Associate Professor Phil Battley staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517838

Associate Professor Phil Battley MSc, PhD

Associate Professor in Zoology and Ecology

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Natural Sciences

I work principally on the biology of migratory shorebirds, particularly those that make huge trans-hemispheric journeys. Following an MSc looking at the ecology of shorebirds at the end of Farewell Spit, the long sandspit at the top of New Zealand's South Island, I moved to Australia.  My PhD work was on the ecophysiology and behaviour of migrating Great Knots at Broome, NW Australia, though I also sampled knots caught upon arrival from migration at the mouth of the Yangtze River, China. Back in New Zealand my research has focused on national and international movements of individual shorebirds, the timing of migration, and plumage colouration. I do have broader interests in ornithology, however, and students have worked on a range of species and topics including Kereru, Rockhopper, Yellow-eyed and Little Penguins, Mallards, Wrybills, swans, shorebird cranial morphology, godwits and polychaete worms. Current work includes satellite-tracking godwits both within New Zealand and to Alaska and back.

I am a member of the National Response Team for Maritime New Zealand in the event of an oil spill, and am on the editorial board for Ibis, the journal of the British Ornithologists' Union, and The Stilt (Australasian Wader Studies Group).

I am interested in ornithology in general, but specifically in bird migration, particularly shorebirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This work principally involves remote tracking of Bar-tailed Godwits and Red Knots from New Zealand. I am also the Subject Lead for Zoology.

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Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: +64 6 9517838
    Location: 1.10, AgHort A
    Campus: Manawatu

Qualifications

  • Master of Science (First Class Honours) - Massey University (1996)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - Griffith University (2002)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Long-distance bird migration

Remote tracking of migrants

Avian moult

Avian body composition

Intertidal ecology

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Animal Behaviour (060801): Animal Structure and Function (060807): Behavioural Ecology (060201): Biological Sciences (060000): Ecology (060200): Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) (060205): Vertebrate Biology (060809): Zoology (060800)

Keywords

Avian ecology

Moult

Remote tracking

Foraging ecology

Bird migration

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 1 13

Completed Projects

Project Title: The genetics and epigenetics of bird migration timing

The epic migrations of birds toward distant breeding grounds in anticipation of seasonally-available resources reveal an ability to accurately `tell time'. Moreover, individuals may migrate on consistently different dates, indicating the existence of sensitive, individually-tuned timing mechanisms. This is particularly well-characterised in bar-tailed godwits, long-distance migrant shorebirds that travel from New Zealand to breed in Alaska. Individuals embark on northward migration across 30 days but, remarkably, each bird typically leaves in the same week annually with some birds leaving within just a day or two year after year. We hypothesise that these behavioural differences reflect individual variation in responses to photoperiod changes, arising in part from variation in genes involved in the circadian core oscillator (CCO). We will investigate genetic and epigenetic (DNA methylation) variation in candidate genes central to the CCO (BMAL1, CLOCK) or its output (AANAT) and in a non-CCO gene that may relate to migratory propensity (ACDYAP1). We will look for associations between migration time and individual genotype/methylation at these four loci, correcting for underlying population structure using microsatellites. This work will provide insights into the mechanisms behind vertebrate photoperiodic responses as well as the ecological and evolutionary significance of genetic and epigenetic variation in natural populations.
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Date Range: 2013 - 2017

Funding Body: Marsden Fund - Full

Project Team:

Project Title: My Plumage is degrading! Strategies to overcome feather wear in migratory birds.

The issue of how animals balance conflicting demands is central to the study of animal ecology and evolution. Such issues may be particularly acute for animals whose movements set limits to the time that can be spent preparing for certain activities. For birds that migrate long distances, for instance, a prebreeding moult is typically undertaken largely on the non-breeding grounds. As the longest-migrating birds are also the earliest to start migrating, they may be more constrained in their opportunities for moult than shorter-distance migrants. Ideally, the longest-distance migrants might invest in stronger feathers that can resist the wear and tear incurred over up to four months and 17,000 km of travel. But their earlier departure on migration may in fact result in the opposite. We attempted to tease apart how the apparent colour of the breeding plumage varies between species and populations of shorebirds, in relation to the investment of melanins in the feathers and the amount of wear the feather has experienced. We collected feathers from five species of migratory shorebird along two major flyways (New Zealand, Australia, China and Alaska; The Netherlands, Germany and Norway), measured aspects of the plumage colouration via spectrometry and the feather structure by microscopy, and studied the moult and migration strategies of the Bar-tailed Godwits that `winter' in New Zealand..
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Date Range: 2008 - 2010

