https://facundofernandez-duque.com/outreach-old daily 0.75 2021-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611803247097-MD4G0EAQH0O5XP9MO1EQ/MLF_0289.jpg Outreach (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612403795385-8ZMWBSKPBKPDRNDARZO4/59867291-1900px.jpg Outreach (Old) https://facundofernandez-duque.com/bio-and-curriculum-vitae daily 0.75 2026-02-11 https://facundofernandez-duque.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611187134652-UOV5ZE295OPYGI2W0U1T/CAT_8868_3.jpg Contact https://facundofernandez-duque.com/publications daily 0.75 2026-02-11 https://facundofernandez-duque.com/conservationoldish daily 0.75 2021-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1615941360618-M9S6U8KU99RXSIE5R2P9/2010_11_21_C05_07h54a_Crax+fasciolata_F_2.jpg Conservation (Oldish) - Muitú (past) Cracids are a family of turkey-like birds that highly threatened due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and hunting pressures. In Argentina there are six species of cracids, with the Muitú (Crax fasciolata) being the most endangered and geographically restricted. We conducted a study in the gallery forests of the Guaycolec Ranch to (1) produce the first systematic and quantitative study of a Muitú population in the country, and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of population assessments conducted through land, water, camera traps, and playbacks as techniques for assessing the population status of the species. To see what we found out, please see the paper below! Collaborators: Eduardo Fernandez-Duque, The Owl Monkey Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612400126602-UH840U11DDPWHOV0MDJV/20180822_104231.jpg Conservation (Oldish) - House Sparrow Management (past) In North America, House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) compete with native species for nest cavities, which are often limited. Due to the difficulties of extirpating an invasive species and the growing desire from the public to help in conservation matters, we sought to test a potential technique for managing invasive cavity-nesting passerines that could be successfully deployed by professionals and citizen scientists alike. To see what we found out, please see the paper below! Collaborators: David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612399499730-W522CKO8UH15BL802HR0/EasternBB-LarryKeller.jpg Conservation (Oldish) - Supplemental Feeding (past) The variety of foods offered to breeding birds continues to diversify, yet the consequences for wildlife of this widespread human activity are relatively unexplored. To investigate the potential costs and benefits of supplemental feeding, we experimentally examined the relationship between providing supplemental insect prey and nestling growth rates. To see what we found out, please wait to see the (hopefully) soon to be published paper or email me for the manuscript! Collaborators: David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey https://facundofernandez-duque.com/behavioral-ecology-oldish daily 0.75 2021-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611617243109-ZVJZMFZ6FFEMY2HKALSK/Angry+Male+RBFW.jpg Behavioral Ecology (Oldish) - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611619732050-QP5R3R4AQ64C97EE7Y09/DSC_1037.jpg Behavioral Ecology (Oldish) - 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! https://facundofernandez-duque.com/mechanisms-of-behavior daily 0.75 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612283291168-OZOXL4HATOTGEB0ICLLP/monosaEmilioWhite_IMG_5054.jpg Mechanisms of Behavior - Evolution of Parental Care in a Pair-living Monogamous Primate (past) I have recently been working on a project to examine the correlates of monogamous behavior and parental care in primates. Through the Reproductive Ecology Lab and Dr. A. Caccone’s Genetics Lab, we are genotyping a long-term population of Mirikiná (Aotus azarae) to find the genetic variants associated with parental care. Collaborators: The Owl Monkey Project, Adalgisa Caccone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/ec4bc43c-65a0-4de3-b899-a16afa32ce2f/Figure1.png Mechanisms of Behavior - Mechanisms of Object Recognition In many bird species, recognizing and rejecting foreign eggs is crucial for avoiding the costly burden of raising brood parasites. This study explores the cognitive mechanisms underlying this behavior by testing how birds use egg shape and color to set their acceptance thresholds. By presenting Eastern Bluebirds and Red-winged Blackbirds with 3D-printed model eggs of varying shapes and colors, we found that shape-based recognition is influenced by species-specific nest sanitation behaviors and the visual appearance of eggs. Collaborators: Shelby Lawson, Mark Stanback, Mark E. Hauber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1615941021889-GEPVLED639UREMPF82LU/_CS_0297_3.jpg Mechanisms of Behavior - Mechanisms Underlying Parental Care and Behavioral Plasticity (present) What drives an individual to