 Trachelas spiders |
Animal architects | |
| Animals build structures to house their young (e.g., bird nests) and to serve as a refuge from predators and harsh weather. A number of factors that influence the design of animal architecture are examined. (login to read more) | ||
 Belted Kingfisher, female |
Animal sounds and their function | |
| Animals produce a variety of sounds to communicate, to attract attention, deceive, ward off predators, etc. Also, animal sounds can originate from unexpected sources (e.g., nonvocal sounds). (login to read more) | ||
 Acorn Woodpecker |
Behavioral ecology of birds | |
| The behavioral ecology of birds is a broad topic. At presence we are focused on the behavior of North American Woodpeckers. (login to read more) | ||
 Snowberry Clearwing |
Behavioral ecology of Lepidoptera | |
| We examine the mating rituals, feeding styles, and other behaviors of butterflies and moths (adults and caterpillars). Also of interest is how varied shapes (wings and body) and colors of adults and larvae benefit species living in different habitats. (login to read more) |
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 Lesser Prairie-chicken |
Courtship displays | |
| Many animals are well-known for their colorful and animated displays. However, the courtship rituals of most species do not involve showy displays. Here we explore how the sexes get together, including the less elaborately adorned species. (login to read more) |
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 Noisy Miners |
Family life | |
| Social interactions within families can be highly convoluted, in large part, because of conflicting interests of family members. We are particularly interest in examining parent-offspring conflicts and sibling rivalry. (login to read more) | ||
 Female Boat-tailed Grackle |
Foraging techniques | |
| Many higher vertebrates "invent" techniques to exploit novel foods. We're interested in identifying species most likely to accept novel foods as well as documenting new strategies to acquire a meal. (login to read more) |
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 Ants & a Cassius Blue caterpillar |
Insect interactions and communities | |
| Different insects often use the same resources (i.e., the same plant) as a source for food and shelter; also, many of these species prey upon each other. As a consequence dynamic communities emerge. (login to read more) |
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 Willy Wagtail & Magpie Lark |
Interspecific nest associations | |
| Many birds preferentially nest near other animals, including nonavian species. In this chapter we identify nonrandom nest associations among birds and examine the reason why species nest close to one another. (login to read more) | ||
 Crested Caracara playing |
Learning and play in young animals | |
| Birds and mammals acquire specific knowledge and skills at a very young age—presumably, those skills that are required to survive as an adult. This chapter examines how young animals learn and how they play. (login to read more) |
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 Yellowstone N.P. |
On location | |
| Sightings of wildlife activity within a three mile radius. The time period of observations can also vary from a few hours to an entire year. (login to read more) | ||
 Killdeer feigning injury |
Response to predators and danger | |
| Predators are a persistent threat to most species. In response to danger, prey species have evolved counter measures to avoid being eaten. (login to read more) |
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 Rainbow Lorikeet |
Use of color and patterns | |
| An animal's color influences its vulnerability to predators and potentially, its ability to catch prey. Also, color enhances the effectiveness of courtship displays. However, which colors work best for a given species depend upon a number of factors. (login to read more) | ||