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Research in the Quinn lab focuses on cooperative and competitive social interactions among birds. The main social systems that we study are colonial nesting and cooperative breeding joint-nesting birds. Both systems are rich with opportunities for cooperation and conflict.
Joint-nesting birds
The main focus of our research group is on joint-nesting birds. In these species group members share a territory and a nest into which one or more females will lay their eggs. We currently study two species with quite distinct breeding systems. Smooth-billed anis (Crotophaga ani) live in groups made up of socially monogamous pairs that share a territory and a nest. Conflict within ani groups is overt, consisting of tossing or burial (within the nest structure) of eggs of other group members. We study anis at the Cabo Rojo refuge in southwest Puerto Rico.
Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) live in polygynandrous groups in which breeding males mate with breeding females in a relatively indiscriminate
manner. Pukeko do not engage in overt competition, yet there are likely conflicts of interest among group members over reproduction and group membership. We currently study pukeko at the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary on the north island of New Zealand.Colonial breeding birds
We also have ongoing research on colonial nesting birds in the Great Lakes region. This research focuses on conservation biology and combines studies of ecotoxicology, genetics, reproductive behaviour and diet in species such as herring gulls (Larus argentatus), double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) and common terns (Sterna hirundo).
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