastern NSW. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 82(4), 203-211. Guppy, M., Guppy, S., Carlisle, N., & Fullagar, P. (2016). The Eastern Spinebill'Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris' as a nest-predator. Australian Field Ornithology, 33, 20-21. Johnson, K. A., McQuillan, P. B., & Kirkpatrick, J. B. (2010). Bird pollination of the climbing heath Prionotes cerinthoides (Ericaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 171(2), 147-157. McFarland, D. C. (1983). Ritualized aggression in the Eastern Spinebill'Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris'. Sunbird: Journal of the Queensland Ornithological Society, The, 13(4), 78-81. McFarland, D., & Ford, H. (1987). Aspects of population biology of the Eastern spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (Meliphagidae) in New England National Park, NSW. Corella, 11, 52-58. Pyke, G. H. (1981). Why hummingbirds hover and honeyeaters perch. Animal Behaviour, 29(3), 861-867. Sarker, S., Athukorala, A., Talukder, S., & Phalen, D. N. (2020). Phylogenetic analyses to uncover the evolutionary relationship of a newly sequenced mitochondrial genome from an Eastern spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 5(3), 3234-3238. Scoble,...

Robotic Birds

30 min

This is a serious episode, I promise! Come and learn a bit about the role of robotic birds in conservation and research! References: Araguas, A., Guellaï, B., Gauthier, P., Richer, F., Montone, G., Chopin, A., & Derégnaucourt, S. (2022). Design of a robotic zebra finch for experimental studies on developmental song learning. Journal of Experimental Biology, 225(3), jeb242949. Badri-Spröwitz, A., Aghamaleki Sarvestani, A., Sitti, M., & Daley, M. A. (2022). BirdBot achieves energy-efficient gait with minimal control using avian-inspired leg clutching. Science Robotics, 7(64), eabg4055. Butler, S. R., & Fernández-Juricic, E. (2014). European starlings recognize the location of robotic conspecific attention. Biology Letters, 10(10), 20140665. Simon, R., Varkevisser, J., Mendoza, E., Hochradel, K., Elsinga, R., Wiersma, P. G., ... & Halfwerk, W. (2023). RoboFinch: a versatile audio‐visual synchronised robotic bird model for laboratory and field research on songbirds. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 14(4), 1092-1103. Storms, R. F., Carere, C., Musters, R., Van Gasteren, H., Verhulst, S., & Hemelrijk, C. K. (2022). Deterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalcon. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 19(195), 20220497. Storms, R. F., Carere, C., Musters, R., Hulst, R., Verhulst, S., & Hemelrijk, C. K. (2024). A robotic falcon induces similar collective escape responses in different bird species. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 21(214), 20230737. Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_lmQN6xXjY  (2024 10 University of Canterbury M39 final year engineering animatronic project: South Island kōkako) Support the show

Birding In Victoria

12 min

Here's a quick catchup about some of the birding I got up to on a recent trip to Victoria, Australia. Follow these legends on Instagram: @superb_gzyd (and check out https://gary-dickson.com/photography/)  @birdable Support the show

The Black-Billed Gull (Tarāpuka)

23 min

You'll be gull-ad you listened to this episode! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Bell, M., & Harborne, P. (2019). The use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to census large breeding colonies of black-billed gull (Larus bulleri) and white-fronted tern (Sterna striata) at the Ashburton River/Hakatere River mouth. Notornis, 66, 95-97. Brown, D. (2001). Black-billed gulls hawking cicadas over shrubland. Notornis, 48, 111-112. Dowding, J. E. (2020). Eggs salvaged from an abandoned black-billed gull (Larus bulleri) colony on the Ashley/Rakahuri River, North Canterbury. Notornis, 67, 583-585. McClellan, R. K. (2009). The ecology and management of Southland's black-billed gulls (Doctoral dissertation, University of Otago). Mischler, C. P. (2018). Estimating the breeding population of black-billed gulls Larus bulleri in New Zealand, and methods for future count surveys. Notornis, 65, 67-83. Mischler, C. (2018). Population status and genetic diversity of the endemic black-billed gull Larus bulleri of New Zealand (Doctoral dissertation, University of Otago). Mischler, C., Veale, A., Van Stijn, T., Brauning, R., McEwan, J. C., Maloney, R., & Robertson, B. C. (2018). Population connectivity and traces of mitochondrial introgression in New Zealand black-billed gulls (Larus bulleri). Genes, 9(11), 544. Rebergen, A. (2016). Changes in the number of black-billed gulls (Larus bulleri) nesting on the Ruamahanga River, Wairarapa, between 1998 and 2012. Notornis, 63, 50-53. Weston, K. A., & Fraser, I. (2020). Large-scale hail-induced mortality in white-fronted tern (Sterna striata) and black-billed gull (Larus bulleri) breeding colonies on the Rangitata River, New Zealand. Notornis, 67, 481-484. Support the show

