Ireland sits on the western edge of a large landmass. Quite cosy and close with its neighbours, it shares its flora and fauna with other European countries.
Aotearoa New Zealand spun out on its own 80 million years ago. Lacking mammals except for the small bats, birds there went off in their own direction.
Which island ended up the richer, the weirder, the better off for birds?
Contenders in the biggest category: on the left is the moa, an extinct flightless bird from New Zealand, seen here fleeing from a Haast's eagle (also extinct). On the right is the very much living white-tailed sea eagle from Ireland. Photo: John Megahan CC BY / Birdwatch Ireland
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Today, we pit island against island, bird against bird, to try to determine the inaugural winner of the Great Ireland versus New Zealand Bird-off.
Points will be awarded; a winner will be crowned.
Listen to find out which birds rise to victory, and which are disqualified on account of no longer existing.
Plus learn about bird facts, evolution quirks and conservation efforts in both nations along the way.
Contenders in the smallest category are the goldcrest from Ireland (left) and the tītipounamu rifleman from New Zealand. Photo: Birdwatch Ireland / Melissa Boardman CC BY-SA 4.0
To learn more:
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There are more categories debated in the full-length version of this episode – listen on Our Changing World.
