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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 Support the show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, J., & Clarke, M. F. (2006). Nectar availability and flower choice by eastern spinebills foraging on mountain correa. Animal Behaviour, 72(6), 1387-1394. Support the show

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

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

Well it's been a minute! but I'm finally back in the booth with Jimmy Rosebrock, and he's brought along his co-host from the Feel Good Birder Podcast, Jeff! We talk trips, encounters, instagram, Pokémon and more! It's one big ole' glorious catchup! Support the show

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

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). Repeatability of signalling traits in the avian dawn chorus. Frontiers in zoology, 16, 1-11. Pérez-Granados, C., Osiejuk, T. S., & López-Iborra, G. M. (2018). Dawn chorus interpretation differs when using songs or calls: the Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponti case. PeerJ, 6, e5241. Schlicht, L., Schlicht, E., Santema, P., & Kempenaers, B. (2023). A dawn and dusk chorus will emerge if males sing in the absence of their mate. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 290(2011), 20232266. Vazquez-Cardona, J. (2022). Is the dawn chorus an adaptation to warm-up the voice in Adelaide's warbler (Setophaga adelaidae)? (Master's thesis, University of Lethbridge (Canada)). Support the show

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., & Holland, J. D. (2010). Nest-site selection of New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in plantation forests and the implications of this to forestry management. Emu-Austral Ornithology, 110(4), 316-323. Seaton, R., Minot, E. O., & Holland, J. D. (2013). Home range and habitat use of New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in an exotic plantation forest during the breeding season. Journal of Raptor Research, 47(3), 223-233. Trewick, S. A., & Olley, L. (2016). Spatial size dimorphism in New Zealand's last endemic raptor, the Kārearea Falco novaeseelandiae, coincides with a narrow sea strait. Ibis, 158(4), 747-761. Young, L. M., & Bell, R. J. (2010). Frugivory and primary seed dispersal by a New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) at Red Tarns, Mt Sebastapol, New Zealand. Notornis, 57, 94-95. Books used for research: Birds New Zealand (beauty like no other) - Paul Gibson The Brilliance of Birds - Skye Wishart and Edin Whitehead Support the show

Travel back in time to December, 2024 with hosts Matt Ross and Jimmy Rosebrock as they get deep and meaningful!  But seriously, big props to Jimmy for managing to recover audio we thought had been lost forever... Follow on instagram: @matt.rossella @jrmdbirds If scripted podcasts are more your thing, check out: The Feel Good Birder Podcast Other "blurbs" episodes Support the show