UNTANGLING URBAN-RURAL DYNAMICS:
INVESTIGATING BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF BREEDING
SONGBIRDS
As the human population continues to grow, wild animals must adapt to the changing environment. Some birds adapt to these changes better than others. Here, we investigate reproduction, behavior, and survival of several species of songbirds (e.g., western bluebirds, house wrens, swallows, chickadees) across differing levels of urbanization in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. We aim to uncover the intricate dynamics that shape avian life in diverse habitats.
In our research, we examine how urbanization influences avian breeding, behavior, and survival. Questions that we're actively investigating include:
We also work with the Corvallis Audubon Bluebird Trail and Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project to gain a wider insight into how environmental factors and climate change influence breeding songbirds. If you'd like to follow our work, please check in to this website periodically. During the breeding season, we will also be posting pictures to our instagram (@urbanwingsresearch)
In our research, we examine how urbanization influences avian breeding, behavior, and survival. Questions that we're actively investigating include:
- Is there an advantage to breeding in urban vs. rural habitats?
- Are there behavioral differences in urban and rural breeding birds?
- Are urban-breeding birds better able to cope with stress?
- Does nestling quality differ across different habitat types? If so, are these differences reflected in their survival?
We also work with the Corvallis Audubon Bluebird Trail and Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project to gain a wider insight into how environmental factors and climate change influence breeding songbirds. If you'd like to follow our work, please check in to this website periodically. During the breeding season, we will also be posting pictures to our instagram (@urbanwingsresearch)