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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.

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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)).

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Falc-on... Falc-off.

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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

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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...

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@matt.rossella
@jrmdbirds

If scripted podcasts are more your thing, check out:
The Feel Good Birder Podcast
Other "blurbs" episodes

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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!

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@matt.rossella
@jrmdbirds

If scripted podcasts are more your thing, check out:
The Feel Good Birder Podcast
Other "blurbs" episodes

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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!)

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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.

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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 

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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 conversation explores common bird species, the impact of invasive species, and unique adaptations in avian life, all while enjoying a cold beer and sharing personal anecdotes. They explore the differences between bird species in America and New Zealand, discuss the surprising fact that not all birds can see ultraviolet light, and share personal experiences from their backyard birding adventures. The duo also discuss a memorable birding trip where James spotted various woodpecker species, highlighting the unpredictability of birdwatching and the joy of encountering uncommon birds. They discuss the significance of common birds and the emotional connections formed through birding. The conversation also delves into the unique experiences of birdwatching in the US compared to New Zealand, highlighting the diversity of species and the impact of migration patterns. The hosts reflect on the beauty of birding as a means of connection and community, emphasizing the fun and joy it brings to their lives.

Follow on instagram:
@matt.rossella
@jrmdbirds

If scripted podcasts are more your thing, check out:
The Feel Good Birder Podcast
Other "blurbs" episodes

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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.

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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

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!)

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