be a good parent? What are the neural mechanisms driving the provisioning or protection of young? How do these mechanisms compare to those of ‘helpers’ in cooperative situations? How plastic are these mechanisms? How much can past experiences shape future behaviors? There is still a great deal to unravel and I hope to explore some of these topics in the near future. https://facundofernandez-duque.com/pictures daily 0.75 2021-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847722611-SV945DT7BTN3H0QJH0FY/20140301_Trade-151_0124-copy.jpg Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847722352-KE0T070VO49ST8R3HN0Y/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847721684-YTD6Q5S75A0ZA9UW5PMN/Aro+Ha_0010.jpg Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847720867-RDAE893FXFXK3PHOQ7JQ/Aro+Ha_0380.jpg Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847721315-N2H1U9IQOPV7U46ZTICY/Aro+Ha_0393.jpg Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847722018-8TCT6PT455LE207HT5NA/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Pictures https://facundofernandez-duque.com/outreach daily 0.75 2023-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611803247097-MD4G0EAQH0O5XP9MO1EQ/MLF_0289.jpg Outreach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612403795385-8ZMWBSKPBKPDRNDARZO4/59867291-1900px.jpg Outreach https://facundofernandez-duque.com/conservation daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1615941830681-E47ZU1KBNYVQPZS9J1OB/2010_11_21_C05_07h54a_Crax%252Bfasciolata_F_2.jpg Conservation - Ecology and Demography of a Threatened Bird (past) Cracids are a family of turkey-like birds that are highly threatened due to habitat changes and hunting pressures. We conducted a study in the gallery forests of the Guaycolec Reserve to assess the ecology, behaviour and demography of the Bare-Faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata). To see what we found out, check out the paper below! Collaborators: The Owl Monkey Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612400126602-UH840U11DDPWHOV0MDJV/20180822_104231.jpg Conservation - Management of Invasive Birds (past) In North America, House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) compete with native species for nest cavities, which are often limited. Due to the difficulties of extirpating an invasive species and the growing desire from the public to help in conservation matters, we sought to test a potential technique for managing invasive cavity-nesting passerines that could be successfully deployed by professionals and citizen scientists alike. To see how you can help out, see the paper below! Collaborators: David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1615941782902-NOLZB0UNDXSEY20CQ4N7/EasternBB-LarryKeller.jpg Conservation - Effects of Supplemental Feeding (past) The variety of foods offered to breeding birds continues to diversify, yet the consequences for wildlife of this widespread human activity are relatively unexplored. To investigate the potential costs and benefits of supplemental feeding, we experimentally examined the relationship between providing supplemental insect prey and nestling growth rates. To read more about the early birds, check out the paper below! Collaborators: Sarah Dzielski, David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey https://facundofernandez-duque.com/behavioral-ecology-nw daily 0.75 2021-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611617243109-ZVJZMFZ6FFEMY2HKALSK/Angry+Male+RBFW.jpg Behavioral Ecology (Old Neww) - 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. 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. 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611619732050-QP5R3R4AQ64C97EE7Y09/DSC_1037.jpg Behavioral Ecology (Old Neww) - Hummingbird Dominance (current) 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, or know more, please feel free to reach out! https://facundofernandez-duque.com/behavioral-ecology daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1611617243109-ZVJZMFZ6FFEMY2HKALSK/Angry+Male+RBFW.jpg Behavioral Ecology - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/e01f0a52-dd86-45f5-8070-8bf4d3511a7f/Read+Paper+Here Behavioral Ecology - 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! https://facundofernandez-duque.com/new-page daily 0.75 2021-04-04 https://facundofernandez-duque.com/mindo-ecuador daily 0.75 2021-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/699ebd6f-38c4-4880-8f41-c4e9dc955e13/20190503_124720.jpg Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/d64efa3b-a27f-4424-af10-65ed562bfd42/20190506_094117.jpg Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/9556086c-79e4-466d-bff4-66aa1de7fb8e/20190512_143352.jpg Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/34cf119a-d7e0-4039-a817-d2184ba6722b/20190514_074129.jpg Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/82a1c2e2-0617-4072-b615-031be46562bc/20190514_074225.jpg Mindo, Ecuador 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/377d32d5-9020-4a18-99e4-b122a10630d2/DSC_0773.