Rosalyn Price-Waldman

Rosalyn is an evolutionary biologist broadly interested in the optics, development, genetics, and evolution of coloration and color vision in birds. During her Master’s work at San Diego State University, she used phylogenomic and macroevolutionary approaches to investigate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of tanagers, particularly the role of plumage coloration in speciation. In her PhD, she uses microscopy, spectrophotometry, and developmental biology to study the how evolutionary modifications in feathers can enhance the appearance of colorful plumage. Her work leverages museum collections and fieldwork and involves collaborations with the Humboldt Institute and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, among others.

Tangara tanagers are well known for their strikingly beautiful plumage, which is a complex mosaic of colorful, contrasting patches. Yet there is even more complexity to Tangara plumage than meets the eye. I will discuss how several unexpected features of feathers – from modifications to the shapes of feather branches to hidden white and black feather layers – have evolved to enhance the vibrancy of colorful tanager plumage.