The Dawn Chorus

25 min

Come and learn about the functions and evolution of the dawn chorus, and how human activity is changing it. Listening back, i think it's important to note that this research applies to diurnal (awake in the daytime) birds. Nocturnal birds never came up in my research, probably for that very reason, but I thought i'd mention it here nonetheless! Also, I'm not sure why the last birdsong transition sounds a bit funky - it occurred during the final mastering step, and the rest were fine, so I don't know! Oh well, there's beauty in imperfection!  This episode is dedicated to my Aunty Christine. Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: De Framond, L., & Brumm, H. (2022). Long-term effects of noise pollution on the avian dawn chorus: a natural experiment facilitated by the closure of an international airport. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289(1982), 20220906. Gil, D., & Llusia, D. (2020). The bird dawn chorus revisited. Coding strategies in vertebrate acoustic communication, 45-90. Gupta, P., Sinha, A., Malik, S., & Rani, S. (2023). Dawn and dusk chorus as a potential zeitgeber. Biological Rhythm Research, 54(1), 41-51. Hill, S. D., Pawley, M. D., Anderson, M. G., & Ji, W. (2018). Higher song complexity and intruder pressure at dawn in a vocally complex songbird. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 118(2), 147-157. Hodgson, L., Waas, J. R., & Foote, J. R. (2018). Early singers attend to conspecific but not heterospecific behavioural cues at dawn. Journal of Avian Biology, 49(7), e01749. Hutchinson, J. M. (2002). Two explanations of the dawn chorus compared: how monotonically changing light levels favour a short break from singing. Animal Behaviour, 64(4), 527-539. Lee, J. G. H., MacGregor‐Fors, I., & Yeh, P. J. (2017). Sunrise in the city: disentangling drivers of the avian dawn chorus onset in urban greenspaces. Journal of Avian Biology, 48(7), 955-964. Naguib, M., Diehl, J., van Oers, K., & Snijders, L. (2019). Rep...

The New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)

23 min

Falc-on... Falc-off. Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Bell, D. A. (2017). Distribution of New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae): Results of a 10-year survey 2006-2016. Notornis, 64, 234-238. Fox, N. C. (1977). The Biology of the New Zealand Falcon:(falco Novaeseelandiae Gmelin 1788). Journal of Raptor Research, 13(1), 7. Fox, N., & Wynn, C. (2010). The impact of electrocution on the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae). Notornis, 57(2), 71-74. Holland, J., Thomas, A., & Minot, E. D. (2016). Nesting behaviour and development of New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in a plantation forest. Notornis, 63(1), 87-95. Horikoshi, C., Battley, P. F., Seaton, R., & Minot, E. O. (2017). Winter habitat use of New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae ferox) in an intensively managed pine plantation, central North Island, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 41(2), 193-206. Hyde, N. H. (2022). New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) attempts to adopt Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) ducklings. Notornis, 69(1), 67-68. Kross, S. M., & Nelson, X. J. (2012). Factors influencing the behavioural development of juvenile New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae). Emu, 113(1), 84-87. Miskelly, C. M., Mclaughlin, L., & Graaf, A. D. E. (2022). New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) hunting petrels at night and underground during the day. Notornis, 69(1), 37-44. Olley, L. (2014). Spatial partitioning of morphological and genetic variation in the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae): a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology, Massey University, Palmerston North (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Poupart, T. (2016). An unlikely native prey for the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae): the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). Notornis, 63, 106-108. Seaton, R., Minot, E. O., & Holla...

Torpor

14 min

Take a load off and come and learn about the fascinating phenomenon of torpor! (Im not sure where the sound artefact at 3:53 came from!) Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Douglas, T. K., Cooper, C. E., & Withers, P. C. (2017). Avian torpor or alternative thermoregulatory strategies for overwintering?. Journal of Experimental Biology, 220(7), 1341-1349. McNab, B. K., & Weston, K. A. (2018). The energetics of torpor in a temperate passerine endemic to New Zealand, the Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris). Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 188(5), 855-862. McNab, B. K., & Weston, K. A. (2020). Does the New Zealand rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris) hibernate?. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223(9), jeb212126. Nowack, J., Stawski, C., & Geiser, F. (2017). More functions of torpor and their roles in a changing world. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 187, 889-897. Romano, A. B., Hunt, A., Welbergen, J. A., & Turbill, C. (2019). Nocturnal torpor by superb fairy-wrens: a key mechanism for reducing winter daily energy expenditure. Biology letters, 15(6), 20190211. Shankar, A., Welch Jr, K. C., Eberts, E. R., Geiser, F., Halter, S., Keicher, L., ... & Wolfe, S. W. (2023). Daily Torpor in Birds and Mammals: Past, Present, and Future of the Field. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 63(5), 1017-1027. Support the show

The Paradise Shelduck

18 min

Support the podcast: patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Barker, R. J. (1990). Paradise shelduck band recoveries in the Wanganui district. Notornis, 37, 173-181. Bisset, S. A. (1974). Helminths of the paradise shelduck Tadorna Variegata (Gmelin) in the high country of Canterbury. Johnsgard, P. A. (2010). Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World: Tribe Tadornini (Sheldgeese and Shelducks). Williams, G. R. (1964). Extinction and the anatidae of New Zealand. Wildfowl, 15(15), 7. Williams, M. (1972). Mortality and exploitation of paradise shelduck. Wildfowl, 23(23), 94-102. Williams, M. (1979). The moult gatherings of paradise shelduck in the Gisborne-east coast district. New Zealand Wildlife Service, Department of Internal Affairs. Williams, M. (1979). The social structure, breeding and population dynamics of paradise shelduck in the Gisborne-East Coast district. New Zealand Wildlife Service, Department of Internal Affairs. Books: Birdstories - Geoff Norman Complete Book of New Zealand Birds - Reader’s Digest Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand - Barrie Heather & Hugh Robertson The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart & Edin Whitehead  Support the show