Funding Body: Marsden Fund - Fast Start

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Peng, HB., Ma, Z., Rakhimberdiev, E., van Gils, JA., Battley, PF., Rogers, DI., . . . Piersma, T. (2023). Arriving late and lean at a stopover site is selected against in a declining migratory bird population. Journal of Animal Ecology. 92(10), 2109-2118
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Schultz, H., Battley, PF., Bury, SJ., Chang, K., Ismar-Rebitz, SMH., Gaskett, AC., . . . Millar, CD. (2023). Non-breeding behaviour in the Brown Skua (Stercorarius antarcticus lonnbergi): insights from modelling moulting patterns and stable isotope analyses. Emu. 123(1), 49-59
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., French, RK., & Battley, PF. (2022). Diet plasticity and links to changing foraging behaviour in the conservation of subantarctic yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 32(5), 753-765
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Conklin, JR., Verkuil, YI., Battley, PF., Hassell, CJ., ten Horn, J., Johnson, JA., . . . Fontaine, MC. (2022). Global flyway evolution in red knots Calidris canutus and genetic evidence for a Nearctic refugium. Molecular Ecology. 31(7), 2124-2139
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., Chiaradia, A., French, RK., Kato, A., Ropert-Coudert, Y., . . . Battley, PF. (2021). Foraging areas and plasticity of yellow-eyed penguins Megadyptes antipodes in their subantarctic range. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 679, 149-162
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Conklin, JR., Lisovski, S., & Battley, PF. (2021). Advancement in long-distance bird migration through individual plasticity in departure. Nature Communications. 12(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Feng, S., Stiller, J., Deng, Y., Armstrong, J., Fang, Q., Reeve, AH., . . . Krone, O. (2021). Author Correction: Dense sampling of bird diversity increases power of comparative genomics (Nature, (2020), 587, 7833, (252-257), 10.1038/s41586-020-2873-9). Nature. 592(7856), E24
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Horikoshi, C., Battley, PF., & Minot, EO. (2021). Designing Timber Harvesting to Enhance New Zealand Falcon Populations. Journal of Wildlife Management. 85(3), 556-568
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Smith, BL., & Battley, PF. (2020). Bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) crossing the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, South Island, New Zealand. Notornis. 67(4), 657-658
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Jarman, TE., Gartrell, BD., & Battley, PF. (2020). Differences in body composition between urban and rural Mallards, Anas platyrhynchos. Journal of Urban Ecology. 6(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
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Smith, BL., & Battley, PF. (2020). Bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica) crossing the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, South Island, New Zealand, at 2885 m. Notornis. 67(4), 657-658 Retrieved from http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4518
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Li, D., Davison, G., Lisovski, S., Battley, PF., Ma, Z., Yang, S., . . . Er, K. (2020). Shorebirds wintering in Southeast Asia demonstrate trans-Himalayan flights. Scientific Reports. 10(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Jarman, TE., Gartrell, BG., & Battley, PF. (2020). Differences in body composition between urban and rural Mallards. Journal of Urban Ecology. 6(1), 1-11 Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/jue/article/6/1/juaa011/5867360
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
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Feng, S., Stiller, J., Deng, Y., Armstrong, J., Fang, Q., Reeve, AH., . . . Krone, O. (2020). Dense sampling of bird diversity increases power of comparative genomics. Nature. 587(7833), 252-257
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., French, RK., & Battley, PF. (2020). Diving plasticity in the ancestral range of the yellow-eyed penguin Megadyptes antipodes, an endangered marine predator. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 648, 191-205
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Battley, PF., Conklin, JR., Parody-Merino, ÁM., Langlands, PA., Southey, I., Burns, T., . . . Potter, MA. (2020). Interacting Roles of Breeding Geography and Early-Life Settlement in Godwit Migration Timing. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 8
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., French, RK., Hiscock, JA., & Battley, PF. (2020). Population estimate for yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes): In the subantarctic Auckland Islands, New Zealand. Notornis. 67(1), 299-319
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Battley, PF., Schuckard, R., & Melville, DS. (2019). Movements of bar-tailed godwits and red knots within New Zealand. Science for Conservation. 2019-December
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Verkuil, YI., Riegen, AC., & Battley, PF. (2019). How wry is a wrybill?. Wader Study. 126(3)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Mays, HL., Oehler, DA., Morrison, KW., Morales, AE., Lycans, A., Perdue, J., . . . Weakley, LA. (2019). Phylogeography, population structure, and species delimitation in rockhopper penguins (eudyptes chrysocome and eudyptes moseleyi). Journal of Heredity. 110(7), 801-817
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Gartrell, BD., Battley, PF., Clumpner, C., Dwyer, W., Hunter, S., Jensen, M., . . . Ziccardi, MH. (2019). Captive husbandry and veterinary care of seabirds during the MV Rena oil spill response. Wildlife Research. 46(7), 610-621
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B., Hunter, S., Morgan, K., White, B.
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Parody-Merino, ÁM., Battley, PF., Conklin, JR., & Fidler, AE. (2019). No evidence for an association between Clock gene allelic variation and migration timing in a long-distance migratory shorebird (Limosa lapponica baueri). Oecologia. 191(4), 843-859
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Sievwright, KA., Battley, PF., McConnell, HM., Chilvers, BL., & Morgan, KJ. (2019). Post-release breeding success of oil-rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated little blue penguins, Eudyptula minor, following the M/V Rena oil spill, New Zealand. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 149
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B., Morgan, K.
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Chilvers, BL., & Battley, PF. (2019). Species prioritization index for oiled wildlife response planning in New Zealand. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 149
