The evolution of animal communication systems is the primary focus of research in my lab. We are especially interested in how signals encode specific types of information and how that information remains honest despite selection on some individuals to exaggerate or cheat. Because vocal signals are relatively easy to monitor, quantify, manipulate, and produce, we have focused on the role of song in mediating aggressive interactions and mate choice in territorial male songbirds. Techniques such as interactive song playback, multi-microphone array recording, and sound synthesis are being used to study the function and meaning of complex singing behavior in wren and sparrow species with repertoires of song types. We are also studying the role of song learning strategies in different species that result in different levels of song-type sharing among males and the ability to use song-type matching as a threat signal. Current species of special focus are the banded wren (in Costa Rica) and the tropical mockingbird (in Colombia).

I teach a course on the evolution of animal communication with co-instructor Jack Bradbury. We use a textbook we have written, which is the only such textbook available on this subject. The two of us also teach a lab and lecture course on methods in animal behavior. During the fall semester 2006, we were on sabbatical leave to work on a second edition of the animal communication text.