Mohouidae (The Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper)

16 min

Hear all about the chain of events that led to the evolution of one of New Zealand's endemic bird families! Support me to make the show bigger and better at patreon.com/blurbs439  Follow along on instagram: matt.rossella Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) 2nd ed. - Paul Gibson Birds of New Zealand and Outlying Islands - M.F Soper The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart and Edin Whitehead Research articles cited: Aidala, Z., Chong, N., Anderson, M. G., Ortiz-Catedral, L., Jamieson, I. G., Briskie, J. V., ... & Hauber, M. E. (2013). Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Mohoua, endemic hosts of New Zealand’s obligate brood parasitic Long-tailed Cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis). Journal of Ornithology, 154, 1127-1133. Fidler, A. E., Aidala, Z., Anderson, M. G., Ortiz-Catedral, L., & Hauber, M. E. (2016). Pseudogenisation of the short-wavelength sensitive 1 (SWS1) opsin gene in two New Zealand endemic passerine species: the Yellowhead (Mohoua ochrocephala) and Brown creeper (M. novaeseelandiae). The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 128(1), 159-163. McCullough, J. M., Oliveros, C. H., Benz, B. W., Zenil-Ferguson, R., Cracraft, J., Moyle, R. G., & Andersen, M. J. (2022). Wallacean and Melanesian islands promote higher rates of diversification within the global passerine radiation Corvides. Systematic Biology, 71(6), 1423-1439. Oliveros, C. H., Field, D. J., Ksepka, D. T., Barker, F. K., Aleixo, A., Andersen, M. J., ... & Faircloth, B. C. (2019). Earth history and the passerine superradiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(16), 7916-7925. Olson, S. L. (1990). Comments on the osteology and systematics of the New Zealand passerines of the genus Mohoua. Notornis. Support the show

A Big Year With @theweenuthatch

20 min

Hear all about @theweenuthatch and his worldwide big year (so far!), as well as his week-long leg of the trip in the North Island of New Zealand! Follow me and (other) Matt on instagram: @matt.rossella and @theweenuthatch Support the podcast: patreon.com/blurbs439  Bird call ID's 1) Santa Marta antpitta 2) White-throated sparrow 3) Great tit 4) Mute Swan (just kidding!) Support the show

Dialects In Tūī

21 min

Come and learn about tūī, the vocal acrobats of New Zealand! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 Links: tūī vocalisation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqw9LvW2nvw tūī mimicking human speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij78s460oQM References: Hill, S. D. (2011). The vocalisation of tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae): a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Hill, S. D. (2014). Influences of environmental and biological factors on song complexity in songbirds. Massey University. Hill, S. D., Amiot, C., Ludbrook, M. R., & Ji, W. (2015). Seasonal variation in the song structure of tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(1), 110-115. Hill, S. D., Brunton, D. H., Anderson, M. G., & Ji, W. (2018). Fighting talk: complex song elicits more aggressive responses in a vocally complex songbird. Ibis, 160(2), 257-268. Hill, S. D., & Ji, W. (2013). Microgeographic variation in song phrases of tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae). Notornis, 60(3), 262-264. Hill, S. D., & Ji, W. (2014). Categorisation of common syllable types in the complex vocalisations of tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae). Notornis, 61(1), 54-56. Hill, S. D., Ji, W., Parker, K. A., Amiot, C., & Wells, S. J. (2013). A comparison of vocalisations between mainland tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae) and Chatham Island tui (P. n. chathamensis). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 214-223. Hill, S. D., Pawley, M. D., Anderson, M. G., & Ji, W. (2018). Higher song complexity and intruder pressure at dawn in a vocally complex songbird. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 118(2), 147-157. Support the show

The Stitchbird (Hihi)

30 min

Come and learn all about New Zealand's only bird to be the sole member of its family.  Snitches get stitchbirds! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Angehr, G. R. (1984). A bird in the hand: Andreas Reischek and the Stitchbird. Notornis, 31(4), 300-311. Duntsch, L. (2022). Genomic insights into the adaptive potential of the hihi (Notiomystis cincta), a threatened Aotearoa New Zealand bird (Doctoral dissertation, ResearchSpace@ Auckland). Duntsch, L., Tomotani, B. M., de Villemereuil, P., Brekke, P., Lee, K. D., Ewen, J. G., & Santure, A. W. (2020). Polygenic basis for adaptive morphological variation in a threatened Aotearoa| New Zealand bird, the hihi (Notiomystis cincta). Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 287(1933), 20200948. Ewen, J. G., Flux, I., & Ericson, P. G. (2006). Systematic affinities of two enigmatic New Zealand passerines of high conservation priority, the hihi or stitchbird Notiomystis cincta and the kokako Callaeas cinerea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 40(1), 281-284. Ewen, J. G., Renwick, R., Adams, L., Armstrong, D. P., Parker, K. A., & North, N. Z. D. (2013). 1980-2012: 32 years of re-introduction efforts of the hihi (stitchbird) in New Zealand. Global Re-introduction Perspectives: 2013. Further case studies from around the globe, 68. Low, M. (2010). Which factors limited Stitchbird population growth on Mokoia Island?. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 269-271. Low, M., & Pärt, T. (2009). Patterns of mortality for each life‐history stage in a population of the endangered New Zealand stitchbird. Journal of Animal Ecology, 78(4), 761-771. Makan, T., Castro, I., Robertson, A. W., Joy, M. K., & Low, M. (2014). Habitat complexity and management intensity positively influence fledging success in the endangered hihi (Notiomystis cincta). New Zealand journal of ecology, 53-63. Rasch, G. (1985). The ecology of cavity nesting in the stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta). New...