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Sievwright, KA., Battley, PF., McConnell, H., Armstrong, DP., & Morgan, KJ. (2019). Survival rates of oil-rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated little penguins after the C/V Rena oil spill, New Zealand. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 146, 317-325
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Morgan, K.
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Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., Barker, Z., Barnsdale, KP., Battley, PF., French, RK., . . . Samandari, F. (2019). Aerial VHF tracking of wildlife using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): Comparing efficiency of yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) nest location methods. Wildlife Research. 46(2), 145-153
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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French, RK., Muller, CG., Chilvers, BL., & Battley, PF. (2019). Behavioural consequences of human disturbance on subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins Megadyptes antipodes. Bird Conservation International. 29(2), 277-290
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B.
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Horikoshi, C., Battley, PF., & Minot, EO. (2018). Annual survival estimates and risk of fluoroacetate (1080) secondary poisoning for New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in a managed exotic forest. Wildlife Research. 45(2), 155-163
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Horikoshi, C., Battley, PF., Seaton, R., & Minot, EO. (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)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., & Conklin, JR. (2017). Geolocator wetness data accurately detect periods of migratory flight in two species of shorebird. Wader Study. 124(2), 112-119
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Senner, NR., Battley, PF., & Piersma, T. (2017). Extreme migration and the individual quality spectrum. Journal of Avian Biology. 48(1), 19-36
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Choi, CY., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., Ma, Z., Melville, DS., & Sukkaewmanee, P. (2017). How migratory shorebirds selectively exploit prey at a staging site dominated by a single prey species. Auk. 134(1), 76-91
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Morrison, KW., Armstrong, DP., Battley, PF., Jamieson, SE., & Thompson, DR. (2017). Predation by New Zealand sea lions and Brown Skuas is causing the continued decline of an Eastern Rockhopper Penguin colony on Campbell Island. Polar Biology. 40(4), 735-751
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, P. (2016). What’s in a title?. Wader Study. 123(3), 173-174
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Bulla, M., Valcu, M., Dokter, AM., Dondua, AG., Kosztolányi, A., Rutten, AL., . . . Kempenaers, B. (2016). Unexpected diversity in socially synchronized rhythms of shorebirds. Nature. 540(7631), 109-113
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Szabo, JK., Battley, PF., Buchanan, KL., & Rogers, DI. (2016). What does the future hold for shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway?. Emu. 116(2), 95-99
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Choi, CY., Rogers, KG., Gan, X., Clemens, RS., Bai, QQ., Lilleyman, A., . . . Rogers, DI. (2016). Phenology of southward migration of shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and inferences about stop-over strategies. Emu. 116(2), 178-189
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Morrison, KW., Morrison, NC., Buchheit, RM., Dunn, R., Battley, PF., & Thompson, DR. (2016). The canalized parental roles of a Eudyptes penguin constrain provisioning and growth of chicks during nutritional stress. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 70(4), 467-479
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Lok, T., Melville, DS., Riegen, AC., Schuckard, R., Piersma, T., . . . Battley, PF. (2016). Declining adult survival of New Zealand Bar-tailed Godwits during 2005-2012 despite apparent population stability. Emu. 116(2), 147-157
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Weiser, EL., Lanctot, RB., Brown, SC., Alves, JA., Battley, PF., Bentzen, R., . . . Sandercock, BK. (2015). Effects of geolocators on hatching success, return rates, breeding movements, and change in body mass in 16 species of Arctic-breeding shorebirds. Movement Ecology. 4(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Morrison, KW., Battley, PF., Sagar, PM., & Thompson, DR. (2015). Population dynamics of Eastern Rockhopper Penguins on Campbell Island in relation to sea surface temperature 1942–2012: current warming hiatus pauses a long-term decline. Polar Biology. 38(2), 163-177
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Choi, CY., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., Rogers, KG., & Ma, Z. (2015). The importance of Yalu Jiang coastal wetland in the north Yellow Sea to Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica and Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris during northward migration. Bird Conservation International. 25(1), 53-70
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Choi, CY., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., Ma, Z., & Liu, W. (2014). Factors Affecting the Distribution Patterns of Benthic Invertebrates at a Major Shorebird Staging Site in the Yellow Sea, China. Wetlands. 34(6), 1085-1096
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Ma, Z., Hua, N., Peng, H., Choi, C., Battley, PF., Zhou, Q., . . . Tang, C. (2013). Differentiating between stopover and staging sites: Functions of the southern and northern Yellow Sea for long-distance migratory shorebirds. Journal of Avian Biology. 44(5), 504-512
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Parsons, S., & Battley, P. (2013). Editorial: Impacts of wind energy developments on wildlife: A southern hemisphere perspective. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 40(1), 1-4
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.Edited by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Battley, PF., & Potter, MA. (2013). Absolute Consistency: Individual versus Population Variation in Annual-Cycle Schedules of a Long-Distance Migrant Bird. PLoS ONE. 8(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Conklin, JR., & Battley, PF. (2012). Carry-over effects and compensation: Late arrival on non-breeding grounds affects wing moult but not plumage or schedules of departing bar-tailed godwits Limosa lapponica baueri. Journal of Avian Biology. 43(3), 252-263
