Functional Traits and their Application to Avian Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

The emergence of global species trait datasets provides a window onto a wide range of evolutionary and ecological processes, as well as associated ecosystem functions. Ornithology has led the way, with a surge in the availability of biogeographical information, population trends, trait data, and comprehensive phylogenies for the world’s birds. This talk will summarise recent progress at the frontiers of trait-based ecology and evolutionary biology, focusing on current challenges and opportunities, including the development of trait-based metrics of ecological integrity and resilience. Overall, avian functional traits offer a vital template for understanding and predicting ecosystems and their response to environmental change.