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PODCAST · science

blurbs

by Matt Ross

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.rossella Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439

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Episodes

  1. The Manumea (Tooth-billed Pigeon)

    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.…

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  2. Birding In Samoa

    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

  3. Instinct In Birds

    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…

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  4. The Kererū

    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…

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  5. Colour Polymorphism In Kākāpō

    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.,...

  6. The Hoatzin

    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...

  7. Haast's Eagle

    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...

  8. Island Dwarfism In Birds

    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,...

  9. The Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin)

    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.,...

  10. The Silvereye (Tauhou)

    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...

  11. Mast Seeding: Implications For Birds

    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...

  12. The Hawaiian Honeyeaters (Mohoidae)

    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),...

  13. The Saddleback (Tīeke)

    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...

  14. The Ig Nobel Prize: Bird Research

    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...

  15. Ornithomycology (Birds & Fungi)

    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…

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  16. The Eastern Spinebill

    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...

  17. Robotic Birds

    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...

  18. Birding In Victoria

    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

  19. Birds &... Brews: The Re-brew-nion

    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

  20. The Black-Billed Gull (Tarāpuka)

    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...

  21. The Dawn Chorus

    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…

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  22. The New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)

    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...

  23. Birds & Beer - The Lost Episode

    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...

  24. Birds & Beer... & Bourbon!

    Join hosts Matt Ross and Jimmy Rosebrock for the first Birds and Beer episode of 2025! They talk goals, bird-related Christmas presents, "Bird of the Year", and much more! Follow on instagram: @matt.rossella @jrmdbirds If scripted podcasts are more your thing, check out: The Feel Good Birder...

  25. Torpor

    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…

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  26. The Paradise Shelduck

    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...

  27. Birds & Beer - Our Backyard Birds

    In this episode of Birds and Beer, hosts James Rosebrock and Matthew Ross dive into their shared passion for birding and craft beer. They discuss their beverage choices, the joy of podcasting, and conduct a comparative study of backyard bird counts from New Zealand and the United States. The...

  28. Mohouidae (The Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper)

    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...

  29. Birds & Beer - Pilot Episode

    Join hosts Matt Ross and Jimmy Rosebrock as they drink brews and talk birds! 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

  30. A Big Year With @theweenuthatch

    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...

  31. Dialects In Tūī

    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...

  32. The Stitchbird (Hihi)

    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....

  33. Time Travel: New Zealand Avifauna Before Humans

    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…

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  34. New/Rare Bird Sightings In New Zealand

    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…

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  35. Leks (Evolution & Benefits For Birds)

    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...

  36. Archaeopteryx

    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...

  37. Birding In The South Island

    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...

  38. The Australian Painted Snipe

    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., &...

  39. Darwin's Finches

    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...

  40. The Wrybill

    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...

  41. The Eastern Rosella

    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...

  42. Birding & Mental Health

    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…

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  43. The Huia

    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...

  44. The Fernbird (Mātātā)

    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....

  45. The Chatham Island Tāiko

    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....

  46. The Takahē

    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...

  47. The South Island Kōkako

    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: [email protected] Support the show: patreon.com/blurbs439...

  48. The New Zealand Wrens

    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!...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.rossella

Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/blurbs439

HOSTED BY

Matt Ross

CATEGORIES

science nature education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does blurbs have?

blurbs currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is blurbs about?

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.rossella Support the podcast on Patreon:...

How often does blurbs release new episodes?

blurbs has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to blurbs?

You can listen to blurbs on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts blurbs?

blurbs is created and hosted by Matt Ross.
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