Research

Research Overview | Past Research | Current Research | Future Research

Field Research Station at Fort Missoula

Research Associates

• Dr. Andrew A. Biewener, Concord Field Station, Harvard University
• Dr. Stephen Gatesy, Brown University
• Dr. Erick P. Greene, The University of Montana
• Dr. Farish Jenkins, Harvard University
• Dr. Thomas E. Martin, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, The University of Montana
• Dr. Bret Tobalske, Concord Field Station, Harvard University
• Dr. Douglas Warrick, Minot State University, North Dakota

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Research Overview

The research focus of the Flight Laboratory is the what, how, and from whence of bird flight. Using a variety of laboratory (wind tunnels, electromyography, pressure transducers, flow probes, strain gauges, sonomicrometry, 3-d kinematics, high-speed film/video) and field techniques (60 Hz video, telemetry,) we seek to answer questions regarding the physical mechanisms, performance, and ecological implications of bird flight. Ultimately, we hope that the answers to these questions are useful in constructing a cogent story of the evolution of this remarkably diverse group of animals.

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Past Research

• Neuromuscular control of avian flight
• Skeletal mechanics
• Intermittent flight
• Avian breathing
• Maneuvering flight
• Mechanical power output of birds
• Regional contractile properties of the pigeon pectoralis
• Intermittent flight and body gliding in Zebra Finches
• Scaling of mechanical power output in Galliformes
• Mechanical power output of magpies
• Mechanical power output of European Starlings over a range of speeds

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Current Research

• Anatomical morphing and the cost of flight
• Scaling of mechanical power output of Anseriformes
• Scaling of maximum power output in Columbiformes
• Metabolic efficiency of a bird in flight
• Maneuvering performance: Predator evasion and the use of 3-D environments

• The evolution of bird flight: neotony, and models of early theropod fliers

Abstract - WAIR and the Evolution of Flight  |  AAAS - WAIR

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Future Research

• Life history and developmental strategies of locomotor performance
• Telemetric tracking of migration

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