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Cousins, RA., Battley, PF., Gartrell, BD., & Powlesland, RG. (2012). Impact injuries and probability of survival in a large semiurban endemic pigeon in new zealand, hemiphaga novaeseelandiae. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 48(3), 567-574
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
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Battley, PF., Warnock, N., Tibbitts, TL., Gill, RE., Piersma, T., Hassell, CJ., . . . Riegen, AC. (2012). Contrasting extreme long-distance migration patterns in bar-tailed godwits Limosa lapponica. Journal of Avian Biology. 43(1), 21-32
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
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Gutiérrez, JS., Dietz, MW., Masero, JA., Gill, RE., Dekinga, A., Battley, PF., . . . Piersma, T. (2012). Functional ecology of saltglands in shorebirds: Flexible responses to variable environmental conditions. Functional Ecology. 26(1), 236-244
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., & Battley, PF. (2011). Contour-feather moult of Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica baueri) in New Zealand and the northern hemisphere reveals multiple strategies by sex and breeding region. Emu. 111(4), 330-340
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Ward, JM., Gartrell, BD., Conklin, JR., & Battley, PF. (2011). Midazolam as an adjunctive therapy for capture myopathy in bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica baueri) with prognostic indicators. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 47(4), 925-935
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
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Conklin, JR., & Battley, PF. (2011). Impacts of wind on individual migration schedules of New Zealand bar-tailed godwits. Behavioral Ecology. 22(4), 854-861
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., Melville, DS., Schuckard, R., & Ballance, PF. (2011). Zostera muelleri as a structuring agent of benthic communities in a large intertidal sandflat in New Zealand. Journal of Sea Research. 65(1), 19-27
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., & Ruthrauff, DR. (2011). Geographic variation in morphology of Alaska-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) is not maintained on their nonbreeding grounds in New Zealand. Auk. 128(2), 363-373
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Battley, P., & Conklin, J. (2010). Post-fledging growth in a migrating juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit. Wader Study Group Bulletin. 117(3), 186-187
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Conklin, JR., & Battley, PF. (2010). Attachment of geolocators to Bar-tailed Godwits: A tibia-mounted method with no survival effects or loss of units. Wader Study Group Bulletin. 117(1), 56-58
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Conklin, JR., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., & Fox, JW. (2010). Breeding latitude drives individual schedules in a trans-hemispheric migrant bird.. Nature communications. 1, 67
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
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Igic, B., Greenwood, DR., Palmer, DJ., Cassey, P., Gill, BJ., Grim, T., . . . Hauber, ME. (2010). Detecting pigments from colourful eggshells of extinct birds. Chemoecology. 20(1), 43-48
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., Moore, PJ., & Moore, SJ. (2008). Southern royal albatross (Diomedea epomophora) dies from ingesting a porcupine fish. Notornis. 55(4), 207-208
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Gill, RE., Tibbitts, TL., Douglas, DC., Handel, CM., Mulcahy, DM., Gottschalck, JC., . . . Piersma, T. (2009). Extreme endurance flights by landbirds crossing the Pacific Ocean: Ecological corridor rather than barrier?. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 276(1656), 447-457
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Piersma, T., Brugge, M., Spaans, B., & Battley, PF. (2008). Endogenous circannual rhythmicity in body mass, molt, and plumage of great knots (Calidris tenuirostris). Auk. 125(1), 140-148
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF. (2007). Plumage and timing of migration in bar-tailed godwits: A comment on Drent et al. (2003). Oikos. 116(2), 349-352
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Balance, PF., Schuckard, R., Melville, DS., & Battley, PF. (2006). Dual sand sources on farewell spit intertidal sand flats, New Zealand: Partitioning during redistribution. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics. 49(1), 91-99
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF. (2006). Consistent annual schedules in a migratory shorebird. Biology Letters. 2(4), 517-520
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., & Horn, C. (2006). A high-altitude bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica) on Mt Ruapehu, North Island, New Zealand. Notornis. 53(4), 381-382
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Melville, DS., & Battley, PF. (2006). Shorebirds in New Zealand. The Stilt. 50, 269-277
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., Rogers, DI., & Hassell, CJ. (2006). Prebreeding moult, plumage and evidence for a presupplemental moult in the Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris. Ibis. 148(1), 27-38
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Moore, SJ., & Battley, PF. (2006). Differences in the digestive organ morphology of captive and wild Brown Teal Anas chlorotis and implications for releases. Bird Conservation International. 16(3), 253-264
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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17
Rogers, DI., Battley, PF., Piersma, T., Van Gils, JA., & Rogers, KG. (2006). High-tide habitat choice: insights from modelling roost selection by shorebirds around a tropical bay. Animal Behaviour. 72(3), 563-575
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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60
Rogers, DI., Moores, N., & Battley, PF. (2006). Northwards migration of shorebirds through Saemangeum, the Geum Estuary and Gosmo Bay, South Korea in 2006. The Stilt. 50, 62-78
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Van Gils, JA., Piersma, T., Dekinga, A., & Battley, PF. (2006). Modelling phenotypic flexibility: An optimality analysis of gizzard size in Red Knots Calidris canutus. Ardea. 94(3), 409-420
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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24
Moore, SJ., Battley, PF., Henderson, IM., & Webb, CJ. (2006). The diet of brown teal (Anas chlorotis). New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 30(3), 397-403
