E. D. Ketterson

Determinants of spring migration departure dates in a New World sparrow: weather variables reign supreme

This study identifies weather variables as the primary predictors of spring migration departure dates in Dark-eyed Juncos, surpassing the influence of physiological and parasitism factors.

Movement-related drivers of exposure to West Nile virus by American robins (Turdus migratorius)

This study examines how movement patterns of American robins influence their exposure to West Nile virus, finding higher exposure rates but no link to migration distance or season.

Novel Rickettsia spp. in two common overwintering North American passerines

The paper identifies novel Rickettsia species in American robins and dark-eyed juncos, suggesting they may disperse these pathogens during spring migration.

Plasticity in female timing may explain current shifts in breeding phenology of a North American songbird

This study shows that female dark-eyed juncos breed earlier in response to warmer springs, with plasticity in timing playing a key role in phenological shifts due to climate change.

Artificial light at night amplifies seasonal relapse of haemosporidian parasites in a widespread songbird

This study shows artificial light at night increases parasitemia and desynchronizes immune responses in dark-eyed juncos, leading to seasonal relapse of chronic haemosporidian infections.

Exposure to artificial light at night accelerates but does not override latitude-dependent seasonal reproductive response in dark-eyed juncos

This study shows that artificial light at night accelerates reproductive timing in dark-eyed juncos but does not eliminate latitude-dependent differences between sedentary and migratory populations.

Reactivation of latent infections with migration shapes population-level disease dynamics

This study develops a mechanistic model showing how migratory relapse affects disease dynamics in migratory hosts, finding that relapse timing can increase or decrease infection prevalence depending on pathogen and host traits.

Breeding at higher latitude as measured by stable isotope is associated with higher photoperiod threshold and delayed reproductive development in a songbird

The paper compares two bird populations to assess how photoperiod affects breeding latitude and reproductive timing, finding differences in critical photoperiod thresholds and migration distance.

Urban birdsongs: higher minimum song frequency of an urban colonist persists in a common garden experiment

This study shows that urban birdsong frequency shifts persist in a controlled environment, suggesting genetic or early life factors, not just noise, drive these changes.