Paulo Silva

I graduated in Biology in 2016 and completed my MSc degree in Ecology and Environment in 2018, both in University of Porto (FCUP). 

During my MSc thesis I conducted experiments on the dopaminergic system of common waxbills (Estrilda astrild), to test how different dopaminergic pathways influence avian personality traits.

I am currently working at the Behavioural Ecology group in CIBIO, where I am conducting experiments: 1) on the effects of mesotocin in waxbill aggressiveness and social behaviour, 2) on context-dependent (social vs. non-social) behavioural effects of changes to the waxbill dopaminergic system, 3) on the effects of testosterone and estradiol on the bill color saturation of waxbills, and 4) on the effects of stress in waxbill aggressiveness and social behaviour.

My main areas of interest are animal behaviour, ecology and the link between physiology (mostly endocrinology/ neurosciences) and animal behaviour.