currentprojects

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) Breeding Biology

During three breeding seasons of 2005-2007 and currently we (Judit Ungvari-Martin, Monique Hiersoux and Molly Phillips; UF undergraduates) have study different aspect of the incubation and nestling face of the Northern Mockingbird. Our study site is at the University of Florida campus, during these breeding seasons we captured and color banded more than 160 adult birds and more than 250 nestlings. We also monitored more than 450 nests. We used data loggers to measure time on the nest and conducted direct observation to estimate nestling feeding rates by the adult birds. The Northern mockingbird is a species where only the female incubate (male does not provision food while the female is on the nest) and both parents feed the nestlings. Mockingbird clutch size can varied between 2 and 5 eggs but the average is three. We want to thank D. DeSantis, J. Jankowski, W. Schelsky. and A Savage, for helping with data collection during the first two breeding seasons. Learn more about the project

Avian Nesting Ecology along an Elevation gradient

I am looking for volunteers to participate in my PhD thesis project on the highland of the Manu national park, Peru. The project will cover altitudinal elevation between 800 and 3000m, and will take place during the avian breeding season between August and December 2009. This work involves behavioral observations, mistnetting, nest searching, and nest monitoring. We work 6 days a week, from 6 am – 5:30 pm, with occasional data entry and organization later in the evenings. After selecting volunteers I will randomly assign them to one of the stations (Wayquecha, San Pedro, Tono), therefore field condition are variable, please visit the station description to see specific details. Communication is limited at best, and field assistants can expect to be out of touch with most of the world for 2-3 weeks at a time. This work is most appropriate for people who are interested in pursuing a career in behavior and ecology, and who have previous field experience. Please keep in mind that a large number of people apply for these positions, and due to the remote nature of the field site I strongly prefer applicants with experience in mistnetting, nest searching, and living happily in uncomfortable conditions. I begin accepting applications for field assistant positions between Marchy and May of each year: apply via email with (I) a coverletter explaining why you want this ( difficult) job, (II) a CV, and (III) names and email addresses of three recommenders familiar with your field skills.
Unfortunately, I don’t have money to pay salaries or transportation to Peru, but I will cover all the stations fees, food during the field season and transportation within the field sites. Please visit my web page http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ordwaylab/londono/andeanproject.html for specific details about the project and field site. If you are interested send me all your information to galondo@ufl.edu. Learn more about the project English version; Version en Español


Amethyst-Throated Sunangel Nest (Heliangelus amethysticollis)	Buff-Throated Saltator Nestling (Saltator maximus)

Buff-Throated Saltator Eggs (Saltator maximus)	Sooty Antbird Eggs (Myrmeciza fortis)

Reddish Hermit Nest (Phaetornis ruber)	Swallow-Tailed Nightjard (Uropsalis segmentata)