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Jay Burtka, M.S. student Major advisor: Jennifer Grindstaff. Behavioral ecology, avian ecology, and conservation.
B.S. 2005, Hillsdale College Email: jay.burtka@okstate.edu Website: http://web.me.com/jlgrind/Site/Home.html |
Specific Interests
In general, I am interested in avian behavior, communication, and factors influencing fitness and population fluctuations as well as interactions with invasive species.
My research involves the interaction between a native passerine, the Eastern Bluebird and an invasive competitor, the House Sparrow. I utilize simulated territorial intrusions to determine nest defense intensity in wild populations of Eastern Bluebirds. I also incorporate environmental and physiological parameters to explain this behavior and relate nest defense to nestling success and growth.