Altshuler Lab @ UBC
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    Zoology @ UBC
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    PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS


    2025

    Altshuler, D.L., V.B. Baliga, A.B. Lapsansky, P. Lee, E.R. Press, and J.S. Theriault. Understanding mechanisms of avian flight by integrating observations with tests of competing hypotheses. Journal of Experimental Biology 228:JEB247992.

    Lapsansky, A.B., P. Kreyenmeier, M. Spering, D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. Hummingbirds use compensatory eye movements to stabilize both rotational and translational visual motion. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 292:20242015.

    Segre, P.S., R. Dakin, and D.L. Altshuler. Turning trade-offs: hummingbird power reserves are used to decrease turning radius or increase turning velocity. Journal of Zoology doi:10.1111/jzo.70014.

    Wong, J.C.M., V. Joshi, R.K. Jaiman, and D.L. Altshuler. Wing extension–flexion coupled aeroelastic effects improve avian gliding performance. Journal of the Royal Society Interface doi:10.1098/rsif.2024.0753.


    2024

    Baliga, V.B., R. Dakin, D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. Hummingbirds use distinct control strategies for forward and hovering flight. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 291:20232155.

    Dash, S., V.B. Baliga, A.B. Lapsansky, D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. Encoding of global visual motion in the avian pretectum shifts from a bias for temporal-to-nasal selectivity to omnidirectional excitation across speeds. eNeuro 0301-24.2024.

    Gaede, A.H., C. Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, P.-H. Wu, M.C. Pilon, D.L. Altshuler, and D.R. Wylie. Topography of visual and somatosensory inputs to the pontine nuclei in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Journal of Comparative Neurology 532:e25556.

    Skandalis, D.A., V.B. Baliga, B. Goller, and D.L. Altshuler. The spatiotemporal richness of hummingbird wing deformations. Journal of Experimental Biology jeb.246223.


    2023

    Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, C., D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. From the eye to the wing: neural circuits for transforming optic flow into motor output in avian flight. Journal of Comparative Physiology A 209:839-854.

    Osipova, E., R. Barsacchi, T. Brown, K. Sadanandan, A.H. Gaede, A. Monte, J. Jarrells, C. Moebius, M. Pippel, D.L. Altshuler, S. Winkler, M. Bickle, M.W. Baldwin, and M. Hiller. Loss of a gluconeogenic muscle enzyme contributed to adaptive metabolic traits in hummingbirds. Science 379:185-190.

    Wylie, D.R., A.H. Gaede, C. Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, P.-H. Wu, M.C. Pilon, S. Azargoon, and D.L. Altshuler. Topography of optic flow processing in olivo-cerebellar pathways in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Journal of Comparative Neurology 531:640-662.


    2022

    Gaede, A.H., V.B. Baliga, G. Smyth, C. Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, D.L. Altshuler, and D.R. Wylie. Response properties of optic flow neurons in the accessory optic system of hummingbirds versus zebra finches and pigeons. Journal of Neurophysiology 127:130-144.

    Harvey, C., V.B.. Baliga, J.C.M. Wong, D.L. Altshuler, and D.J. Inman. Birds can transition between stable and unstable states via wing morphing. Nature 603:648-653.

    Smyth, G., V.B. Baliga, A.H.Gaede, D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. Specializations in optic flow encoding in the pretectum of hummingbirds and zebra finches. Current Biology 32:2772-2779.


    2021

    Leal, P.B.C., M. Cabral-Seanez, V.B. Baliga, D.L. Altshuler, and D.J. Hartl. Phase transformation-driven artificial muscle mimics the multifunctionality of avian wing muscle. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18:20201042.


    2020

    Bahlman, J.W., V.B. Baliga, and D.L. Altshuler. Flight muscle power increases with strain amplitude and decreases with cycle frequency in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Journal of Experimental Biology 223:jeb225839.

    Dakin, R., P.S. Segre, and D.L. Altshuler. Individual variation and the biomechanics of maneuvering flight in hummingbirds. Journal of Experimental Biology 223:jeb161828.

    Hein, A.M., D.L. Altshuler, D.E. Cade, J.C. Liao, B.T. Martin, and G.K. Taylor. An algorithmic approach to natural behavior. Current Biology 30:PR663-R675.


