Current Research

My lab focuses primarily on developing molecular phylogenies of avian lineages, and using those phylogenies to address systematic and evolutionary-based questions.  The lab is currently focused on the phylogenetics and historical biogeography of Old World thrushes, chats and flycatchers, particularly those found in Africa.  Fieldwork to collect samples occurs annually, and an emerging interest is phylogeographic and specimen-based studies of broadly distributed African bird species that occupy different habitats along their latitudinal distributions.  Other interests include the evolution of migration and behaviors in a phylogenetic context, and the study of molt patterns in relation to breeding and non-breeding ecology.  The lab is working to establish Texas and regional studies similar to those being addressed elsewhere.

Recent Publications

• Voelker, G., and J. Klicka. 2008. Systematics of Zoothera thrushes, and a synthesis of True Thrush molecular systematic relationships. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 49:377-381.

• Voelker, G., S. Rohwer, D. C. Outlaw and R. C. K. Bowie. In press. Repeated trans-Atlantic dispersal catalyzed a global songbird radiation. Global Ecology and Biogeography.

• Voelker, G., and R. K. Outlaw. 2008. Establishing a perimeter position: thrush speciation around the Indian Ocean Basin. J. Evolutionary Biology 21:1779-1788.

• Outlaw, D. C., and G. Voelker. 2008. Pliocene climatic change in insular Southeast Asia as an engine of diversification in Ficedula flycatchers. J. of Biogeography 35:739-752.