Research Training Program

Camilo Sanin
Universidad de Los Andes
Bogotá, Colombia

R. Terry Chesser, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Vertebrate Zoology,
Division of Birds

"I feel incredibly fortunate to
be part of the Research Training
Program. I can't think of a
better way, nor can I think
of a better place than the
Smithsonian to start my
research career."

Appearances Can Be Deceiving:
New Techniques Reveal Hidden Variation in Birds

Due to their charisma and conspicuousness, birds are one of the most studied biological organisms. Their behavior, ecology, and diversity are thought to be well understood given that they sense the world the same way that we do, through sight and sound. However, although most believe birds are well understood, modern techniques like ultraviolet photography and molecular data reveal that there is still much more to learn. This research investigated several populations of Cincldes fuscus, an overnbird from Patagonia and the high Andes in South America, which were presumed to be the same. By investigating their DNA it was discovered that there is actually deep genetic variation hidden underneath the rather uniform plumage. Thus, what was once thought to be a single, uniform species found across a variety of locations now appears to be different, distinct populations particular to specific areas. This discovery has significant implications for determining conservation strategies of highland ecosystems.

This research was supported by the Robert Fri Internship Endowment.