Behavioral Ecology
Behavioral variation and plasticity started to interest me during the first year of college. Thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I had the opportunity to get involved in independent research and explore some of these topics myself. I hope to add to a better understanding of behavioral variation by studying the mechanisms that lead to behavioral plasticity during my doctoral studies.
Red-backed Fairywrens (past)
During the breeding season, male Red-backed Fairywrens (Malurus melanocephalus) can show ornamented (red-black) or unornamented (brown, resembling females and juveniles) plumage. These distinct plumage types represent alternative reproductive strategies and are associated with behavioural differences during the breeding season. However, we lack an understanding of how these plumage types are associated with behavioural differences during non-reproductive parts of the year. We carried out behavioural observations during the nonbreeding season across three years to fill this knowledge gap. To see what we found out, please wait to read the (hopefully) soon to be published paper or email me for the manuscript!
Collaborators: Michael S. Webster, Jordan Karubian, John P. Swaddle
Hummingbird Dominance (current)
Interspecific hummingbird interactions are very common and complex social situations. To better understand the social dynamics of a hummingbird guild, we studied the behavior of 12 interacting hummingbird species at nectar feeders. This data may allow us to see: (1) what variables correlate with dominance (2) what is the best way to record dominance interactions (3) how dominance might affect the discovery of novel food sources. We have recently started this project so if you would like to collaborate with us, or know more, please feel free to reach out!