Ecology & Evolution of BirdEggs

Ecology & Evolution of Avian Eggs

Bird eggs display extraordinary diversity in size, shape, structure, and coloration, reflecting millions of years of evolutionary adaptation. Our research investigates how eggshell traits evolve and how they relate to ecological conditions, reproductive strategies, and the evolutionary history of birds.

Avian Egg Trait Database (AETD)

A major component of this research is the Avian Egg Trait Database (AETD), a large-scale project led by Dr. Cassie Stoddard’s lab at Princeton University, with which our lab collaborates. The AETD aims to document eggshell traits across the breadth of avian diversity by integrating measurements from museum egg collections with modern analytical techniques.

Using non-destructive methods, the project collects detailed data on key eggshell characteristics, including:

• Egg size and shape

• Shell thickness (measured using magnetic inference techniques)

• Surface structure and topography

• Optical properties, measured using spectrometry across ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths

The current dataset includes paleognath birds and a broad comparative sample of approximately 500 avian species, with the long-term goal of expanding the database to include all modern bird species.

Genomics of Eggshell Color

Our collaborative research also integrates genomic approaches to investigate the genetic basis of eggshell coloration. By combining genomic data with large-scale trait datasets, we explore how genetic variation contributes to eggshell pigmentation and functional diversity across birds.

Macroevolution of Avian Reproductive Traits

Using comparative phylogenetic analyses, we examine how eggshell traits are shaped by ecological and environmental factors across the avian tree of life. These analyses help address questions such as:

• How eggshell structure evolves in response to climate and habitat

• The relationship between egg traits and reproductive strategies

• How ecological pressures shape the diversification of avian reproductive traits

Together, this research contributes to a broader understanding of the evolution of avian reproduction and the remarkable diversity of egg designs found across birds.