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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5
4
Battley, PF. (2005). Mechanisms by which juvenile Bar-tailed Godwits form subgroups. The Stilt. 48, 18-18
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., & Piersma, T. (2005). Body composition and flight ranges of Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica baueri) from New Zealand. Auk. 122(3), 922-937
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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33
Battley, PF., Rogers, DI., Van Gils, JA., Piersma, T., Hassell, CJ., Boyle, A., . . . Yang, HY. (2005). How do red knots Calidris canutus leave Northwest Australia in May and reach the breeding grounds in June? Predictions of stopover times, fuelling rates and prey quality in the Yellow Sea. Journal of Avian Biology. 36(6), 494-500
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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36
Van Gils, JA., Battley, PF., Piersma, T., & Drent, R. (2005). Reinterpretation of gizzard sizes of red knots world-wide emphasises overriding importance of prey quality at migratory stopover sites. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 272(1581), 2609-2618
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., & Moore, SJ. (2004). Predation on non-breeding wrybills in the Firth of Thames. Notornis. 51(4), 233-234
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
1
Battley, PF., Piersma, T., Rogers, DI., Dekinga, A., Spaans, B., & Van Gils, JA. (2004). Do body condition and plumage during fuelling predict northwards departure dates of Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris from north-west Australia?. Ibis. 146(1), 46-60
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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48
Rogers, DI., Battley, PF., Sparrow, J., Koolhaas, A., & Hassell, CJ. (2004). Treatment of capture myopathy in shorebirds: A successful trial in northwestern Australia. Journal of Field Ornithology. 75(2), 157-164
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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20
Battley, PF., Poot, M., Wiersma, P., Gordon, C., Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., & Piersma, T. (2003). Social foraging by waterbirds in shallow coastal lagoons in Ghana. Waterbirds. 26(1), 26-34
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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15
12
Battley, PF., Rogers, DI., Piersma, T., & Koolhaas, A. (2003). Behavioural evidence for heat-load problems in Great Knots in tropical Australia fuelling for long-distance flight. Emu. 103(2), 97-103
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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35
Battley, PF., Vahl, W., & Spaans, B. (2003). Ruddy Turnstone retains egg in oviduct for five months. Wader Study Group Bulletin. , 67-69
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
Moore, SJ., & Battley, PF. (2003). The use of wing remains to determine condition before death in brown teal (Anas chlorotis). Notornis. 50(3), 133-140
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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5
Moore, SJ., & Battley, PF. (2003). Cockle-opening by a dabbling duck, the Brown Teal. Waterbirds. 26(3), 331-334
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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4
3
Pennycuick, CJ., & Battley, PF. (2003). Burning the engine: A time-marching computation of fat and protein consumption in a 5420-km non-stop flight by great knots, Calidris tenuirostris. Oikos. 103(2), 323-332
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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63
48
Battley, PF., Dekinga, A., Dietz, MW., Piersma, T., Tang, S., & Hulsman, K. (2001). Basal metabolic rate declines during long-distance migratory flight in Great Knots. Condor. 103(4), 838-845
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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40
Battley, PF., Dietz, MW., Piersma, T., Dekinga, A., Tang, S., & Hulsman, K. (2001). Is long-distance bird flight equivalent to a high-energy fast? Body composition changes in freely migrating and captive fasting great knots. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 74(3), 435-449
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., Piersma, T., Dietz, MW., Tang, S., Dekinga, A., & Hulsman, K. (2000). Erratum: Empirical evidence for differential organ reductions during trans-oceanic bird flight (Proceedings of the Royal Society of London - Biological Sciences (Jan. 22, 2000) B267 (191-195)). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 267(1461), 2567
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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2
Battley, PF., Piersma, T., Dietz, MW., Tang, S., Dekinga, A., & Hulsman, K. (2000). Empirical evidence for differential organ reductions during trans-oceanic bird flight. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 267(1439), 191-195
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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193
Battley, PF. (1999). Seasonal mass changes of Lesser Knots (Calidris canutus) in New Zealand. Notornis. 46(1), 143-153
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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8
Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., Piersma, T., Wiersma, P., Poot, M., Battley, P., & Gordon, C. (1998). Water depth selection, daily feeding routines and diets of waterbirds in coastal lagoons in Ghana. Ibis. 140(1), 89-103
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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98
Battley, PF., & Piersma, T. (1997). Body composition of Lesser Knots (Calidris canutus rogersi) preparing to take off on migration from northern New Zealand. Notornis. 44(3), 137-150
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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45
Battley, PF. (1997). The northward migration of arctic waders in New Zealand: Departure behaviour, timing and possible migration routes of Red Knots and Bar-tailed Godwits from Farewell Spit, North-West Nelson. Emu. 97(2), 108-120
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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26
Piersma, T., Hoekstra, R., Dekinga, A., Koolhaas, A., Wolf, P., Battley, P., . . . Wiersma, P. (1993). Scale and intensity of intertidal habitat use by knots Calidris canutus in the Western Wadden Sea in relation to food, friends and foes. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. 31(4), 331-357
[Journal article]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Book

