Our Wellington and Manawatū campuses are open, Auckland remains closed at AL3. More information.

Dr Michael Anderson staff profile picture

Contact details +6492136668

Dr Michael Anderson PhD, MSc, BSc

Senior Tutor - Ecology

School of Natural and Computational Sciences

More about me...View less...

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: +64 9 4140800 x 43668
    Location: 50.05, 50
    Campus: Albany

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2010)
  • Master of Science (Honours) - University of Auckland (2004)
  • Bachelor of Science - University of Auckland (2001)

Prizes and Awards

  • International Society for Behavioural Ecology travel award for US$1200 to attend conference. - (2010)
  • Travel Grant €160 to attend the International Ethology Conference in Rennes, France, from the International Ethology Society. - (2009)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

My research focuses on behavioural and evolutionary ecology. I have sought to use model research systems to address in depth questions about evolution. I have specialised in avian systems, using brood parasites to address many of my research questions. I also have interest in physiology, conservation biology, and developmental biology.

Thematics

Resource Development and Management

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Animal Behaviour (060801): Animal Developmental and Reproductive Biology (060803): Animal Physiological Ecology (060806): Behavioural Ecology (060201): Biological Sciences (060000): Ecology (060200): Ethology and Sociobiology (060304): Evolutionary Biology (060300): Host-Parasite Interactions (060307): Life Histories (060308): Zoology (060800)

Keywords

  • Ornithology
  • Conservation
  • Brood parasitism
  • New Zealand birds
  • Avian husbandry

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 0 1

Research Outputs

Journal

Amiot, C., Ji, W., Ellis, EC., & Anderson, MG. (2021). Temporal and sociocultural effects of human colonisation on native biodiversity: filtering and rates of adaptation. Oikos. 130(7), 1035-1045
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Hill, SD., Pawley, MDM., Anderson, MG., & Ji, W. (2017). Higher song complexity and intruder pressure at dawn in a vocally complex songbird. Emu. 118(2), 147-157
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Ji, W., Pawley, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
5
3
Hill, SD., Brunton, DH., Anderson, MG., & Ji, W. (2018). Fighting talk: complex song elicits more aggressive responses in a vocally complex songbird. Ibis. 160(2), 257-268
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D., Ji, W.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
10
9
Hill, SD., Amiot, C., Anderson, MG., & Ji, W. (2017). It's complicated: the association between songbird extrapair paternity and within-song complexity. Animal Behaviour. 130, 187-197
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Ji, W.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
6
5
Fidler, AE., Aidala, Z., Anderson, MG., Ortiz-Catedral, L., & Hauber, ME. (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). Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 128(1), 159-163
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Ortiz Catedral, L.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
4
3

view more...

