I am intersted in the processes and mechanisms that generate biodiversity.To this end, my research focuses on speciation, phylogeography, biogeography, macroevolution and phylogeny of birds, mainly from the old world. It is based on an integrative approach especially using genetic and morphologic data. Additionally, I have a strong interest in the systematics and taxonomy of different Palearctic bird groups. Scientific collections form the basis of much of my research.