Variation in Extra-pair Fertilizations in Socially Monogamous Songbirds and Nest Predation
Diane L. Neudorf, Associate Professor, Director of the Texas Bird Sound Library and Curator of Birds - Sam Houston State Vertebrate Museum

My research focuses on the evolution of extra-pair mating systems in birds through study of the variation in levels of extra-pair mating among species and the benefits and costs of this behavior to males and females. In particular, I have been studying extra-pair mating behavior in two species, the Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), which exhibits little to no extra-pair mating and the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) a species that engages in extra-pair mating. REU projects will focus on quantifying male investment in offspring care, time spent in territorial defense, documentation of extra-territorial movements through radio-tracking, and male mate guarding behavior for both species. A second area of study involves quantifying songbird nest predation in habitats with varying levels of urbanization. REU projects will involve quantifying predation rates and identifying predators of both artificial nests and natural nests of songbirds in different habitats.

For more information on this REU opportunity, please e-mail Dr. Neudorf at neudorf@shsu.edu.