Hauber, ME., Samaš, P., Anderson, MG., Rutila, J., Low, J., Cassey, P., . . . Grim, T. (2014). Life-history theory predicts host behavioural responses to experimental brood parasitism. Ethology Ecology and Evolution. 26(4), 349-364
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
32
Hauber, ME., Samaš, P., Anderson, MG., Rutila, J., Low, J., Cassey, P., . . . Grim, T. (2013). Life-history theory predicts host behavioural responses to experimental brood parasitism. Ethology Ecology and Evolution.
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
1
30
Aidala, Z., Chong, N., Anderson, MG., & Hauber, ME. (2012). Predicted visual sensitivity for short-wavelength light in the brood parasitic cuckoos of New Zealand. Chinese Birds. 3(4), 295-301
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Seabrook-Davison, MNH., & Anderson, MG. (2013). Observation of food presentation behaviour between individual shining cuckoos (Chrysococcyx lucidus) in New Zealand. Notornis. 60(3), 249-251
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
1
1
Aidala, Z., Chong, N., Anderson, MG., Ortiz-Catedral, L., Jamieson, IG., Briskie, JV., . . . Hauber, ME. (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(4), 1127-1133
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Ortiz Catedral, L.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
5
4
Anderson, MG., Gill, BJ., Briskie, JV., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2013). Latitudinal differences in the breeding phenology of Grey Warblers covary with the relationship to the prevalence of parasitism by Shining Bronze-Cuckoos. Emu. 113(2), 187-191
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
11
11
Aidala, Z., Huynen, L., Brennan, PLR., Musser, J., Fidler, A., Chong, N., . . . Hauber, ME. (2012). Erratum to Ultraviolet visual sensitivity in three avian lineages: Paleognaths, parrots, and passerines (J Comp Physiol A, (2012), 198, (495-510), 10.1007/s00359-012-0724-3). Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology. 198(11), 847
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Petrella, V., Martinez, E., Anderson, MG., & Stockin, KA. (2012). Whistle characteristics of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Marine Mammal Science. 28(3), 479-496
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Stockin, K.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
18
Aidala, Z., Huynen, L., Brennan, PLR., Musser, J., Fidler, A., Chong, N., . . . Hauber, ME. (2012). Ultraviolet visual sensitivity in three avian lineages: Paleognaths, parrots, and passerines. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology. 198(7), 495-510
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
49
Geltsch, N., Hauber, ME., Anderson, MG., Bán, M., & Moskát, C. (2012). Competition with a host nestling for parental provisioning imposes recoverable costs on parasitic cuckoo chick's growth. Behavioural Processes. 90(3), 378-383
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
11
Ranjard, L., Anderson, MG., Rayner, MJ., Payne, RB., McLean, I., Briskie, JV., . . . Hauber, ME. (2010). Bioacoustic distances between the begging calls of brood parasites and their host species: A comparison of metrics and techniques. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 64(11), 1915-1926
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
26
29
Anderson, MG., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2010). Species specificity of grey warbler begging solicitation and alarm calls revealed by nestling responses to playbacks. Animal Behaviour. 79(2), 401-409
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
25
23
Anderson, MG., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2010). Reliable information content and ontogenetic shift in begging calls of grey warbler nestlings. Ethology. 116(4), 357-365
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
6
4
Anderson, MG., Moskát, C., Bán, M., Grim, T., Cassey, P., & Hauber, ME. (2009). Egg eviction imposes a recoverable cost of virulence in chicks of a brood parasite. PLoS ONE. 4(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
41
44
Anderson, MG., Ross, HA., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2009). Begging call matching between a specialist brood parasite and its host: A comparative approach to detect coevolution. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 98(1), 208-216
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
32
29
Seabrook-Davison, MNH., Anderson, MG., & Brunton, DH. (2008). First observation of pre-copulatory behaviour and copulation in shining cuckoos (Chrysococcyx I. lucidus) in New Zealand. Notornis. 55(4), 220-221
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
3
Anderson, MG., & Hauber, ME. (2007). Review: The cuckoos: Bird families of the world. The Quarterly Review of Biology. 82(2), 156-156
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Hunt, GR., Abdelkrim, J., Anderson, MG., Holzhaider, JC., Marshall, AJ., Gemmell, NJ., . . . Gray, RD. (2007). Innovative pandanus-tool folding by New Caledonian crows. Australian Journal of Zoology. 55(5), 291-298
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
10
7
Anderson, MG., & Hauber, ME. (2007). A recognition-free mechanism for reliable rejection of brood parasites. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 22(6), 283-286
[Journal article]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
15
16

view less...

Thesis

Anderson, MG. (2009). Evolutionary interactions of brood parasites and their hosts: recognition, communication and breeding biology. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG. (2003). Investigations into shorebird community ecology: interrelations between morphology, behaviour, habitat and abiotic factors. (Master's Thesis)
[Masters Thesis]Authored by: Anderson, M.

Conference

Anderson, MG., Briskie, JV., Hauber, ME., Gill, B., & Brunton, DH. (2014). Long-distance migration patterns of New Zealand’s endemic Long-tailed Cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis). Poster session presented at the meeting of 26th International Ornithological Congress. Tokyo, Japan
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Anderson, MG., Lester, L., Thomas, R., & Zanette, L. (2013, July). The importance of host selection: The effect of compensatory growth on Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Presented at Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Anderson, MG., Gill, BJ., Briskie, JV., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2010, September). Latitudinal covariation in the breeding phenology of the Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata) counter predictions of life history theory. Presented at International Society for Behavioural Ecology. Perth, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2009, April). Honest information content of nestling begging calls in the Grey Warbler. Presented at Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour Annual Conference 2009. Albany, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Moskát, C., Bán, M., Grim, T., Cassey, P., & Hauber, ME. (2009). Egg eviction imposes a recoverable cost of virulence in chicks of the common cuckoo. Poster session presented at the meeting of 31st International Ethology Conference. Rennes, France
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view more...