Helm, B., Gwinner, E., Koolhaas, A., Battley, P., Schwabl, I., Dekinga, A., . . . Piersma, T. (2012). Avian migration: Temporal multitasking and a case study of melatonin cycles in waders. In Progress in Brain Research. (pp. 457 - 479).
[Chapter]Authored by: Battley, P.
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10
van de Kam, J., Battley, PF., McCaffery, B., Rogers, D., Hong, J., Moores, N., . . . Piersma, T.(2010). Invisible connections: Why migrating shorebirds need the Yellow Sea. VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing
[Authored Book]Authored by: Battley, P.
van de Kam, J., Battley, PF., McCaffery, B., Rogers, D., Hong, J., Moores, N., . . . Piersma, T.(2008). Invisible connections: Why migrating shorebirds need the Yellow Sea. Wageningen: Wetlands International
[Authored Book]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., & Rogers, DI. (2007). Migration. In A. Geering, L. Agnew, & S. Harding (Eds.) Shorebirds of Australia. (pp. 35 - 49). Collingwood, VIC: CSIRO Publishing
[Chapter]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., & Piersma, T. (2005). Adaptive interplay between feeding ecology and features of the digestive tract in birds. In JM. Starck, & T. Wang (Eds.) Physiological and Ecological Adaptations to Feeding in Vertebrates. (pp. 201 - 228). New Hampshire, UK: Science Publishers
[Chapter]Authored by: Battley, P.

