Behavioral Ecology
My interest in behavioral variation and plasticity began in my first year of college. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology provided me with the opportunity to dive into independent research and explore these topics firsthand. Through my doctoral studies, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of behavioral variation by investigating the mechanisms underlying behavioral plasticity.
Nonbreeding Behavior as a Function of Phenotype (past)
During the breeding season, male Red-backed Fairywrens (Malurus melanocephalus) can show ornamented (red-black) or unornamented (brown, resembling females and juveniles) plumage. We carried out behavioural observations during the nonbreeding season across three years to better understand how these two phenotypes are able to maintain comparable survival rates. Read more about these birds below. Thank you to Joe Welklin for this amazing fairywren picture!
Collaborators: Michael S. Webster, Jordan Karubian, John P. Swaddle, Joseph Welklin
Phenotypic Predictors of Dominance (past)
Interspecific hummingbird interactions are very common and complex social situations. We studied the behavior of 12 interacting hummingbird species at nectar feeders to better understand (1) what variables correlate with dominance, and (2) how dominance rank affects the discovery of novel food sources. We have recently started this project so if you would like to collaborate with us, please feel free to reach out!