Time Travel: New Zealand Avifauna Before Humans

15 min

Come on a time travelling journey with me to somewhere I wish I could go for a day! Pre-human New Zealand, when birds ruled the land. Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support my dream of turning this podcast into a part time job by contributing on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman References: Brathwaite, D. H. (1992). Notes on the weight, flying ability, habitat, and prey of Haast’s Eagle (Harpagornis moorei). Notornis, 39(4), 239-247. Carpenter, J. K., Innes, J. G., Wood, J. R., & Lyver, P. O’B. (2021). Good predators: the roles of weka (Gallirallus australis) in New Zealand’s past and present ecosystems. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(1), 1-14. Gill, B. J. (2003). Osteometry and systematics of the extinct New Zealand ravens (Aves: Corvidae: Corvus). Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 1(1), 43-58. Gill, B. J., Furey, L., & Ash, E. (2020). The Moa Fauna (Aves: Dinornithiformes) of the Auckland and Coromandel Regions, New Zealand. Records of the Auckland Museum, 55, 85-100. Holdaway, R. N. (1989). New Zealand's pre-human avifauna and its vulnerability. New Zealand journal of ecology, 11-25. Holdaway, R. N., Worthy, T. H., & Tennyson, A. J. (2001). A working list of breeding bird species of the New Zealand region at first human contact. New Zealand journal of zoology, 28(2), 119-187. McGlone, M. S. (1989). The Polynesian settlement of New Zealand in relation to environmental and biotic changes. New Zealand journal of ecology, 115-129. Wood, J. R., Richardson, S. J., McGlone, M. S., & Wilmshurst, J. M. (2020). The diets of moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 44(1), 1-21. Wood, J. R., Scofield, R. P., Hamel, J., Lalas, C., & Wilmshurst, J. M. (2017). Bone stable isotopes indicate a high trophic position for New Zealand’s extinct South Island adzebill (Aptornis defossor)(Gruiformes: Aptornithidae). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 41(2), 240-244. Worthy, T. H. (1990). An ana...

New/Rare Bird Sightings In New Zealand

22 min

I hope some new/rare people venture outside their normal "podcast range" and find this episode! Amendments: I forgot to mention Southey in the list of authors responsible for the compilation of bird reports from the RAC. They are accurately cited below. My apologies! Also, I meant black CURRAWONG, not burrawong! Sorry for that mistake - I was having trouble saying the name, and evidently still had trouble even when I thought I'd nailed it haha. Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Miskelly, C. M. (2020). First record of rose-crowned fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regina) from New Zealand. Notornis, 67, 564-567. Miskelly, C. M., Crossland, A. C., Sagar, P. M., Saville, I., Tennyson, A. J., & Bell, E. A. (2015). Vagrant and extra-limital bird records accepted by the Birds New Zealand Records Appraisal Committee 2013–2014. Notornis, 62, 85-95. Miskelly, C. M., Crossland, A. C., Sagar, P. M., Saville, I., Tennyson, A. J., & Bell, E. A. (2017). Vagrant and extra-limital bird records accepted by the Birds New Zealand Records Appraisal Committee 2015-2016. Notornis, 64, 57-67. Miskelly, C. M., Crossland, A. C., Saville, I., Southey, I., Tennyson, A. J., & Bell, E. A. (2019). Vagrant and extra-limital bird records accepted by the Birds New Zealand Records Appraisal Committee 2017–2018. Notornis, 66, 150-163. Miskelly, C. M., Crossland, A. C., Saville, I., Southey, I., Tennyson, A. J., & Bell, E. A. (2021). Vagrant and extra-limital bird records accepted by the Birds New Zealand Records Appraisal Committee 2019–2020. Notornis, 68, 253-265. Miskelly, C. M., Crossland, A. C., Saville, I., Southey, I., Tennyson, A. J., & Bell, E. A. (2023). Vagrant and extra-limital bird records accepted by the Birds New Zealand Records Appraisal Committee 2021–2022. Notornis, 70(2), 60-73. Williams, M., Gummer, H., Powlesland, R., Robertson, H., & Taylor, G. (2006). Migrations and movements of birds to New Zealand and surrou...

