Research
Avian ecology in a human-dominated world
How do our actions as humans interact with biological processes to influence wildlife populations and communities? Our work is focused on improving outcomes for birds that spend all or part of their life cycle in South America, especially Argentina.
Structure and function of cavity-nesting vertebrate communities
Globally, more than 1800 species of vertebrates require tree cavities for nesting or roosting. They interact in 'nest webs': ecological networks that link woodpeckers and other excavators to secondary cavity users. We use long-term field observations and experiments in nest web systems to examine the connections among resource availability, bird behaviour, human choices, and network function. We currently have cavity-nester studies in the Atlantic forest (since 2006) and humid Chaco (since 2016).
South American perspective on declines in aerial insectivores
A third of migratory aerial insectivores disappeared from North America since the 1970s, but the causes are poorly understood. Nearly all research and conservation efforts focus on North America, but even the birds that breed in North America spend 2/3 of their life in South America. What's happening to aerial insectivores in South America? In 2012, concerned about near-threatened Sickle-winged Nightjars (Eleothreptus anomalus), park rangers Nestor Fariña and Olga Villalba began monitoring the population at Reserva Natural Rincón de Santa María, a protected grassland reserve in Corrientes, Argentina. Our research collaboration on nocturnal avian insectivores now aims to understand aspects of their demography, life history, habitat and seasonal movements that influence their conservation in South America. We use mark-recapture, radio telemetry, and GPS tags to track Sickle-winged Nightjars (a grassland specialist) and Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor), a boreal migrant that is widespread but declining. Stay tuned for upcoming studies of diet and insect availability in collaboration with Eliza Stein and Sabrina Taylor at LSU!
Natural history, abundance and distribution
Little is known about the natural history of most bird species in northeastern Argentina. Where do they live? What habitats do they need? How and what do they eat? How do they interact with their environment? To contribute to this basic knowledge, we conduct targeted surveys, field observations and bird banding. Currently we are studying nesting of several species of Atlantic Forest birds, and monitoring White-bearded Antshrikes (Biatas nigropectus) and other bamboo specialists during a mass-flowering event of yatevó bamboo (Guadua trinii).
Impact of climate change on bird populations in High Andes wetlands
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to global biodiversity, yet birds' responses will depend on their life history. The wetlands of the High Andes harbour an assembly of endemic bird species, but despite their remote location, are likely to be strongly affected by climate change. Some species, such as the near-threatened Horned Coot (Fulica cornuta) exhibit extraordinary annual variation in numbers, which may be linked to variation in climate. We study how climate influences survival, reproduction and movements of Horned Coots and sympatric High Andes wetland birds, to predict effects of climate change and improve the design of conservation strategies for this remote and fragile ecosystem.