    2019

    Baliga, V.B., I. Szabo, and D.L. Altshuler. Range of motion in the avian wing is strongly associated with flight behavior and body mass. Science Advances 5:eaaw6670.

    Gaede, A.H., C. Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, M.S. Armstrong, D.L. Altshuler, and D.R. Wylie. Pretectal projections to the oculomotor cerebellum in hummingbirds (Calypte anna), zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), and pigeons (Columba livia). Journal of Comparative Neurology 527:2644-2658.

    Goller, B., T.K. Fellows, R. Dakin, L. Tyrrell, E. Fernández-Juricic, and D.L. Altshuler. Spatial and temporal resolution of the visual system of the Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) relative to other birds. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 92:481-495.

    Harvey, C., V.B. Baliga, P. Lavoie, and D.L. Altshuler. Wing morphing allows gulls to modulate static pitch stability during gliding. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 16:20180641.

    Theriault, J.S., J.W. Bahlman, R.E. Shadwick, and D.L. Altshuler. Work loop dynamics of the pigeon (Columba livia) humerotriceps demonstrate potentially diverse roles for active wing morphing. Journal of Experimental Biology 222:jeb195578.


    2018

    Altshuler, D.L., and M.V. Srinivasan. Comparison of visually guided flight in insects and birds. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12:157.

    Dakin, R., P.S. Segre, A.D. Straw, and D.L. Altshuler. Morphology, muscle capacity, skill, and maneuvering ability in hummingbirds. Science 359:653-657.

    Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, C., A.H. Gaede, M.R. Dannish, D.L. Altshuler, and D.R. Wylie. The retinal projection to the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) and Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna). Journal of Comparative Physiology A 204:369-376.

    Tyrell, L.P., B. Goller, B.A. Moore, D.L. Altshuler, and E. Fernández-Juricic. The orientation of visual space from the perspective of hummingbirds. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12:16.

    Wylie, D.R., C. Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, A.H. Gaede, D.L. Altshuler, and A.N. Iwaniuk. Visual-cerebellar pathways and their roles in the control of avian flight. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12:223.


    2017

    Gaede, A.H., B. Goller, J.P.M. Lam, D.R. Wylie, and D.L. Altshuler. Neurons responsive to global visual motion have unique tuning properties in hummingbirds. Current Biology 27:279-285.

    Goller, B., P.S. Segre, K.M. Middleton, M.H. Dickinson and D.L. Altshuler. Visual sensory signals dominate tactile cues during docked feeding in hummingbirds. Frontiers in Neuroscience 11:622.

    Skandalis, D.A., P.S. Segre, J.W. Bahlman, D.J.E. Groom, K.C. Welch, C.C. Witt, J.A. McGuire, R. Dudley, D. Lentink and D.L. Altshuler. The biomechanical origin of extreme wing allometry in hummingbirds. Nature Communications 8:1047.


    2016

    Dakin, R., T.K. Fellows, and D.L. Altshuler. Visual guidance of forward flight in hummingbirds reveals control based on image features instead of pattern velocity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 113:8849-8854.

    Read, T.J.G., P.S. Segre, K.M. Middleton, and D.L. Altshuler. Hummingbirds control turning velocity using body orientation and turning radius using asymmetrical wingbeat kinematics. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 13:20160110.

    Segre, P.S., R. Dakin, T.J.G. Read, A.D. Straw, and D.L. Altshuler. Mechanical constraints on flight at high elevation decrease maneuvering performance of hummingbirds. Current Biology 26:3368–3374.


    2015

    Altshuler, D.L., J.W. Bahlman, R. Dakin, A.H. Gaede, B. Goller, D. Lentink, P.S. Segre, and D.A. Skandalis. The biophysics of bird flight: functional relationships integrate aerodynamics, morphology, kinematics, muscles, and sensors. Canadian Journal of Zoology 93:961-975.

    Kruyt, J.W., G.F. van Heijst, D.L. Altshuler, and D. Lentink. Power reduction and the radial limit of stall delay in revolving wings of different aspect ratio. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 12:20150051.

    Segre, P.S., R. Dakin, V.B. Zordan, M.H. Dickinson, A.D. Straw, and D.L. Altshuler. Burst muscle performance predicts the speed, acceleration, and turning performance of Anna's hummingbirds. eLife 4:e11159.