Leks (Evolution & Benefits For Birds)

17 min

I hope you lek the episode... Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support my dream of making the podcast a part-time job at patreon.com/blurbs439 References: Alonso, J. C., Alvarez-Martinez, J. M., & Palacin, C. (2012). Leks in ground-displaying birds: hotspots or safe places?. Behavioral Ecology, 23(3), 491-501. Foster, M. S. (2021). Male Aggregation in Dwarf Tyrant-Manakins and What It Tells Us about the Origin of Leks. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 61(4), 1310-1318. Isvaran, K. (2021). Lek territory size and the evolution of leks: a model and a test using an ungulate with a flexible mating system. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 539061. Kempenaers, B. (2022). Mating systems in birds. Current Biology, 32(20), R1115-R1121. Macedo, R. H., Podos, J., Graves, J. A., & Manica, L. T. (2018). Breeding clusters in birds: ecological selective contexts, mating systems and the role of extrapair fertilizations. Animal Behaviour, 143, 145-154. Miles, M. C., & Fuxjager, M. J. (2018). Synergistic selection regimens drive the evolution of display complexity in birds of paradise. Journal of Animal Ecology, 87(4), 1149-1159. Ryder, T. B., & Sillett, T. S. (2016). Climate, demography and lek stability in an Amazonian bird. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 283(1823), 20152314. Thery, M. (1992). The evolution of leks through female choice: differential clustering and space utilization in six sympatric manakins. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 30, 227-237. Turner, J. R. (2015). The flexible lek: Phymatopus hecta the gold swift demonstrates the evolution of leking and male swarming via a hotspot (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). Biological journal of the Linnean Society, 114(1), 184-201. Support the show

Archaeopteryx

26 min

I think I’m fascinated with paleo-ornithology…  Support the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Carney, R. M., Tischlinger, H., & Shawkey, M. D. (2020). Evidence corroborates identity of isolated fossil feather as a wing covert of Archaeopteryx. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 15593. Guimarães, M. J. (2023). Colonial ground nesting by Archaeopteryx suggests wing evolution in primal association with nesting and the ground up evolution of flight. bioRxiv, 2023-05. Longrich, N. R., Tischlinger, H., & Foth, C. (2020). The feathers of the Jurassic urvogel Archaeopteryx. The Evolution of Feathers: From Their Origin to the Present, 119-146. Schwarz, D., Kundrát, M., Tischlinger, H., Dyke, G., & Carney, R. M. (2019). Ultraviolet light illuminates the avian nature of the Berlin Archaeopteryx skeleton. Scientific reports, 9(1), 6518. Voeten, D. F., Cubo, J., De Margerie, E., Röper, M., Beyrand, V., Bureš, S., ... & Sanchez, S. (2018). Wing bone geometry reveals active flight in Archaeopteryx. Nature communications, 9(1), 923. Support the show

Birding In The South Island

13 min

The birding highlights from my recent trip to the South Island of New Zealand!   Support on Patreon: http://patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Pied stilt call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjdydTwH29o Brown creeper song: https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/brown-creeper Under "sound' section: Brown Creeper Part song from a small flock, Te Anau, November 1956, Afternoon, McPherson Natural History Unit Sound Archive, www.archivebirdsnz.com Support the show

The Australian Painted Snipe

17 min

Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Beranek, C. T. (2020). Nocturnal detection of Australian Little Bittern and Australian Painted-snipe–Prospects for nocturnal survey methods for rare wetland birds. The Whistler, 14, 48-53. Hassell, C. J., & Rogers, D. I. (2002). Painted Snipe nesting at Taylor's Lagoon near Broome, north-western Australia. Stilt, 41, 14-21. Herring, M., & Silcocks, A. (2014). The use of rice fields by the endangered Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis): a rare opportunity to combine food production and conservation?. Stilt, 66, 20-29. Jaensch, R. (2009). Further records of Australian painted snipe Rostratula australis in the Lake Eyre Basin, Queensland, with evidence of breeding. Stilt, 56, 40-42. Jaensch, R., McCabe, J., Wahl, J., & Houston, W. (2004). Breeding by Australian painted snipe on the Torilla Plain, Brigalow Belt coast, Queensland. The Stilt, 45, 39-42. Knuckey, C. G., Trainor, C. R., Firth, R. C. S., Sansom, J. L., & Trainer, J. E. (2013). A record of the Endangered Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis (Gould, 1838) in the Fortescue valley, Pilbara region. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 120(1), 11-14. Lane, B. A., & Rogers, D. I. (2000). The Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula (benghalensis) australis: an endangered species. The Stilt, 36, 26-34. Lindsey, A. (2009). Some observations on the behaviour of the Australian Painted Snipe. The Whistler, 3, 53-54. Fraser, N. Some observations of the foraging behaviour of the Australian Painted-snipe and the Greater Painted-snipe. Whistler, 36. Fraser, N. (2020). A review of Australian Painted-snipe records from the Hunter Region, 1966-2020. The Whistler, 14, 35-43. Rogers, D., Hance, I., Paton, S., Tzaros, C., Griffioen, P., Herring, M., ... & Weston, M. (2005). The breeding bottleneck: Breeding habitat and population decline in the Australian Painted Snipe. Status and Conservation of Seabirds in the East Asian-...

