Ecological factors have a variety of effects on the behavior of organisms. However, relatively little is known in detail about how these factors translate into different behavioral decisions. This study will address ecological and social variables affecting behavioral decisions during reproduction in a seldom-studied migratory songbird, the yellow-breasted chat. A combination of radiotelemetry, molecular genetics, behavioral observation and field experiments will be used to follow the movements, mating patterns, and behavioral choices of both males and females. Additionally ecological variables (vegetation density and food abundance) will be measured. This study will assess the often cryptic movements of chats (particularly females), offspring paternity, behavior of each sex in relation to the other, and the consequences for the reproductive success of individuals. This study has several scientifically important features. First, it will test general processes, proposed in more theoretical literature, shaping male/female interactions. Second, it will provide a more detailed understanding of the effect of ecological factors on breeding behavior. These features will offer valuable insight into the potential problems faced by a little-known migratory songbird and also uncover some of the ways in which these problems are overcome. Finally, this project will enhance the training of promising graduate and undergraduate students.
