Tropical forest birds are undergoing mysterious population declines, even in protected areas of primary forest. How is climate change affecting birds of Central and South America, and how are these populations expected to respond to future weather events? Despite urgent conservation concern, we still lack basic data on the ecology and life histories of birds at tropical latitudes. This seminar will discuss results from long-term studies in Panama suggesting that changes in rainfall regime may be the most important driver of tropical bird demography. Data from naturally occurring climate fluctuations, such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, can offer insights into how bird populations will respond to future changes in rainfall. Information on behavioral flexibility — and evolved tropical life-histories — can help understand and predict species’ resilience in a changing world.

This seminar is free and open to the public. Lunch will be available in the Guyot Atrium at noon. All attendees can register here in advance to attend this event via Zoom livestream.