Darwin's Finches

20 min

Thanks for listening! (also I meant to say "La"  Niña not "El" Niña!) Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast: patreon.com/blurbs439 References:    Abzhanov, A. (2010). Darwin's Galapagos finches in modern biology. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 365(1543), 1001-1007.    Beausoleil, M. O., Lorena Carrión-Avilés, P., Podos, J., Camacho, C., Rabadán-González, J., Richard, R., ... & Hendry, A. P. (2023). The fitness landscape of a community of Darwin’s finches. Evolution, qpad160.    Carrión, P. L., Raeymaekers, J. A., De León, L. F., Chaves, J. A., Sharpe, D. M., Huber, S. K., ... & Hendry, A. P. (2022). The terroir of the finch: How spatial and temporal variation shapes phenotypic traits in DARWIN'S finches. Ecology and Evolution, 12(10), e9399.    Carvajal‐Endara, S., Hendry, A. P., Emery, N. C., Neu, C. P., Carmona, D., Gotanda, K. M., ... & Johnson, M. T. (2020). The ecology and evolution of seed predation by Darwin's finches on Tribulus cistoides on the Galápagos Islands. Ecological monographs, 90(1), e01392.    De León, L. F., Sharpe, D. M., Gotanda, K. M., Raeymaekers, J. A., Chaves, J. A., Hendry, A. P., & Podos, J. (2019). Urbanization erodes niche segregation in Darwin's finches. Evolutionary Applications, 12(7), 1329-1343.    Enbody, E. D., Sendell-Price, A. T., Sprehn, C. G., Rubin, C. J., Visscher, P. M., Grant, B. R., ... & Andersson, L. (2022). Large effect loci have a prominent role in Darwin’s finch evolution. bioRxiv, 2022-10.    Funk, E. R., & Burns, K. J. (2018). Biogeographic origins of Darwin's finches (Thraupidae: Coerebinae). The Auk: Ornithological Advances, 135(3), 561-571.    Harvey, J. A., Chernicky, K., Simons, S. R., Verrett, T. B., Chaves, J. A., & Knutie, S. A. (2021). Urban living influences the nesting success of Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands. Ecology and Evolution, 11(10), 5038-5048.    Hervías-Parejo, S., Olesen, J. M., Nogales, M., Traveset, A., & Heleno, R. (2...

The Wrybill

14 min

Learn all about the only bird in the world with a sideways curved beak! Support blurbs on Patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Adrian, C. R., & Dowding, J. E. (2003). The Wrybill Anarhynchus frontalis: a brief review of status, threats and work in progress. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 100, 20-24. Armitage, I. (2007). Wrybills (Anarhynchus frontalis) at the Manawatu River Estuary, North Island, New Zealand. Notornis, 54(2), 118–119. Conklin, J. R., Verkuil, Y. I., Riegen, A. C., & Battley, P. F. (2019). How wry is a wrybill?. Wader Study, 126(3), 228–235. Crossland, A. C., Crutchley, P., & Mugan, N. (2012). Record number of Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis) staging at Lake Ellesmere on southward migration. Stilt, 61, 30–33. Hughey, K. F. (1997). The diet of the Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis) and the Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus) on two braided rivers in Canterbury, New Zealand. Notornis, 44, 185–193. Hughey, K. F. (1998). Nesting home range sizes of Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis) and Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus) in relation to braided riverbed characteristics. Notornis, 45, 103–111 Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman Birds of New Zealand and Outlying Islands - M.F. Soper Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) - Paul Gibson The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart & Edin Whitehead  Know Your New Zealand Birds - Murdoch Riley Support the show

The Eastern Rosella

10 min

The first species to be featured on the podcast that is not endemic to New Zealand! Learn about this parakeets interesting introduction to New Zealand and all the different colour morphs that are out there to be seen!   Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439 Reach out on instagram: matt.rossella     Books used for research: A mini guide to the identification of New Zealand’s land birds - Andrew Crowe Birds of New Zealand and Outlying Islands - M.F Soper Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other), 2nd edition - Paul Gibson  Complete Book of New Zealand Birds - Readers Digest                                                                                    References: Carter, M. (1996). Nesting Rosellas' Platycercus' spp.: Innovative site selection and notes on repeat breeding and other behaviour. Australian Bird Watcher, 16(8), 344-348. De Graaff, T. (1998). Rosellas; an Australian viewpoint: aviculture of the eastern rosella. AFA Watchbird, 25(2), 44-47. Galbraith, J. A., Fraser, E. A., Clout, M. N., & Hauber, M. E. (2011). Survey duration and season influence the detection of introduced eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 38(3), 223-235. Pence, M., Torcello, J., & Sanderson, K. (1995) Observations of coexistence between Adelaide and eastern rosellas (platycerus spp.) In Adelaide. South Australian Ornithologist, 32, 25-32.  Shipham, A., Schmidt, D. J., Joseph, L., & Hughes, J. M. (2017). A genomic approach reinforces a hypothesis of mitochondrial capture in eastern Australian rosellas. The Auk: Ornithological Advances, 134(1), 181-192. Thompson, D. R. (1998) Rosellas; a US viewpoint: The Eastern Rosella in the US. AFA Watchbird, 25(2), 47-49. Tzaros, C. L. (1992). The Red Variety of the Eastern Rosella. Australian Bird Watcher, 14(6), 226-229. Wright, D., & Clout, M. N. (2001). The eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) in New Zealand (pp. 5-27). Department of Conservation. Support the show