Anderson, MG., Gill, BJ., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2008, September). Differences in timing of breeding in the grey warbler with latitude: Implications for its specialist brood parasite, the shining cuckoo. Presented at New Zealand Ecological Society Conference. Auckland New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M., Brunton, D.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Hauber, ME., Samas, P., Anderson, MG., Grim, T., & Cassey, P. (2008, August). LIFE-HISTORY THEORY PREDICTS ALTERNATIVE EGG REJECTION STRATEGIES OF INTRODUCED TURDUS THRUSHES IN NEW ZEALAND. Presented at 126th Meeting of the American Ornithologist Union. Portland, Oregon, USA.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2008). Species-specific responses of Grey Warbler nestlings to parental feeding and alarm calls: how to be fed but not heard?. Poster session presented at the meeting of International Society for Behavioural Ecology Congress 2008. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Gill, BJ., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2008, September). Differences in timing of breeding in the Grey Warbler with Latitude: implications for the Shining Cuckoo.. Presented at New Zealand Ecological Society Conference. Unitech, Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Ross, HA., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2007, December). A comparative analysis of the begging calls of New Zealand passerines: where does the shining cuckoo fit in?. Presented at Australasian Ornithological Conference. Perth, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME. (2007, April). Response of nestlings to parental begging solicitation and alarm calls in a brood parasite host.. Presented at Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour Annual Conference 2007. Australia National University, Canberra, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Dennis, TE., & Brunton, DH. (2006, April). Making hay while the sun shines: the effect of abiotic factors on the foraging behaviour of non-breeding shorebirds.. Presented at Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour Annual Conference 2006. Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Dennis, TE., & Brunton, DH. (2005). Causes of sex differences in bill morphology and foraging behaviour of the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica): implications for shorebird conservation.. . Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Anderson, MG., Dennis, TE., & Brunton, DH. (2005, March). Sexual dimorphism in bill length of the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica baueri: sex or ecology?. Presented at Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour Annual Conference 2005. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view less...

Other

Anderson, MG., & Hauber, ME. (2007). The Cuckoos. Bird Families of the World, Volume 15. By Robert B Payne; molecular genetic analysis of cuckoo phylogeny by Michael D Sorenson and Robert B Payne; color plates by Karen Klitz; illustrated by John Megahan. The Cuckoos. Bird Families of the World, Volume 15. By Robert B Payne; molecular genetic analysis of cuckoo phylogeny by Michael D Sorenson and Robert B Payne; color plates by Karen Klitz; illustrated by John Megahan. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. $189.50. xxii+ 618 p+ 20 pl; ill.; index. ISBN: 0-19-850213-3. 2005.. (pp. 156 - 156). JSTOR
[Other]Authored by: Anderson, M.
Anderson, MG., Ross, H., Brunton, DH., & Hauber, ME.The Grey Warbler and the Shining Cuckoo: coevolutionary combatants?. In Ornithological Society of New Zealand.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Anderson, M.

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer for Massey University since 2008

    • 119.012: Bridging Biology
    • 199.101: Biology of Animals
    • 246.101: Science and Sustainability
    • 199.205: Ecology and Conservation
    • 199.206: The Fauna of New Zealand
    • 199.312: Behavioural Ecology
    • 232.701: Conservation Biology (MSc course)

Demonstrator and tutor for undergraduate field trips and lab courses at Massey University and the University of Auckland

Courses Coordinated

Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Co-supervisor 0 2

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2018 - Samuel Hill - Doctor of Philosophy
    Influences of environmental and biological factors on song complexity in songbirds
  • 2018 - Christophe Amiot - Doctor of Philosophy
    Impact of human colonisation history on New Zealand Avian diversity

Media and Links