Project properties
Title Field projects: The role of habitat quality for bird personality and cognition
Group Behavioural Ecology
Project type thesis
Credits 36-39
Supervisor(s) Kees van Oers (WUR/NIOO)
Eva Serrano (NIOO-KNAW)
Xinrui Wang (NIOO/WUR)
Examiner(s) Prof. dr Kees van Oers
Contact info k.vanoers@nioo.knaw.nl kees.vanoers@wur.nl
Begin date 2024/09/01
End date 2028/01/01
Description How may habitat variation influence behavioural performance in wild birds and its fitness consequences?

Individuals differ in how they acquire and use knowledge. This often leads to a non-random distribution of behavioural types over the environment. Can habitat quality shape these differences?
To answer these questions, we will conduct experiments in a natural study population of great tit (Parus major) in the Westerheide (WH) study area near Arnhem (The Netherlands). It covers 250 ha of mixed wood, in which approximately 200 nest boxes were provided from 1998 onwards.

For the breeding (April-July) and non-breeding seasons (July-January), we are looking for highly motivated, independent students to join us during fieldwork. This topic is suitable for both an MSc thesis and MSc internships. This project offers the opportunity to gain experience in fieldwork, including bird handling and behavioural tests. Also habitat and invertebrate availability measures are possible. Additionally, the students will develop their research skills. There is room to come up with research questions (within the scope of the project) and to analyse (long-term) data collected during the breeding season.
Used skills Candidates must be able to demonstrate skill and enthusiasm for biological research as well as be aware that fieldwork requires the ability to work under extreme field conditions. Flexibility in time, also outside the normal working hours, is a must. A driver license is very useful and for some projects needed. Ability to engage in independent work is expected. The working language will be English, and Dutch language skills are not a requirement.
Requirements also internship is possible