Birding & Mental Health

12 min

What mental health benefits does birding provide? What are the important factors to birding that facilitate this? listen to find out!   Support the podcast: patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella   References:   Bonta, M. (2008). Valorizing the relationships between people and birds: Experiences and lessons from Honduras. Ornitologia Neotropical, 19(Suppl), 595-604. Cox, D. T., & Gaston, K. J. (2015). Likeability of garden birds: Importance of species knowledge & richness in connecting people to nature. PloS one, 10(11), e0141505. Cox, D. T., Shanahan, D. F., Hudson, H. L., Plummer, K. E., Siriwardena, G. M., Fuller, R. A., ... & Gaston, K. J. (2017). Doses of neighborhood nature: the benefits for mental health of living with nature. AIBS Bulletin, 67(2), 147-155. Hammoud, R., Tognin, S., Burgess, L., Bergou, N., Smythe, M., Gibbons, J., ... & Mechelli, A. (2022). Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment reveals mental health benefits of birdlife. Scientific reports, 12(1), 17589. Lee, S., McMahan, K., & Scott, D. (2015). The gendered nature of serious birdwatching. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 20(1), 47-64. Marselle, M. R., Martens, D., Dallimer, M., & Irvine, K. N. (2019). Review of the mental health and well-being benefits of biodiversity. Biodiversity and health in the face of climate change, 175-211. Randler, C., Murawiec, S., & Tryjanowski, P. (2022). Committed bird-watchers gain greater psychological restorative benefits compared to those less committed regardless of expertise. Ecopsychology, 14(2), 101-110. Wolf, L. J., Zu Ermgassen, S., Balmford, A., White, M., & Weinstein, N. (2017). Is variety the spice of life? An experimental investigation into the effects of species richness on self-reported mental well-being. PloS one, 12(1), e0170225. Support the show

The Huia

11 min

Learn all about the extinct Huia and the title that it holds amongst all modern bird species! Support me to keep creating content: https://www.patreon.com/blurbs439 Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella References: Frith, C. B. (1997). Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris: Callaeidae)-like sexual bill dimorphism in some birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) and its significance. Notornis, 44, 177-184. Lambert, D. M., Shepherd, L. D., Huynen, L., Beans-Picon, G., Walter, G. H., & Millar, C. D. (2009). The molecular ecology of the extinct New Zealand huia. PLoS One, 4(11), e8019. Monson, C. S. (2005). Cultural constraints and corrosive colonization: Western commerce in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the extinction of the huia. Pacific Studies, 28, 26-26. Selander, R. K. (1966). Sexual dimorphism and differential niche utilization in birds. The Condor, 68(2), 113-151. Tebbutt, S. J., & Simons, C. (2002). Gene sequences from New Zealand's extinct Huia. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 32(2), 327-335. Tomotani, B. M., Salvador, R. B., Sabadel, A. J., Miskelly, C. M., Brown, J. C., Delgado, J., ... & Bury, S. J. (2022). Extreme bill dimorphism leads to different but overlapping isotopic niches and similar trophic positions in sexes of the charismatic extinct huia. Oecologia, 198(1), 67-77. Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) - Paul Gibson       Complete Book of New Zealand Birds - Readers Digest  Support the show

The Fernbird (Mātātā)

16 min

Learn all about the Fernbird (Mātātā)! A New Zealand endemic species that is more often heard than seen!   Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the podcast: patreon.com/blurbs439      References:   Anderson, S., & Ogden, J. (2003). The bird community of Kaitoke wetland, Great Barrier Island. Notornis, 50(4), 201-210. Best, H. A. (1973). The biology of the Snares fernbird, Bowdleria punctata caudata (Buller, 1894). Best, H. A. (1979). Food and foraging behaviour of the Snares fernbird. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 6(3), 481-488. Hill, S. D., Bishop, C., & Landers, T. J. (2015). Avian biodiversity in the coastal wetlands of the Okahukura Peninsula. New Zealand journal of zoology, 42(1), 44-50. Olson, S. L. (1990). Osteology and systematics of the fernbirds (Bowdleria: Sylviidae). Notornis. O’Donnell, C. F., Clapperton, B. K., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Impacts of introduced mammalian predators on indigenous birds of freshwater wetlands in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(1), 19-33. Parker, K. A. (2002). Ecology and management of North Island fernbird (Bowdleria punctata vealeae) (Doctoral dissertation, University of Auckland). Van Klink, P., Kemp, J., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2013). The effect of aerial application of 1080 cereal baits on radio-tagged South Island fernbirds (Bowdleria punctata punctata). New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 40(2), 145-153. Books used for research:   Birdstories - Geoff Norman   Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) - Paul Gibson Complete Book of New Zealand Birds - Readers Digest    The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart and Edin Whitehead Support the show

