Vocal mimicry in the tooth-billed bowerbird

Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Lead Researcher: Doctor Anastasia Dalziell

About the project

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at Western Sydney University is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate the vocal mimicry of the tooth-billed bowerbird. The PhD candidate's work will be part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project investigating vocal mimicry in Australian songbirds. This research program is a collaboration between the HIE, The Australian National University, Exeter University (UK), and the University of the Pacific (USA).

Vocal mimicry is widespread among songbirds, yet much remains unknown about the evolutionary origin and maintenance of this trait. While the most conspicuous forms of vocal mimicry are typically performed by male birds during courtship; both sexes often mimic, and mimicry can function across multiple ecological contexts. Increasing our knowledge of the ecology of vocal mimicry in the region where birdsong began – Australia – will help provide a more thorough understanding of vocal mimicry and the evolution of vocal learning.

The tooth-billed bowerbird is a versatile and accurate vocal mimic restricted to the tropical montane forests of north Queensland. Little is known about the form and function of their vocal mimicry, especially outside male courtship displays.

This PhD project will combine fieldwork with data analysis to assess vocal mimicry in tooth-billed bowerbirds in both sexes and across socioecological contexts, including at display courts and nests. This project will then synthesise this new knowledge in the context of other known Australian vocal mimics.

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr Anastasia Dalziell (HIE), together with Prof Justin Welbergen (HIE) and Dr Fiona Backhouse (HIE), and in collaboration with researchers involved in the ARC Discovery Project. The successful applicant is anticipated to commence work as early as October 2025.

Western Sydney University is ranked 1st in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for its success in delivering the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What does the scholarship provide?

• Domestic Candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,188 (AUD) per annum for 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• Operational costs are covered under the overarching ARC Discovery Project.
• Support is also included for conference attendance, fieldwork, and additional costs, as approved by the HIE.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds who are keen to apply their skills to key questions in animal behavioural ecology and evolution. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in avian ecology and evolution.

This application is open to domestic students only.

The successful applicant should:

• hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to behavioural ecology or related disciplines. Previous experience with the quantitative analysis of acoustic and visual data would be considered a distinct advantage, as would be the ability to identify bird sounds by ear.
• be able to work in challenging, remote locations, for protracted periods, under tropical montane conditions.
• be able to work as part of a team of national and international researchers and liaise with landholders.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

How to apply

1. Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the project's eligibility criteria.
2. Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
3. Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship'. Note: You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher; Doctor Anastasia Dalziell: a.dalziell@westernsydney.edu.au

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

• Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

• Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Applications close 30 September 2025

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Scholarship reference code: PS2025_CS0682757_HIE