Communication and mate choice in birds

对动物性信号行为的研究为理解物种形成等进化过程提供了重要信息，物种形成产生了生物多样性。越来越多的自然资源保护者利用有关动物繁殖行为的知识，为濒临灭绝或濒临灭绝的物种设计管理和恢复计划。我的研究使用对鸟类的长期研究来测试关于自然环境中动物信号相互作用的性质的新理论，以检验鸣禽繁殖地和越冬地的条件如何相互作用来影响行为和繁殖成功。世界各地的候鸟数量正面临令人震惊的下降，我的项目中的一个新倡议将探索候鸟的行为适应，以帮助他们在长途旅行的危险中生存下来。

Studies of sexual signalling behaviour in animals have contributed important information to understanding evolutionary processes such as speciation, which generates biodiversity. Increasingly conservationists are using knowledge about animals' reproductive behaviour to design management and recovery plan for species at risk or threatened with extinction. My research uses long-term studies of birds to test new theory about the nature of animal signalling interactions in natural environments, to examine how conditions on both the breeding grounds and wintering sites of songbirds may interact to influence behaviour and reproductive success. Populations of migratory birds are facing alarming declines around the world, and a new initiative in my program will explore the behavioural adaptations of migrants that help them survive the hazards of long-distance travel.