The Chatham Island Tāiko

14 min

Learn all about the world’s rarest seabird, the Chatham Island Tāiko!   Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439  Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella   References:   Ellegren, H., & Galtier, N. (2016). Determinants of genetic diversity. Nature Reviews Genetics, 17(7), 422-433. Imber, M. J., Taylor, G. A., Tennyson, A. J. D., Aikman, H. A., Scofield, R. P., Ballantyne, J., & Crockett, D. E. (2005). Non‐breeding behaviour of Magenta Petrels Pterodroma magentae at Chatham Island, New Zealand. Ibis, 147(4), 758-763. Johnston, R. B., Bettany, S. M., Ogle, R. M., Aikman, H. A., Taylor, G. A., & IMBER, M. J. (2003). Breeding and fledging behaviour of the Chatham Taiko (Magenta Petrel) Pterodroma magentae, and predator activity at burrows. Marine Ornithology, 31, 193-197. Lawrence, H. A. (2008). Conservation genetics of the world's most endangered seabird, the Chatham Island tāiko (Pterodroma magentae): a thesis presented in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biosciences at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Lawrence, H. A., Scofield, R. P., Millar, C. D., & Lambert, D. M. (2008). DNA sequencing detects an additional museum specimen of the Chatham Island Taiko (Pterodroma magentae). Notornis, 55, 216-218. Lawrence, H. A., Taylor, G. A., Millar, C. D., & Lambert, D. M. (2008). High mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity in one of the world’s most endangered seabirds, the Chatham Island Taiko (Pterodroma magentae). Conservation Genetics, 9, 1293-1301. Solomon, M., & Thorpe, S. (2012). Taonga moriori: recording and revival. Journal of Material Culture, 17(3), 245-263. Taylor, G., Cockburn, S., Palmer, D., & Liddy, P. (2012). Breeding activity of Chatham Island taiko (Pterodroma magentae) monitored using PIT tag recorders. New Zealand journal of ecology, 36(3), 1-8. Books used for research:   Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) - Paul Gibson Birdstories - Geoff Norman ...

The Takahē

12 min

This episode is all about what I find particularly interesting regarding the South Island Takahē, as well as a bit about other members of the genus Porphyrio in New Zealand. Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show on patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439  References: Boast, A. P. (2019). A Holocene fossil South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) in a high-altitude north-west Nelson cave. Notornis, 66, 34-36. Trewick, S. A. (1996). Morphology and evolution of two takahe: flightless rails of New Zealand. Journal of Zoology, 238(2), 221-237. Books used for research: Birdstories - Geoff Norman Takahē (Bird of Dreams) - Alison Ballance   Support the show

The South Island Kōkako

10 min

This episode is all about the South Island Kōkako - a New Zealand bird that may or may not still exist! Have a listen to find out where it might be, and what to look/listen for! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Email me: blurbs.birdpodcast@gmail.com Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439  References: Milne, A., & Stocker, R. (2014). Evidence for the continued existence of the South Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea) drawn from reports collected between January 1990 and June 2012. Notornis, 61, 137-143. Books / websites used for research: A mini guide to the identification of New Zealand’s land birds - Andrew Crowe Birdstories - Geoff Norman Complete Book of New Zealand Birds - Readers Digest  Know your New Zealand birds - Murdoch Riley New Zealand native birds of bush and countryside - Penguin books The Birds Around Us - Geoff Moon The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart and Edin Whitehead https://www.southislandkokako.org/ Support the show

The New Zealand Wrens

8 min

Hey guys! Im Matt, bird enthusiast from New Zealand! This episode is all about the most ancient lineage of surviving New Zealand birds! Follow me on instagram: matt.rossella Support the show at  https://www.patreon.com/blurbs439 If you want to know where I got my information,  please see below! References: Ericson, P. G., Christidis, L., Cooper, A., Irestedt, M., Jackson, J., Johansson, U. S., & Norman, J. A. (2002). A Gondwanan origin of passerine birds supported by DNA sequences of the endemic New Zealand wrens. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 269(1488), 235-241. Manegold, A. (2009). The early fossil record of perching birds (Passeriformes). Palaeont. Afr., 44, 103-107. Mayr, G., & Manegold, A. (2006). New specimens of the earliest European passeriform bird. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, 51(2). Mitchell, K. J., Wood, J. R., Llamas, B., McLenachan, P. A., Kardailsky, O., Scofield, R. P., ... & Cooper, A. (2016). Ancient mitochondrial genomes clarify the evolutionary history of New Zealand’s enigmatic acanthisittid wrens. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 102, 295-304. McNab, B. K., & Weston, K. A. (2020). Does the New Zealand rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris) hibernate?. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223(9), jeb212126. Oliveros, C. H., Field, D. J., Ksepka, D. T., Barker, F. K., Aleixo, A., Andersen, M. J., ... & Faircloth, B. C. (2019). Earth history and the passerine superradiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(16), 7916-7925. Sibley, C. G., Williams, G. R., & Ahlquist, J. E. (1982). The relationships of the New Zealand wrens (Acanthisittidae) as indicated by DNA-DNA hybridization. Worthy, T. H., Hand, S. J., Nguyen, J. M., Tennyson, A. J., Worthy, J. P., Scofield, R. P., ... & Archer, M. (2010). Biogeographical and phylogenetic implications of an early Miocene wren (Aves: Passeriformes: Acanthisittidae) from New Zealand. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 30(2), 479-498. Verry, A. J.,...

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