| |
|
| Research Title |
Vocal communication and
social behavior of the California towhee |
| Research Keywords |
Social Behavior, Birds,
Communication, Duetting |
| Location |
Hastings Natural
History Reservation, Carmel Valley CA (Map)
|
| Study Species |
California towhee (Pipilo
crissalis) |
| |
|
 |
My research
program is focused on understanding the adaptive functions of California Towhee
vocal communication signals. California Towhees are sedentary and monogamous
for life, creating interactions among individuals that may persist over several
years. In such a context, most communication occurs with known individuals, and
there are expected benefits to stereotyped communication. California Towhees
provide an excellent model system because they have a very simple vocal
repertoire, allowing ready quantification and description of vocal traits
within a stable social context.
I am currently investigating the following research topics:
- How do California towhee mating system and spatial dynamics shape
communication needs and patterns?
- Do parents recognize offspring fear vocalizations? What recognition cues are
important?
- What is the function of pair duets in this species? If duets are
multi-functional signals, how do they operate in different contexts?
|
| CV |
| Contact Information |
