M. E. Hauber

Repeated behavioral evolution is associated with targeted convergence of gene expression in cavity-nesting songbirds

The paper investigates convergent evolution in cavity-nesting birds, finding behavioral similarities but limited gene expression convergence across species.

Microstructural and crystallographic evolution of palaeognath (Aves) eggshells

This study analyzes the microstructure and crystallography of palaeognath eggshells across clades to determine evolutionary relationships and ancestral states.

Pressure for rapid and accurate mate recognition promotes avian-perceived plumage sexual dichromatism in true thrushes (genus: Turdus)

The paper tests how ecological factors influence plumage sexual dichromatism in true thrushes, finding migratory behavior and sympatry with other species increase dichromatism.

Visual acuity and egg spatial chromatic contrast predict egg rejection behavior of American robins

This study tests how American robins reject model eggs based on visual acuity and spatial chromatic contrast, finding that larger pattern features increase rejection likelihood.

Loss of graded enemy recognition in a Whitehead population allopatric with brood parasitic Long-tailed Cuckoos

The paper tests behavioral responses of Whitehead populations to different stimuli and finds that allopatric Whiteheads on Tiritiri Matangi produce alarm calls to cuckoo models, suggesting loss of specific anti-parasitic defenses.

Glucocorticoids mediate egg rejection in a brood parasite host

This study shows that reducing corticosterone levels in American robins decreases their likelihood of rejecting foreign eggs, indicating a causal role for glucocorticoids in this host defense behavior.

Shared transcriptional responses to con- and heterospecific behavioral antagonists in a wild songbird

The paper examines gene expression responses in red-winged blackbirds to conspecific and heterospecific antagonists, finding shared immune-related downregulation and distinct metabolic upregulation in response to conspecifics.

Avian diet and foraging ecology constrain foreign egg recognition and rejection

The paper examines how avian diet and foraging ecology influence egg rejection rates in host species against brood parasitism.