Thesis

Battley, PF. (2002). Behavioural ecophysiology of migrating Great Knots. (Doctoral Thesis, Griffith University, QLD)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Battley, P.

Report

Battley, PF.(2018). An evaluation of the impact of a national kite boarding championship on shorebird behaviour at the Manawatu Estuary. (Report No. 351). Wellington: Department of Conservation
[Technical Report]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., Schuckard, R., & Melville, DS. (2011). Movements of bar-tailed godwits and red knots within New Zealand.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Battley, P.
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6
Moores, N., Battley, PF., Rogers, DI., Park, M., Sung, H., van de Kam, J., . . . Gosbell, K. (2006). The Saemangeum shorebird monitoring program, 2006 report.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., Melville, DS., Schuckard, R., & Ballance, P.(2005). Quantitative survey of the intertidal benthos of Farewell Spit, Golden Bay.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Battley, P.

Conference

Battley, PF., & Conklin, JR. (2020). The Changing Face of Godwit Migration Timing. In Kokako Vol. 1 (pp. 9 - 9). , Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association: Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Chilvers, B., Battley, P., & Morgan, K. (2017). Lessons Learnt from post-release monitoring of oiled-penguins: New Zealand C/V Rena. International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings (2017) 2017 (1): 2996–3010..
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Battley, P., Chilvers, B., Morgan, K.
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Battley, PF. (2015, August). Conservation of shorebirds in New Zealand. Presented at Wildbase Recovery conference. Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., Conklin, JR., Parody Merino, A., Prosdocimi, F., & Fidler, AE. (2014, August). Multi-year consistency of individual migration timing in Bar-tailed Godwits. Presented at International Ornithological Congress. Tokyo, Japan.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Sievwright, KA., Battley, PF., Morgan, KJ., & McConnell, H. (2014, May). Post-release survival and productivity of oiled little blue penguins rehabilitated after the C/V Rena oil spill. Presented at Birds New Zealand Conference 2014. Palmerston Northg.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P., Morgan, K.
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Battley, PF. (2014, May). Tracking the migrations of New Zealand-wintering red knots. Presented at Birds New Zealand Conference 2014. Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF. (2014, May). The rise and fall of the Manawatu estuary’s shorebirds. Presented at Birds New Zealand Conference 2014. Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Choi, CY., Battley, PF., Potter, MA., & Ma, Z. (2013, December). Shorebird species composition and numbers in the Chinese Yellow Sea on northward and southward migration. Presented at Australasian Ornithological Congress. Unitec, Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P., Potter, M.
Battley, PF., & Conklin, JR. (2013, December). Individual consistency in the annual schedules of Bar-tailed Godwits. Presented at Australasian Ornithological Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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McConnell, H., Morgan, K., Gartrell, B., Dowding, J., Stephenson, B., & Battley, P. (2012, January). Pre-emptive capture as a response option- A case study of New Zealand dotterels during the Rena Oil Spill. Presented at 11th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference: Global Impacts: Many Species, One Response. New Orleans, LA, United States.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B., Morgan, K.
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McConnell, H., Morgan, K., Gartrell, B., Dowding, J., Stephenson, B., & Battley, P. (2012). Pre-emptive capture as a response option- A case study of New Zealand dotterels during the Rena oil spill. In 11th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference: Abstracts and Short Papers(pp. 133 - 133). , 11th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference: Global Impacts: Many Species, One Response: Global Impacts: Many Species, One Response United States: Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research Inc
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B., Morgan, K.
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Battley, PF., & Conklin, JR. (2011, September). Carryover effects and compensation: late arrival on the non-breeding grounds affects wing moult but not departure plumage or schedules in migrating Bar-tailed Godwits. Presented at Australasian Ornithological Conference. Cairns, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF., Gill, Jr., RE., Tibbitts, TL., & Warnock, N. (2011, September). Contrasting extreme long-distance migration patterns in the Bar-tailed Godwit. Presented at Australasian Ornithological Conference. Cairns, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Battley, PF. (2011, June). Trans-hemispheric shorebird migration in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway: an increasingly endangered phenomenon. Presented at Ornithological Society of New Zealand conference 2011. Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Robertson, H., Powlesland, R., Battley, P., Lee Long, W., Watkins, D., Melville, D., . . . Woodley, K. (2007). Conservation and networks for migratory waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. In Proceeding of the International Symposium on Migratory Birds(pp. 137 - 145). , International Symposium on Migratory Birds: National Park Migratory Birds Center, Seoul, Korea
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF., Gill, RE., Tibbitts, L., Mulcahy, D., Gartrell, BD., & Warnock, N.(2007). Technology, communication and knowledge: advancing understanding of the world's greatest migrant, the bar-tailed godwit. Paper presented at the meeting of Australasian Shorebird Conference. Newcastle University, New South Wales, Australia
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Battley, P., Gartrell, B.
Battley, PF., & Gill Jr, RE. (2004). Knowns and unknowns in the migration of Eastern Bar-tailed Godwits. Proceedings of the 2004 International Symposium on Migratory Birds. (pp. 73 - 86).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Battley, P.
Battley, PF. (2003). Adaptations for endurance exercise in migratory birds.. In Asia Pac J Clin Nutr Vol. 12 Suppl (pp. S3).
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Piersma, T., Dietz, MW., Dekinga, A., Nebel, S., Van Gils, J., Battley, PF., . . . Spaans, B. (1999). Reversible size-changes in stomachs of shorebirds: When, to what extent, and why?. Acta Ornithologica. Vol. 34 (pp. 175 - 181).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Battley, P.
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Other

