Clay Green

Courses

Field Ornithology (BIO 4418/5418)
Mammalogy (BIO 4422/5422)
Conservation Biology (BIO 7346)
 

Research Interests

Dr. Green's research primarily focuses on avian ecology, behavior, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on waterbirds and herons, such as the Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens). Key themes include:

1. Conservation Biology: Examining population dynamics, habitat use, and conservation planning for rare and endangered waterbirds, including assessments of species distribution and genetic diversity.
2. Behavioral Ecology: Investigating foraging strategies, habitat selection, and social behaviors of waterbirds, often in relation to environmental variability and human impact.
3. Human-Wildlife Interactions: Studying the effects of urbanization, recreational disturbance, and artificial light on bird behavior and survival.
4. Technological Applications in Ecology: Employing drones, satellite telemetry, and habitat modeling to improve wildlife monitoring and ecological understanding.
5. Collaborative and Global Focus: Contributions to international efforts, such as the Reddish Egret International Working Group and IUCN Heron Specialist Group, showcase a commitment to global avian conservation.

Dr. Green's work combines field-based observational studies with advanced ecological modeling and molecular techniques, providing critical insights into avian life histories, population resilience, and species recovery strategies.

Selected Publications

Ryan, J., M.C. Green, and T.P. Gocha. 2025. Red-tailed Hawk competition and consumption of human carrion during Winter Storm Uri in Central Texas. Journal of Raptor Research. 

Gula, J., M.C. Green, S. Fritts, W.R.J. Dean and K.S.G. Sundar. 2022. Assessments of range-wide distribution of six African storks and their relationships with protected areas. Ostrich 93(1): 34-52.

Haverland, A.A., M.C. Green, F. Weckerly and J.K. Wilson. 2021. Black Rail home range and habitat selection in late winter and early breeding season in coastal Texas. Waterbirds 44(2): 222-233. 

Collins, S.A., W. Selman, M.C. Green and W.T. Strong. 2021. Reproductive Ecology and Nest Success of Reddish Egrets on a Natural Marsh Island in Southwestern Louisiana. Waterbirds 44(1): 1-12.

Shahrokhi, G., M.C. Green, D. Rodriguez, S. Collins, G. Kent, K. Meyer and E. Palacios. 2020. A re-evaluation of management units based on gene flow of a rare waterbird in the Americas. Biotropica 52(6): 1107-1114.

Barr, J.R., M.C. Green, S.J. DeMaso, and T.B. Hardy. 2020. Drone surveys do not increase colony-wide flight behavior at waterbird nesting sites, but sensitivity varies among species. Scientific Reports 10:3781. 

Koczur, L.M., M.C. Green, B.M. Ballard, P.E. Lowther, and R.T. Paul. 2020. Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (P.G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.

Shah, J.N., S. Javed, S.A.S.B. Khan, A.A. Al Hammadi, E.A. Al Hammadi, P.S. Soorae, S.S. Al Dhaheri, S.E. Durham and M.C. Green. 2018. Distribution and temporal trends of Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis) populations along the Arabian Gulf Coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Waterbirds 41:376-383.

Palacios, E., E.S. Amador Silva, M.C. Green, M.A. González-Bernal and J.A. Castillo-Guerrero. 2018. The Colonies of Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) in Western México. Waterbirds 41: 401-410.

Morgan, D., M.C. Green, M. Morrison, T.R. Simpson. 2018. Tree species use and seasonal response to food availability of black-capped vireo. Southeastern Naturalist 17:560-582. 

Tolliver, J.D.M., A.A. Moore, M.C. Green and F.W. Weckerly. 2018. Coastal Texas black rail population states and survey effort. Journal of Wildlife Management. DOI:10.1002/jwmg.21589.

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