The Omland lab conducts a variety of projects focusing on character evolution, phylogeny and speciation in birds. Current projects focus on the New World Orioles (Icterus), the Common Raven (Corvus corax) and dabbling ducks (especially Gadwall, Anas strepera). We use rapidly evolving mitochondrial DNA sequences and multiple nuclear introns to construct species-level phylogenies, which we use to reconstruct the history of speciation, plumage, and behavioral evolution.

Graduate students sought for a five year NSF funded project on nuclear intron phylogeny, plumage color, and behavior.  Project involves comparisons of female behavior in species with elaborate vs. cryptic females.  Another goal of project is to combine data from multiple nuclear introns to test the mitochondrial phylogeny, and use the combined data trees to reconstruct the history of sexual dichromatism in the genus Icterus.  Students that have strong interests and experience in one or more of the following are especially encouraged to apply: molecular phylogeny; avian behavior and sexual selection; field work in Mexico.  Research assistant stipends start at $20,000.  For additional information and to let me know of your interests please send a brief letter of interest and CV to omland at umbc.edu
 

• Oriole project received funding from NSF
  
  CAREER DEB-0347083 -- Using Multiple Nuclear Introns to Reconstruct the History of Sexual Dichromatism in Orioles (Icterus): An International Research and Exchange Program
  
  

Nanda Cortes, visiting student from UNAM in Mexico City,
with Kevin Omland in the lab.