Speciation is the process by which actually or potentially interbreeding populations become reproductively isolated. This process underpins much of Earth’s biological diversity, yet many questions remain unanswered. Birds are excellent systems for studying speciation due to their diverse ecologies, behaviours and distributions as well as the wealth of prior knowledge on which future studies can build. Technological advances now allow organisms’ genomes, phenotypes and evolutionary relationships to be explored in ways never before possible, enabling us to tackle questions that have remained unanswered for centuries. 

Using a combination of fieldwork, genomic and theoretical approaches, Dr Gabriel Jamie’s newly established team works to address questions about speciation and the evolution of reproductive isolation, with a particular focus on avian diversity in Africa. For species to coexist they must not only be reproductively isolated but also sufficiently ecologically distinct so as not to outcompete one another. Our research therefore investigates how ecologically similar and closely related species can co-occur in species-rich communities in the face of competition and hybridisation.

  • PhD student Cameron Blair is using the highly speciose Cisticola radiation as a model system to explore questions relating to speciation, community ecology and biogeography. With the support of an updated molecular phylogeny, he is first examining the maintenance of species-rich communities and the impact of Africa’s climatic history on speciation. He will then investigate the drivers of song diversity and test its role as a signal of identity and reproductive barrier. Using an integrative approach, Cameron will also attempt to resolve taxonomically problematic species complexes within the genus. Finally, he will contrast speciation mechanisms in Cisticola with the related genus Prinia and evaluate evidence for potential hybrid speciation.
  • MSc student Connor Barr is using an integrative taxonomic approach to study species limits in the Long-billed Larks (genus Certhilauda) and Clapper Larks (genus Corypha). The approach will involve analysing genetic, morphometric, plumage and vocalisation data to understand the true taxonomic relationships within each species complex. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Prof. Per Alström (Uppsala University).
  • In collaboration with Prof. Michael Sorenson (Boston University) and Prof. Jochen Wolf (Munich University), we are using the brood-parasitic indigobirds and whydahs (genus Vidua) as a model system through which to understand the role of learning, hybridisation and host-switching in the origin of species.  

Highlights

  • Cameron Blair began his PhD looking at the ecology, evolution and biogeography of the genus Cisticola in August 2025.
  • Connor Barr began his MSc looking at the systematics and conservation of an endemic radiation of larks in January 2026.
  • Gabriel Jamie was appointed as Chair of the AviList Africa Working Group, which aims to update the taxonomy of African birds in the light of new data and publications.

Key co-supporters
Max Planck–UCT Centre for Behaviour and Coevolution; Clancey Scholarship for Research on the Evolution and Systematics of Southern African Birds.

Research team 2025
Team leaders and collaborators:
Dr Gabriel Jamie (FIAO, UCT)    
Prof. Michael Sorenson (Boston U.)
Prof. Jochen Wolf (Munich U.)
Prof. Per Alström (Uppsala U.)

Students: 
Cameron Blair (PhD)
Connor Barr (MSc)