Related Links

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Education

Ph.D. University of South Florida, Tampa (1974). Biology
M.A. University of California, Berkeley (1965). Zoology, minor Botany
B.A. University of California, Berkeley (1963). Zoology

Research Interests

Current research interests: (1) Social behavior and ecology of Neotropical birds, with emphasis on the evolution of lek behavior, and the ecology of avian frugivory, and seed dispersal; (2) Ecology of migrating and wintering nearctic birds; (3) Biodiversity studies, particularly the development of standard methods for measuring and monitoring biodiversity of different groups of organisms; (4) Conservation biology of birds.

Selected Publications

Foster, M. S. 2007. Winter behavior and ecology of the Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) in Peru. Neotropical Ornithology 18:171-186.

Foster, M. S. 2007. The potential of fruiting trees to enhance converted habitats for migrating birds in southern Mexico. Bird Conservation International 17:45-61.

Doucet, S. M., D. B. McDonald , Mercedes S. Foster, and Rob P. Clay. 2007. Plumage development and molt in Long-Tailed Manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis): Variation according to sex and age. Auk 124: 29-43

Mueller, G. M., G. F. Bills, and M. S. Foster. 2004. Biodiversity of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods. Elsevier Academic Press, New York. 777 pp.

Foster, M. S. 2001. Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu: Panorama general. Pp. 19-22, In: L.O. Rodríguez (ed.). El Manu y otras Experiencias de Investigación y Manejo de Bosques Neotropicales. Proyecto Aprovechamiento y Manejo Sostenible de la Reserva de Biosfera y Parque Nacional del Manu. 309 pp.

Foster, M. S. 2001. Estandardización en los estudios de diversidad biologica. Pp. 73-80, In: L.O. Rodríguez (ed.). El Manu y otras Experiencias de Investigación y Manejo de Bosques Neotropicales. Proyecto Aprovechamiento y Manejo Sostenible de la Reserva de Biosfera y Parque Nacional del Manu. 309 pp.

Foster, M. S. 2001. Prefacio de la editora de la serie sobre la traducción. Pp. xxiii- xxv, In: E. O. Lavilla (transl.) W. R. Heyer, M. A. Donnelly, R. W. McDiarmid, L. C. Hayek, and M. S. Foster (eds.). 1994. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity, Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 364 pp.

Scott, J. M., E. A. Norse, H. Arita, A. Dobson, J. A. Estes, M. S. Foster, B. Gilbert, D. B. Jensen, R. L. Knight, D. Mattson, and M. E. Soulé. 1999. The issue of scale in selecting and designing biological reserves. Pp. 19-37, In: M. Soulé and J. Terborgh (eds.). Continental Conservation: Scientific Foundations of Regional Reserve Networks. Island Press. Washington, D.C.

Dobson, A., K. Ralls, M. S. Foster, M. E. Soulé, D. Simberloff, D. Doak, J. Estes, L. S. Mills, D. Mattson, R. Dirzo, H. Arita, S. Ryan, E. A. Norse, R. F. Noss, and D. Johns. 1999. Corridors: Reconnecting fragmented landscapes. Pp. 129-170. In: M. Soulé and J. Terborgh (eds.). Continental Conservation: Scientific Foundations of Regional Reserve Networks. Island Press. Washington, D.C.

Foster, M. S., and L. S. DeLay. 1998. Dispersal of Mimetic Seeds of Three Species of Ormosia (Leguminosae). Journal of Tropical Ecology 14:389-411.

Foster, M. S., and J. Terborgh. 1998. Impact of a Rare Storm Event on an Amazonian Forest. Biotropica 30:470-474.