Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman

Curator of Birds and Mammals
jeremy.kirchman@nysed.gov
518-474-1441

I am broadly interested in the evolution and biogeography of birds, but most of my research focuses on populations found on islands. Islands have long been considered “natural laboratories of evolution”, and studying birds on islands teaches us much about speciation, extinction, and adaptation.  I have a special interest in one group of birds, the rails (Rallidae), which are great island colonists, found even on the most remote oceanic islands.  Many rail species have evolved to become totally flightless on islands that lack mammalian predators. Closer to home, I am studying several species of birds that breed in “islands” of coniferous (boreal) forest isolated above 3000 feet of elevation in New York’s mountain ranges. I want to know if these populations of Bicknell’s Thrush, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Spruce Grouse and other boreal forest specialists are genetically isolated and evolving independently of one another. These high-elevation populations may be imperiled as the climate continues to warm.

Publications

2003

D. Staley, M.S. LoRusso, V. Schmitt 2003, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for PIN 7012.09.101/BIN 1-03950-0, Ny 180 over the Chaumont River, Hamlet of LaFargeville, Town of Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

2001

A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey Report of OGS 40469/S6142, Construct Maintenance Subheadquarters, DOT Region 2, State Dam Road, Alder Creek, Town of Boonville (MCD06504),Oneida County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS Project Number 41207/S6725, Upgrade Water Storage Distribution System, MacCormick Secure Center, Town of Caroline (MCD 10901), Tompkins County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
A. Lain, V. Schmitt 2001, New York State Museum Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS Project Number 41135, Construct Maintenance Subheadquarters, DOT Region 8, Hamlet of Millwood, Town of New Castle (MCD 11909), Westchester County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2001, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for OGS 41207/S6725, Upgrade Water Storage Distribution System, MacCormick Secure Center, Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

1999

V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1999, Addendum to PIN 2009.13.121, NY 167 over Barge Canal and Mohawk River, City of Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1999, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for PIN 2009.12.121, NY 167 over Barge Canal and Mohawk River, City of Little Falls, NY. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York

1998

N. Davis, V. Schmitt, M.S. LoRusso 1998, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey Report for PIN 3752.33.101, Black Creek Bridge/Erie Canal, Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt, N. Davis, M.S. LoRusso 1998, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey for PIN 3752.33.101, Black Creek Bridge/Erie Canal, Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York.. . Presented at the ,, Albany, New York