Hastings Natural History Reservation

01 Jul, 05 AM - 15 Jul, 05 AM

My dissertation research will examine vocal communication among California Towhees (Pipilo crissalis). California Towhees are supposed to be sedentary and monogamous for life, creating interactions among individuals that may persist over several years. Repeated interactions should allow California Towhees to recognize each other and to adjust their behavior appropriately towards mates, offspring and neighbors. In such a context there are expected benefits to stereotyped communication. California Towhees are passerine birds with the ability to learn new vocal behaviors throughout life. California Towhees are also excellent model organisms because they have a very simple vocal repertoire, allowing ready quantification of vocal traits within a learning context. Towhee vocalizations are both adaptive and plastic. By examining the patterns of vocal behavior among individuals, I will have an opportunity to explore communication mechanisms and functions within this species. My goal is to understand the selective factors shaping the California Towhee vocal repertoire, and recognition ability in particular. My upcoming experiments will focus on intersexual communication by examining duets performed by mated pairs. In addition to the focus on vocal behavior, my research will be the first to rigorously verify P. crissalis social systems and space use. Reasearch activities will include, trapping, banding, recording and observing California Towhees on the reserve. All necessary permits are in place. This year's field season is part of an ongoing study.

Visit #9188 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 681 | Research

Behavioral Ecology of California Towhees

graduate_student - University of California, Berkeley

Reservation Members(s)

Lauryn Benedict Jul 1 - 15, 2005 (15 days)
Lauryn Benedict Jul 1 - 15, 2005 (15 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Red House #1 2 Jul 1 - 15, 2005