Battley, P., & Hauber, M. (2011). Beauty is only partly in the eye of the beholder. (pp. 62 - 63). Elsevier
[Other]Authored by: Battley, P.

Consultancy and Languages

Languages

  • English
    Last used: Today
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

I mainly teach about vertebrate diversity, structure and evolution, and ornithology.

199212 Vertebrate Zoology

199330 Ornithology

199103 Animals and the Environment

199313 Environmental Physiology

I am also the Subject Lead for Zoology.

Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 2 5
Co-supervisor 0 3

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Philippa Cherrill - Doctor of Philosophy
    Distribution and behavioural responses of variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) to human disturbances
  • Neil Fitzgerald - Doctor of Philosophy
    Patterns and drivers forest bird movement in landscapes of fragmented habitat

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2018 - Angela Parody Merino - Doctor of Philosophy
    Genetics of the timing of migration in bar-tailed godwits
  • 2017 - Chifuyu Horikoshi - Doctor of Philosophy
    Non-breeding ecology of New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) in a pine plantation forest
  • 2015 - Kyle Morrison - Doctor of Philosophy
    Factors affecting the population dynamics of Eastern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome filholi) on Campbell Island, New Zealand
  • 2015 - Chi Yeung Choi - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Northward Migration Stopover Ecology of Bar-Tailed Godwits and Great Knots in the Yalu Jiang Estuary National Nature Reserve, China
  • 2012 - Jesse Conklin - Doctor of Philosophy
    Extreme migration and the annual cycle: Individual strategies in New Zealand Bar-tailed Godwits

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Christopher Muller - Doctor of Philosophy
    Population ecology and foraging behaviour of yellow-eyed penguins in New Zealand’s subantarctic Auckland Islands
  • 2018 - Martin Thibault - Doctor of Philosophy
    The red vented-bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer): invasion dynamic and ecological impacts of an introduced pest bird in New Caledonia and implications for man
  • 2016 - Emma Williams - Doctor of Philosophy
    Developing monitoring methods for cryptic species: A case study of the Australasian bittern/ Botaurus poiciloptilus