The brood parasitic relationship between whydahs and munias is only a few decades old at most. Thus, the system offers a rare chance to study the early stages of coevolution between a brood parasite and a naive host.

The project focuses on two major themes:

Competition between brood parasites: The density of female brood parasites at our field site is high. Additionally, as documented with nest cameras, female whydahs predate eggs at elevated rates, sometimes consuming eggs laid by other whydahs. This results in a lot of competition between female whydahs. We are using genomics from blood samples, camera data, and growth rate data to examine competition between female whydahs and parasitic nestlings. 

Competition between hosts and parasites: The parasitism rate and parasite virulence at our field site is extraordinarily high. This results in negative fitness consequences for the host. On the other hand, parasitic nestlings may have a higher mortality rate compared to host nestlings. We are using growth rate measurements and feeding rate data to determine how parasitic nestlings fare compared to host nestlings. Additionally, some host pairs demonstrate strong aggression against parasites. We are using camera data to examine how aggression towards the female parasite may change the parasite's behavior within a visit. 

After two years of getting permits and setting up the field site, the project is getting its legs off the ground in 2026. I am actively looking for interested undergraduates and potential academic collaborators. Please contact me at ey3846@princeton.edu if interested. Thanks to Cal State Fullerton and the Fullerton Arboretum for supporting this work.