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. Donald Powers, George Fox University
• Dr. Douglas Warrick, Oregon State University

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Research Overview

Using a variety of laboratory (wind tunnels, particle image velocimetry, electromyography, pressure transducers, flow probes,

strain gauges, sonomicrometry, 3-d kinematics) and field techniques (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
• 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

• Aerodynamics of hovering in hummingbirds
• Intermittent flight
• Scaling of mechanical power output
• Ontogeny and the evolution of flight
• Scaling of maximum power output in Columbiformes
• Metabolic efficiency of a bird in flight

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