Bird Ecology Lab
Bird Ecology Lab (BEL). Cutting-edge research in the Southern Hemisphere, focused on diverse methodological approaches ranging from phylogenetic comparative analyses and experimental studies to applied research and long-term monitoring programs.
What We Do
At BEL, our research focuses on understanding bird responses to natural and anthropogenic challenges. Our main research lines include:
Ecophysiology and Migration
We investigate the physiological and behavioral adaptations of birds during the preparation and execution of their migrations, with a special emphasis on shorebirds and their flight strategies within the Eastern Pacific.
Evolutionary Ecology and Health
We study sexual selection, dimorphisms, and parasitic ecology using molecular tools and body condition.
Conservation Biology and Anthropogenic
We evaluate the impact of human activities (aquaculture, tourism) on birds for better territorial planning.
Long-Term Monitoring
We maintain capture and banding programs to generate robust databases that allow us to understand the population dynamics and natural history of resident and migratory birds in Chile.
Team
Our team consists of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as associate researchers, all united by the motivation to contribute to the knowledge of the ecology, evolution, and natural history of Neotropical and Nearctic birds.
Publications
Our scientific contribution (2015 – present)
2026
5 PapersGutiérrez J., Vergara-Amado J., Martorell C., Navedo J.G., Wille M., Guajardo-Leiva S., Castro-Nallar E., Verdugo C. (2026). Functional shifts in the gut DNA virome in a long-distance migratory shorebird during the pre-migratory fattening. Molecular Ecology, 35:e70315.DOI
Maldonado S., Sánchez-Méndez M.F., Oyarzun-Ruiz P., Vargas-Chacoff L., Navedo J.G., Valdebenito J.O. (2026). Parasite egg shedding rhythms are independent of feeding habits in a small shorebird host. ParasitologyDOI
Gherardi-Fuentes C., Ruiz J., Senner N.R., Johnson J.A., Masero J.A., Gutiérrez J., Verdugo C., Navedo J.G. (2026). Lack of population structure of an extreme migratory shorebird: evidence of gene flow between seemingly segregated populations. Ecology and Ecolution, 16:e72771.DOI
Cosentino J.M., McKellar A.E., Hobson K.A., Navedo J.G., Newstead D., Morrissey C.A. (2026). Discriminating overwintering origins of a long-distance migratory shorebird staging in the Midcontinent flyway. Avian Conservation and Ecology, 21(1):6.DOI
Harrison A.-L., ... Navedo G.J. ... Wunder M.B. (2026). The collective application of shorebird tracking data to conservation. Conservation Biology, 2025:e70194..DOI
2025
5 PapersClements, S. J., Loghry, J. P., Linscott, J. A., Ruiz, J., Gunn, J. C., Navedo, J. G., Senner, N. R., Ballard, B. M., & Weegman, M. D. (2025). Migration strategy and constraint in migration behavior vary among shorebird species with different life histories. Ecosphere, 16(1), e70161.DOI
Drever, M. C., Bautista-Sopelana, L. M., Alonso, J. C., Navedo, J. G., & Hrachowitz, M. (2025). Modelling migration dynamics of Common Cranes and Eurasian Spoonbills as hydrological flow. Ibis, 167, 962–978.DOI
Martínez-Curci, N. S., Isacch, J. P., Fernández, J. L., Bogel, F., Ruiz, J., & Navedo, J. G. (2025). Role of wetlands in the Pampas of Argentina in global shorebird conservation. Conservation Biology, 39, e70104.DOI
Miranda, O. G., Colchero, F., Valdebenito, J. O., et al. (2025). Biased birth sex ratios of mammals and birds in zoos. Scientific Reports, 15, 20506.DOI
Miranda, O. G., Rodrigues, P., Székely, T., Szarvas, R., & Valdebenito, J. O. (2025). Migratory protogyny and condition-dependent arrival in Icelandic Red-necked Phalaropes. Ornis Fennica, 102(1), 43–49.DOI
Our Services
The Bird Ecology Lab (BEL) features highly trained staff and infrastructure for the applied study of avifauna. Collectively, we have over 50 years of experience in wild bird capture, sampling, and monitoring techniques, working with diverse groups including waterbirds, raptors, passerines, and shorebirds.
Molecular Bird Sexing
Sex determination using non-invasive DNA techniques.
Molecular Diagnosis of Parasites
Detection of hemoparasites (Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon) using molecular methods.
Specialized Fieldwork
Capture, banding, and biological sampling of wild birds adhering to ethical and scientific standards.
AustralAVEX
Rental of specialized aviaries for scientific research, unique in South America, designed for experimental studies.
Environmental Consulting
Expert advice in ornithology and conservation for public and private projects.
Deployment of geolocation devices and biologgers
State-of-the-art attachment techniques for collecting geospatial and physiological data in birds.