Welcome to the Ward Laboratory!

Avian Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation

Our research focuses on understanding the habitat selection, population dynamics, and movement ecology of birds in changing landscapes. We explore how land use change, management practices, and habitat availability and selection shape bird populations and their movements across seasons.

Based in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we work with a diverse array of species from the Midwest to Mexico and beyond. By combining field studies, cutting-edge tracking technologies, and strong partnerships, we aim to generate science that informs conservation solutions. Whether you’re a student eager to learn, a collaborator looking to connect, or simply curious about birds and their habitats, we invite you to explore our work and join us in sustaining bird populations for the future.

Ward Laboratory
Turner Hall
1102 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Email: mpward@illinois.edu