The Great Ireland vs. New Zealand Bird-off returns for part 2 to decide once and for all which island nation boasts the best birds. Our avian aficionados return to argue their case in front of judge Claire Concannon. Who will fly to victory? Listen to find out - plus learn about the crazy life cycle of the cuckoo and the weird feathers of the kiwi, among many fascinating facts and tales from the world of birds.

Aotearoa New Zealand may call itself the land of birds, but numbers-wise, the title doesn't stack up.

There are just over 200 bird species breeding here in Aotearoa. But Ireland has more than twice as many at over 450 species.

Then why the title? Is it because birds here fill interesting ecological niches that elsewhere are taken up by various mammals? Is it because many of the birds are endemic - found nowhere else on earth?

Or is it simply birding bluster?

There's only one way to find out.

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Welcome back to the Great Ireland versus New Zealand Bird-off. A sporting contest against Ireland taking place this spring that New Zealand actually has a chance of winning.

Last week's opening salvos saw the white-crested sea eagle defeat the moa - on account of not being extinct - and the kea outsmart the northern raven.

Tītipounamu was gifted a win over the goldcrest, in a move Ireland might yet regret, and we finished up with a mighty showdown - Sirocco the kākāpō versus the swallow, herald of summer.

In a controversial decision prompted by childhood memories, the swallow was given the win, to leave everything tied up at two all.

And so, we are back. To sort this out once and for all. We've brought back our two avian aficionados who have answered their nation's calls.

Ireland - Ricky Whelan

Biodiversity officer at Offaly County Council, and co-host of the In Your Nature podcast with Niall Hatch and Birdwatch Ireland, Ricky has been working with birds and in conservation for over 15 years. He is a walking encyclopaedia of bird facts and conservation concerns - and can also bring the smack talk.

If you haven't had your fill of Ricky bird facts after listening to the episode you can find some more on X (Twitter) or Instagram.

New Zealand - Jamie McAulay …

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details