Research cluster: Ornithology

About our research

We use birds as model organisms to answer challenging questions in ecology, evolution, physiology and behaviour.

Our insights help conserve threatened birds and their host ecosystems in an age of unprecedented global change.

Our research interests include:

• the physiology of avian sensory systems
• global macroecological patterns of avian diversity and encompassing behaviour
• cognition
• reproductive biology
• phylogenetics
• taxonomy
• systematic conservation planning

We work in some of the most remote locations on earth, carrying out studies and conservation work with zoos and non-governmental organisations trying to save threatened species from imminent extinction.

Our expertise

Avian sensory systems and morphology

Birds are great models to understand how animals navigate the world around them. We explore avian touch (such as the function of rictal bristles), hearing and vocal production to draw wider conclusions. Using the latest imaging techniques, we’re learning why birds take the form they do and have even reconstructed the appearance of extinct species.

Bird song and acoustic communication

We’re studying how and why birds sing, and the physical and physiological limitations that affect their vocal behaviour. In particular we’re looking into how birds and other animals cope with noise pollution, which is a growing concern for conservation biologists as well as being a problem for human health.

Citizen science

In an age of increasing data availability, we are harnessing the power of citizen scientists to crowd-source valuable information about bird populations. This engagement is an incredibly powerful tool to understand population changes and build conservation support. Our work with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the US, the British Trust for Ornithology in the UK and Birdpacker in Indonesia has helped answer important questions about some of the world’s best loved bird populations.

Ecoacoustics

Advances in recording equipment are helping us to study bird populations in some of world’s most biodiverse and hard-to-reach regions. Autonomous recorders capture birdsong without researchers being present. We’re able then to use advanced software for profiling species and estimating bird abundance.

Land cover change and bird biodiversity

Changing land use is a serious threat to global bird biodiversity. Understanding how changes affect bird communities helps us build more resilient landscapes, whether they are salt marshes in temperate climates or tropical rainforests.

Optimising bird survey protocols

For decades we’ve led the field in developing and enhancing survey methods as well as adapting them to different species, communities and ecosystems. The data this helps us gather about abundance and population size estimates plays a crucial role in evaluating the conservation status for many globally-threatened species.

Phylogenetics and taxonomy for conservation

Revolutions in molecular ecology changed our understanding of the relationships between bird species and avian life in general. Using molecular genetic toolkits we are now able to revisit the taxonomic status of lost or threatened bird populations and provide evidence for setting conservation priorities.

Threatened species research

Detailed autecological studies have given us the evidence to support urgent conservation work for many poorly-known and rare tropical bird species. Support for parrot populations has been a long-term priority, but we’ve also helped protect Red-billed Curassows, Liben Larks, Yellow-crested Cockatoos, Black-winged Starlings, Pink Pigeons and Isabela Orioles.

Wildlife trade impacts

Unregulated and unsustainable use of wildlife for the pet trade or for food remains a major threat to wild bird populations. Our research is helping to understand these risks and support local stakeholders in finding ways to protect threatened species.

Urban bird ecology

Urban ecosystems are an unprecedented challenge for biodiversity - but also a novel opportunity. As more people move into cities, urban areas are becoming the only place where many of us will routinely encounter wild birds. We study how birds fare in urban environments and what city living means for people’s connection with nature.