In many of our studies, we combine molecular genetic methods developed in the laboratory with field-based data collection for DNA sampling, habitat use, and behavior.

Our fieldwork takes place across a wide range of environments, from Amazonian floodplain forests to the dry forests of the Caatinga in northeastern Brazil, South America, the deciduous forests of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, and the sky-island pine forests of New Mexico in North America.

Because much of our research focuses on birds, we use mist nets to capture individuals to collect phenotypic data such as plumage coloration and body size and use active observations to characterize species’ habitat. We also conduct long-term population monitoring by tagging individuals, which allows us to estimate survival rates, reproductive success, age, and dispersal—information that is essential for addressing some of our ecological and evolutionary questions.

Below are some photos from our fieldwork: