In collaboration with researchers from across the range (Ohio State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Louisiana and South Carolina Audubon, and Smithsonian) we study the breeding ecology, genetics, behavior (including sexual selection), evolution, and migratory strategies of this iconic species of the bottomland forests of the eastern United States in order to help reverse long-term population declines (1%/yr for the past 50 years). We also trying to understand the mechanisms underlying Bergmann's rule in this migratory species and how fragmentation of forests in the Mississippi Delta has affected the species.

Photo by M. Johnson