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PODCAST

blurbs

Hi, I"m Matt, a bird enthusiast from New Zealand! So, not surprisingly, this is a podcast about birds! I want to learn all of the interesting things about our avian friends, and to share that journey with you.Follow me/message me on Instagram: matt.rossellaSupport the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439

science nature

All Episodes

23:00

The Manumea (Tooth-billed Pigeon)

blurbs ·

2026/09/27

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...

en-nz

25:45

Birding In Samoa

blurbs ·

2026/08/30

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

en-nz

23:37

Instinct In Birds

blurbs ·

2026/07/26

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 ...

en-nz

22:20

The Kererū

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2026/06/28

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) populat...

en-nz

18:31

Colour Polymorphism In Kākāpō

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2026/05/26

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, ...

en-nz

23:48

The Hoatzin

blurbs ·

2026/04/27

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...

en-nz

22:41

Haast's Eagle

blurbs ·

2026/03/28

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 int...

en-nz

23:07

Island Dwarfism In Birds

blurbs ·

2026/02/28

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. (...

en-nz

26:01

The Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin)

blurbs ·

2026/01/30

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...

en-nz

20:09

The Silvereye (Tauhou)

blurbs ·

2025/12/23

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

en-nz

24:11

Mast Seeding: Implications For Birds

blurbs ·

2025/11/29

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 d...

en-nz

19:05

The Hawaiian Honeyeaters (Mohoidae)

blurbs ·

2025/10/26

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),...

en-nz

20:00

The Saddleback (Tīeke)

blurbs ·

2025/09/28

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). Notorni...

en-nz

20:36

The Ig Nobel Prize: Bird Research

blurbs ·

2025/08/30

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 prefe...

en-nz

19:01

Ornithomycology (Birds & Fungi)

blurbs ·

2025/07/26

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., &...

en-nz

19:22

The Eastern Spinebill

blurbs ·

2025/06/28

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....

en-nz

30:10

Bird Robots

blurbs ·

2025/05/30

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-effic...

en-nz

12:52

Birding In Victoria

blurbs ·

2025/04/30

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

en-nz

40:08

Birds and... Brews: The Re-brew-nion

blurbs ·

2025/04/15

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

en-nz

23:00

The Black-Billed Gull (Tarāpuka)

blurbs ·

2025/03/29

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....

en-nz

48 results

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