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/f94e11cd-85a0-4c81-a480-5c3cf667cd9e/DSC_0790.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/a6cf850e-432f-4691-afeb-3b862c3195af/DSC_0816.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/c1ddd9e7-3545-4a31-98e5-6a8a86272818/DSC_0822.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/3c86a026-47ff-476c-9da7-f63ed9c1f8b5/DSC_0823.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1b0bd755-4c91-41ac-a2b8-8891707fa7de/DSC_0825.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/5f3a2ef5-ebde-4c01-8d63-edd4e29fa60c/DSC_0830.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/b74c332d-bfc5-4a14-bc7f-6c379acdcc5d/DSC_0836.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/9fbbc614-2098-4c1f-bcfd-9233b7300baf/DSC_0837.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/f8f6b9b7-878a-4497-b6db-29da6b640ab6/DSC_0838.JPG Mindo, Ecuador https://facundofernandez-duque.com/about daily 1.0 2023-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612285669357-UVHZDZ3ZAJPV9S26YQQ6/conantena.jpg About - Early Life Growing up in northern Argentina, the countless hours I spent in the field among gauchos and Qom ignited my early passion for the local forests. Among the muddy capybaras and gregarious monkeys, I saw the stunning array of animals that embodied the splendor of nature. Since then, biology has been an essential part of my life and the catalyst of my education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612399044582-BKI8Z4XYD3TIPT5NXP96/DSC_0816.JPG About - Current Life Besides my research, I love spending time outdoors exploring nature. My family is also deeply passionate about soccer, and we love watching Argentina play whenever we get the chance. Ferviente amantes del fúlbo. Recently I’ve rekindled some of my old hobbies, adding a handful of new books to my list of favorites and trying out new recipes. Those I haven’t scared off with a wave of dumplings and homemade bread bowls, I’ve also flooded with a downpour of houseplants. https://facundofernandez-duque.com/about-2 daily 0.75 2023-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612285669357-UVHZDZ3ZAJPV9S26YQQ6/conantena.jpg About (Copy) - Early Life Growing up in northern Argentina, the countless hours I spent in the field among gauchos and Qom ignited my early passion for the local forests. Among the muddy capybaras and gregarious monkeys, I saw the stunning array of animals that embodied the splendor of nature. Since then, biology has been an essential part of my life and the catalyst of my education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612399044582-BKI8Z4XYD3TIPT5NXP96/DSC_0816.JPG About (Copy) - Current Life Besides my research, I love spending time outdoors exploring nature. My family is also deeply passionate about soccer, and we love watching Argentina play whenever we get the chance. Ferviente amantes del fúlbo. Recently I’ve rekindled some of my old hobbies, adding a handful of new books to my list of favorites and trying out new recipes. Those I haven’t scared off with a wave of dumplings and homemade bread bowls, I’ve also flooded with a downpour of houseplants. https://facundofernandez-duque.com/about-3 daily 0.75 2023-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612285669357-UVHZDZ3ZAJPV9S26YQQ6/conantena.jpg About (Copy1) - Early Life Growing up in northern Argentina, I spent countless hours playing in the local forests and learning from the Qom community. In this setting, I was introduced to the rich biodiversity of our forests and the vital role of our local ecosystems. These experiences fueled my love for biology, which has since been a cornerstone of my life and education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffcda920d96c7387bab99f7/1612399044582-BKI8Z4XYD3TIPT5NXP96/DSC_0816.JPG About (Copy1) - Current Life Today, as a biologist in training, I am still fascinated by the vast biodiversity around us and the forces that have shaped it. Now based in the United States, I am currently a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I delve deep into the mechanisms (environmental, hormonal, neural) driving facultative behaviors. Beyond science, I strive to make the enriching opportunities I have had available to everyone. No matter where you are, there are countless ways to get immersed in nature and I aim to make those options open to everyone. Outside of research, I love cooking, reading, gardening, playing with my dog and spending time outdoors exploring nature. También un ferviente amante del fúlbo. Recently I’ve rekindled some of my old hobbies, adding a handful of new books to my list of favorites and trying out new recipes. Those I haven’t scared off with a wave of dumplings and homemade bread bowls, I’ve also flooded with a downpour of houseplants. https://facundofernandez-duque.com/bio-and-curriculum-vitae-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-11