Clay Green

Courses

Field Ornithology (BIO 4418/5418)
Mammalogy (BIO 4422/5422)
Avian Ecology and Evolution (BIO 7102I)
Waterbird Management (BIO 7102H)
Conservation Biology (BIO 7346)
Spatial Ecology of Animals (BIO 7360Q)

Research Interests

My research interests are focused on the ecology and evolution of birds and mammals. Areas of specific interest include the evolution of plumage coloration in birds, especially in plumage dimorphic species such as Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens). I am also interested in the evolutionary and ecological significance of sociality in birds and mammals and the effects of sociality in foraging, territoriality and reproductive behavior. Furthermore, I am interested in the conservation implications associated with understanding the social behavior of birds and mammals. I also have graduate students studying a broad array of topics in mammalian and avian ecology including habitat use, reproductive ecology, foraging behavior, and survey methodology. Past and on-going projects include: (1) Influence and ecological significance of plumage coloration in waterbirds, (2) Survey and monitoring of waterbird colonies, (3) Ecology and status of the Reddish Egret, and (4) Reproductive ecology of waterbirds, both colonial and solitary nesting species.

Selected Publications

Bock, J.A., M.C. Green and D.G. Huffman. In Press. Nesting ecology and hatchling ontogeny of Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus). Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society.

Troy, J.R., N.D. Holmes, T. Joyce, J.H. Behnke and M.C. Green. In Press. Small-scale environmental characteristics associated with Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) Burrows on Kauai. Waterbirds.

Duarte, A., J.S. Hatfield, J.D. Nichols, T.M. Swannack, M.R.J. Forstner, M.C. Green, and F.W. Weckerly. 2015. Simulating range-wide population and breeding habitat dynamics for an endangered woodland warbler in the face of uncertainty. Ecological Modeling 320:52-61.

Geary, B., B. Ballard, and M.C. Green. 2015. Movements and survival of juvenile reddish egrets on the Gulf coast. Endangered Species Research 28: 123-133.

Koczur, L.M., G.M. Kent, B. Geary*, B.M. Ballard, K.D. Meyer and M.C. Green. 2015. Measurements of adult and hatch-year Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens). Waterbirds 38:308-311.

Munters, A.E., S.A. Heath and M.C. Green. 2015. Testing field sexing techniques for American Oystercatchers. Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society. 47:1-5.

Troy, J.R., J.A. Veech, N.D. Holmes, A.F. Raine and M.C. Green. 2014. Habitat suitability modeling for the Newell's Shearwater on Kauai. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 5:315-329.

Koczur, L.M., A.E. Munters, S.A. Heath, B.M. Ballard, M.C. Green, S.J. Dinsmore and F. Hernández. 2014. Reproductive Success of the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) in Texas. Waterbirds 37:371-380.

Holderby, Z., A. Hill, E. Palacios, M.C. Green, E. Amador, and C. De Dios. 2014. Comparisons of Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) diet during the breeding season across its geographic range. Waterbirds 37:136-143.

Troy, J.R., N.D. Holmes, J.A. Veech, and M.C. Green. 2013. Using observed seabird fallout records to infer patterns of attraction to artificial light. Endangered Species Research 22:225-234.

Holderby, Z., W. Simper, B. Geary and M. C. Green. 2012. Potential factors affecting nest initiation date, clutch size, and nest success in the plumage dimorphic Reddish Egret. Waterbirds 35:437-442.

Please see faculty member’s CV or website for a complete list of publications and additional information.