© Juan Camilo Ruíz
My research intersects the fields of ornithology, bioacoustics, community-based science, and cultural anthropology. I use a field-based and lab-based approach. Most of my work is based in Colombia, where I conduct ornithological surveys, and I work closely with local communities. Most recently, I started collaborating with colleagues in Canada. Some of my ongoing projects are:
Holding a male and a female of Lafresnaye’s piculets (Picumnus lafresnayi) in Caquetá, Colombia. Photo by Federico Rios.
Vocal mimicry in the Gray Seedeater (Sporophila intermedia)
Vocal mimicry, the behavior where birds imitate the sounds of other species, occurs across many avian families. While this behavior has been well documented in several temperate-zone species, much less is known about its occurrence and function in tropical regions. ​
A mimetic signaling system involves three ecological protagonists: a model, a mimic, and a receiver. The model produces a sound; the mimic reproduces the sound heard from the model; and the receiver listens to the mimetic sound. My research focuses on this triad through studies of the Gray Seedeater (Sporophila intermedia). Through field research, I will evaluate novel hypotheses of vocal mimicry in songbirds. In my dissertation, I aim to expand our understanding of the behavior and ecology of avian vocal mimicry.
A male Gray seedeater banded in Cundinamarca, Colombia.
El Mochuelo beyond the birdcage.
Bridging biological and social sciences for broad perspectives and different lenses of research questions.
The sounds of many birds are so distinctive that they are even the root of some common names as onomatopoeias of their vocalizations (e.g., Eastern Whip-poor-will or Kookookoo –in ojibwe–). Common bird names tell stories of the interactions between humans and their environments. By exploring the connections between humans and birds, we can gain insights into the biology and ecology of bird species and the cultural traits of ethnic groups. The Grey Seedeater has a special place in Colombian Caribbean culture, known locally as “Mochuelo pico de maíz” (which roughly translates to Yellow-billed seedeater). My goal is to foster an open dialogue between scientific knowledge acquired during my fieldwork and the socioecological knowledge held by local communities regarding seedeaters.
The hidden voices of female birds.
The importance of documenting their vocalizations in a megadiverse country.
Information on female vocalizations is notably underrepresented in the literature and recordings worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Colombia is home to the most biodiverse avifauna, hosting nearly 2000 species. The recent update to Colombia's bird checklist, increasing the count from 1909 to 1966 species since 2017, reflects the collaborative efforts of ornithologists, bird watchers, and local communities. This underscores the importance of community involvement in avian conservation. Building on this cooperative spirit, I aim to contribute novel, transparent, and reliable science by focusing on female vocalizations and advancing our understanding of the biology and ecology of tropical bird species.
Figure adapted from Odom & Benedict, 2018.