Research
I am a behavioral ecologist specialized in the field of animal communication. My research combines
empirical and theoretical work and spans different levels of analysis. I am
particularly interested in the mechanisms behind communication behaviors, the dynamics of signal evolution,
and the effects of individual communication strategies on population structure and composition. Please use
the links below to learn more about my work.
Recent highlights
Climatic variability predicts the elaboration of song displays in mockingbirds. 2009. Current Biology.
doi:10.1016/j.cub.2009.04.061
Mockingbird species living in more variable and unpredictable climates have more elaborate song displays. Please contact me for e-prints of this study.
Press coverage...
Bird song research
An important component of my research program is my work on song use and song learning in songbirds.
Please follow this link to learn more about these studies.
Signal evolution
I am also interested in developing new theory for the evolution of communication strategies. Follow this link to learn more about my approach to modeling the evolution of animal signals.