Avian diversity dynamics in the tropical montane forests of East Africa
The Albertine Rift is one of the most biodiverse regions in Africa and supports nearly half of all of Africa’s bird species. It’s also considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions on the planet due to human-caused environmental changes. Partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society Rwanda and the Institute for Tropical Forest Conservation in Uganda, we are trying to understand the long-term patterns of avian diversity in this region in order to identify how best to conserve the birds that live there. Partial migration of the Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed woodpecker [Melanerpes erythrocephalus] population in North America is one of several species of birds which is partially migratory. This means that during winter, only some individuals in some populations will migrate. For this project, we are using eBird data to understand what factors predict the complex migration patterns in this declining and charismatic species. |
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Effects of artificial light on Chimney Swift roosting behavior
The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) has been shown to have widespread effects on the phenology and behaviors of wildlife. In birds, this has led to extended periods of singing, calling, and active feeding. Chimney swifts [Chaetura pelagica] are a small insectivorous species of bird that is distributed across North and South America. They are an interesting example of commensalism with humans, utilizing artificial structures such as chimneys for nesting, breeding, and roosting, sometimes in groups comprised of thousands of individuals. Chimney swifts are declining and are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, for reasons that are unclear. For this project, we are examining the effects of ALAN on the roosting behavior in this threatened species. |
Evolution of avian eye color
Outside of humans and domestic animals, eye color is fixed within species, with some examples of sexual dichromatism. Birds exhibit a dramatic variation in eye color and brightness, however, the underlying causes and consequences of this variation is unknown. Some patterns that have been observed include diurnal owls having brighter eye color than nocturnal species and brighter and more colorful eyes being more common in social species. Students in my lab are exploring the potential relationship between avian eye color and sexual dichromatism, habitat, phenology, body size, and sociality. |