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projects

​mating systems

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Birds exhibit a wide variety of mating systems, which are influenced by ecological and evolutionary factors such as resource availability, parental care, and competition. The diversity of mating systems provides valuable insights into how evolution shapes reproductive behaviors.

Our research aims to understand social mating strategies and extra-pair mating behavior in two ecologically distinct wren species (Troglodytidae): grass wrens and house wrens.

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Current research topics

  • The connection between personality traits and extra-pair mating strategies.  

  • The role of parental care in shaping social and genetic mating strategies.

  • The impact of demographic factors on social mating strategies and extra-pair fertilizations.

parental care

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Parental care refers to any behavior by a parent that benefits the survival and development of their offspring. In birds, parental care encompasses diverse behaviors such as nest-building, incubation, brooding, feeding the nestlings, and nest defense.

We aim to investigate those factors affecting male and female contributions to parental care in two ecologically distinct species of wrens (Troglodytidae): grass wrens and house wrens.

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Current research topics

  • The relationship between nest-building behavior and parental investment.

  • The influence of ambient temperature, clutch size, and egg development on incubation behavior.

  • The effect of brood sex ratio on parental effort.

  • The role of food load and ambient temperature on parental contribution variation to feeding the nestlings.

bioacustics communication

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Birds have a sophisticated acoustic communication system that allows them to exchange information vital for their survival and reproduction. Through complex vocalizations, they transmit information about their internal state, such as their mood, health, and availability to mate. By deciphering the language of birds, we gain valuable insights into their social interactions, breeding behavior, and even potential health issues.

We are particularly interested in unraveling the factors that shaped the complex song repertoire and calls of grass wrens.

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Current research topics

  • The function of complex song repertories

  • The diversity and function of calls

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