NSF Award
8919298
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a well-known inhabitant of American marshes and fields. Among birds, this species is somewhat unusual because of its mating system in which one male attracts several females who nest within his territory. Generally, such a mating system is associated with reduced male parental care, perhaps because males stand to gain more from getting more females than from caring for their young. Male red- winged blackbirds, however, care for their helpless and immobile nestlings in three distinct ways: They act as sentinels by sitting at prominent, exposed perches to look for potential predators; as defenders by harassing and attacking predators that are searching for prey; and as providers by feeding their nestlings. In some populations, such as the one to be studied, the male's parental care is substantial and effective in improving the health and survival of the young. Dr. Yasukawa's research will examine the causes and effects of paternal investment in nestling red-winged blackbirds. Both observations and experiments will be conducted, and all research will be carried out in the field on a wild population with minimal disturbance to the birds. Much of the research will be performed by undergraduate students, who will make significant contributions to all aspects of the project and get valuable experience in scientific field work.