    2014

    Goller, B., and D.L. Altshuler. Hummingbirds control hovering flight by stabilizing visual motion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 111:18375-18380 .

    Kruyt, J.W., E.M. Quicazán-Rubio, G.F. van Heijst, D.L. Altshuler, and D. Lentink. Hummingbird wing efficacy depends on aspect ratio and compares with helicopter rotors. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 11:20140585.

    Martínez-Berdeja, A., M. Torres, D.L. Altshuler, and E. Ezcurra. Hydration history and attachment morphology regulate seed release in Chorizanthe rigida (Polygonaceae), a serotinous desert annual. American Journal of Botany 101:1097-1084.

    McGuire, J.A., C.C. Witt, J.V. Remsen, Jr., A. Corl, D.L. Rabosky, D.L. Altshuler, and R. Dudley. Molecular phylogenetics and the diversification of hummingbirds. Current Biology 24:910:916.

    Vance, J.T., D.L. Altshuler, W.B. Dickson, M.H. Dickinson, and S.P. Roberts. Hovering flight in the honeybee Apis mellifera: kinematic mechanisms for varying aerodynamic forces. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 87:870-881.


    2013

    Donovan, E.R., B.K. Keeney, E. Kung, S. Makan, J.M. Wild, and D.L. Altshuler. Muscle activation patterns and motor anatomy of Anna's hummingbirds Calypte anna and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 86:27-46.

    Pournazeri, P., P.S. Segre, M. Princevac, and D.L. Altshuler. Hummingbirds generate bilateral vortex loops during hovering: evidence from flow visualization. Experiments in Fluids 54:1439-1450. Published online 12/2012. DOI:10.1007/s00348-012-1439-5

    Reiser, P.J., K.C. Welch, R.K. Suarez, and D.L. Altshuler. Very low force-generating ability and unusually high temperature-dependency in hummingbird flight muscle fibers. Journal of Experimental Biology 216:2247-2256.


    2012

    Altshuler, D.L., E.M. Quicazan-Rubio, P.S. Segre, and K.M. Middleton. Wingbeat kinematics and motor control of yaw turns in Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Journal of Experimental Biology 215:4070-4084. CORRECTION


    2011

    Buermann, W., J. Chaves, R. Dudley, J.A. McGuire, T. Smith, and D.L. Altshuler. Projected changes in elevational distribution and flight performance of montane Neotropical hummingbirds in response to climate change. Global Change Biology 17:1671-1680.


    2010

    Altshuler, D.L., R. Dudley, S.M. Heredia, and J.A. McGuire. Allometry of hummingbird lifting performance. Journal of Experimental Biology 213:725-734.

    Altshuler, D.L., K.C. Welch, B.H. Cho, D.B. Welch, A.F. Lin, W.B. Dickson, and M.H. Dickinson. Neuromuscular control of wingbeat kinematics in Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Journal of Experimental Biology 213:2507-2514.

    Wild, J.M., N.O.E. Krützfeldt, and D.L. Altshuler. Trigeminal and spinal dorsal horn (dis)continuity and avian evolution. Brain, Behavior, and Evolution 76:20-31.


    2009

    Altshuler, D.L., M. Princevac, H. Pan, and J. Lozano. Wake patterns of the wings and tail of hovering hummingbirds. Experiments in Fluids 46:835-846.

    McGuire, J.A., C.C. Witt, J.V. Remsen, Jr., and D.L. Altshuler. A higher-level taxonomy for hummingbirds. Journal of Ornithology 150:155-16.

    Welch, K.C., and D.L. Altshuler. Fiber type homogeneity of the flight musculature in small birds. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 152:324-331.


    2007

    McGuire, J.A., C.C. Witt, D.L. Altshuler, and J.V. Remsen, Jr. Phylogenetic systematics of hummingbirds: Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of partitioned data and selection of an appropriate partitioning strategy. Systematic Biology 56:837-856.

    Welch, K.C., D.L. Altshuler, and R.K. Suarez. Oxygen consumption in hovering hummingbirds reflect substrate-dependent differences in P/O ratios: Carbohydrate as a ‘premium fuel’. Journal of Experimental Biology 210:2146-2153.


