Avian Ecology
and Conservation Biology
Most of the research performed by this lab has been in the field of behavioural ecology. This work focuses on
reproductive strategies and social organization. The broad objective of these studies is to understand adaptations for breeding, interpreted in the context of the selective forces involved in their evolution. Current projects include studies of
copulation, paternity, mating systems and parental care in Tree Swallows, evolution of clutch-size in cavity nesting birds, and feeding behaviour and clutch characteristics of Eastern Bluebirds. DNA fingerprinting for paternity analysis is done in cooperation with
Dr. Peter Boag and the Queen's Molecular Ecology Lab. A common
denominator of these studies has been the use of field experiments. Most studies have been conducted at the
Queen's University Biological Station where I am Director, and spend the field season.
Recently, however, I have begun to explore the conservation biology of birds, with a focus on the effects of forest
and other habitat management practices on passerine bird communities. Current studies involve (a) a conservation strategy
for the vulnerable Cerulean Warbler: effects of forest harvesting on behaviour and breeding success, (b) gene flow, dispersal,
and implications for population declines in the Cerulean Warbler (in collaboration with
Dr. Vicki Friesen), (c) breeding biology and habitat requirements of the Golden-winged Warbler, (d) conservation biology of residents
and migrants in successional habitats in the Calakmul Model Forest, Mexico.
I currently have 6 graduate students and 1 honours student
working in my lab,
at the Queen's University Biological Station, and in Mexico. If you would like to read a list of my publications, click here.
Return to the top.
Created: 23 January, 1998
HTML tagging by Jason Jones for Professor Raleigh J. Robertson, Department of Biology,
Queen's University.
The information contained in this document is ©
copyright Dr. Raleigh J. Robertson, 1998. All rights reserved.
Cerulean Warbler photo @ 1997 William J. McLeish.
Document Is: http://.../index.html
Technical comments and corrections to this web page should
be directed to JJ.
Other comments should be directed to Dr.
Raleigh J. Robertson.
Last Updated: 18 October 2000 by JJ