Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) breeding season roost site selection in a working agricultural landscape in Clay County, Mississippi
Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) have been considered a beloved gamebird of the North American hunter for generations. Unfortunately, bobwhite populations are experiencing range-wide population declines. By the early 1990s, bobwhite populations declined by 60-80% throughout approximately 70% of their range. Read More
Statement on common name changes
The Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) strongly endorses efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of ornithology and the pastime of birding. The recent decision by the American Ornithological Society to change all eponymous bird names caused a stir in much of the ornithological community. We have had many discussions among AFO […] Read More
Studying Bird Migration without ever capturing a single bird
The ability to attach devices such as satellite transmitters or geolocators to birds has transformed our knowledge of how birds migrate. However, these technologies have their limits. They require capturing the birds, usually twice, and the expense limits most studies to a small number of individuals within a relatively limited portion of their range. Also, some species, such as the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, are too small to allow tagging with current geolocators. Read More
Long-term changes in arrival timing and site functionality in two passerine species during spring migration in northeastern Pennsylvania, USA
We have been studying migratory songbirds for more than 18 years in and near Lackawanna State Park in Lackawanna County Pennsylvania, USA. Over the years we have examined a number of questions, mostly focused migration. In addition to capturing and banding birds for identification, we take assorted morphological measures, weigh, age (via plumage and measurements), and sex […] Read More
The influence of artificial light on the behaviour of a nocturnal bird
Light pollution caused by artificial light at night (or ALAN) is one of many factors of the ever-increasing urbanization of the planet that impact the behaviour and ecology of organisms. The use of artificial light in rural and natural areas in addition to dense urban centres mean its one of the more pervasive symptoms of urbanization and can alter natural environments even quite far from cities. However, the ecological consequences of ALAN on the behaviour of organisms is not well understood, […] Read More
Sex determination of Eastern White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys) using wing chord length
The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a common, sexually monochromatic (male and female coloration is identical) songbird species that occurs across North America in different seasons. For this reason, it is one of the most commonly studied songbirds in North America. The White-crowned Sparrow has four currently recognized subspecies: Eastern (leucophrys), Gambel’s (gambelii), Nuttall’s (nuttalli) […] Read More
Three professional societies unite on National Science Foundation grant in effort to increase access and inclusivity in ornithology
The landscape of science is changing: People from increasingly varied backgrounds, identities, cultures, and genders are pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Support for this more diverse population of scientists needs to extend beyond “one size fits all” to better meet the needs of today’s scientists. Expanding support and strengthening the sense of community for individuals […] Read More
Annual members meeting (virtual) on May 22, 2023
Please join us for AFO’s 2023 Business Meeting on Monday, May 22nd at 3pm Eastern Time on Zoom. We will provide an update on our Communications and Marketing Specialist position along with voting on nominations to Council positions (See Agenda below). Check out our website for names and biographies of our nominees. Directly following the […] Read More