    2006

    Altshuler, D.L. Flight performance and competitive displacement of hummingbirds along elevational gradients. American Naturalist 167:216-229.

    Altshuler, D.L., and R. Dudley. The physiology and biomechanics of avian flight at high altitude. Integrative and Comparative Biology 46:62-71.


    2005

    Altshuler, D.L., W.B. Dickson, J.T. Vance, S.P. Roberts, and M.H. Dickinson. Short amplitude, high frequency wing strokes underlie the aerodynamics of honeybee flight. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA102:18213-18218.

    Stiles, F.G., D.L. Altshuler, and R. Dudley. Wing morphology and flight behavior of some North American hummingbird species. The Auk 122:872-886.


    2004

    Altshuler, D.L., R. Dudley, and C.P. Ellington. Aerodynamic forces of revolving hummingbird wings and wing models. Journal of Zoology 264:327-332.

    Altshuler, D.L., R. Dudley, and J.A. McGuire. Resolution of a paradox: Hummingbird flight at high elevation does not come without a cost. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 101:17731-17736.

    Altshuler, D.L., F.G. Stiles, and R. Dudley. Of hummingbirds and helicopters: Hovering costs, competitive ability, and foraging strategies. American Naturalist 163:16:25.

    Stiles, F.G., and D.L. Altshuler. Conflicting terminology for wing measurements in ornithology and aerodynamics. The Auk 121:973-976.

    Tobalske, B. W., D. L. Altshuler, and D. R. Powers. Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae). Journal of Experimental Biology 207:1345-1352.


    2003

    Altshuler, D.L. Flower color, hummingbird pollination, and habitat light irradiance in four neotropical forests. Biotropica 35:344-355.

    Altshuler, D.L., and R. Dudley. Kinematics of hovering hummingbird flight along simulated and natural elevational gradients. Journal of Experimental Biology 206:3139-3147.


    2002

    Altshuler, D.L., and R. Dudley. The ecological and evolutionary interface of hummingbird flight physiology. Journal of Experimental Biology 205: 2325-2336.


    2001

    Altshuler, D.L. Ultraviolet reflectance in fruits, ambient light composition, and fruit removal in a tropical forest. Evolutionary Ecology Research 3:767-778.

    Altshuler, D.L., and A. Nunn. Observational learning in hummingbirds. The Auk 118:795-799.

    Altshuler, D.L., P. Chai, and J.S.P. Chen. Hovering performance of hummingbirds in hyperoxic gas mixtures. Journal of Experimental Biology 204:2021-2027.


    1999

    Altshuler, D.L. Novel interactions of non-pollinating ants with pollinators and fruit consumers in a tropical forest. Oecologia 119:600-606.

    Chai, P., D.L. Altshuler, D.B. Stephens, and M.E. Dillon. Maximal horizontal flight performance of hummingbirds: Effects of body mass and molt. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 72:145-155.


    OTHER PUBLICATIONS


    2020

    Altshuler, D.L., and D.R. Wylie. Quick Guide: Hummingbird vision. Current Biology 30:R103-R105.


    2019

    Harvey, C., V.B. Baliga, D.L. Altshuler, and D.J. Inman. Pitch control effectiveness of the avian elbow and wrist via a numerical fifting line analysis. AIAA Scitech 2019 Forum DOI: 10.2514/6.2019-0853.


    2013

    Altshuler, D.L., K.L. Cockle, and W.A. Boyle. North American ornithology in transition. Biology Letters 9: 20120876.


    2006

    Altshuler, D.L. Ecology and Biomechanics: Book Review. Quarterly Review of Biology 81:413.

    Altshuler, D.L., and R. Dudley. Adaptations to life at high elevation: An introduction to the symposium. Integrative and Comparative Biology 46:3-4.


    2003

    Altshuler, D.L., and C.J. Clark. Darwin’s hummingbirds. Science 300:588-589.


    1999

    Altshuler, D.L. Aglaiocercus berlepschi; A. kingi; Colibri serrirostris; Selasphorus sasin. Handbook to the Birds of the World, Vol. 5. Barn owls to Hummingbirds (ed. J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott and J. Sargatal). Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. Pages 558, 659-660, 680.