Ana Margarida Vitorino Leitão

I graduated in Biology in 2008, at University of Évora, and in 2011 I got my Master's degree in Ecology from University of Coimbra. Since the beginning of my graduation I have been involved in various research projects in the general field of Animal Behaviour with several model species.

Recently, my studies and research have focus on birds (Serinus serinus and Estrilda astrild), mainly in the areas of sexual selection and personality related topics, with the scientific coordination of Dr. Paulo Mota and Dr. Gonçalo Cardoso.

I am interested in understanding proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying mate choice behaviour by studying the existence and the value of several male traits that may influence female preference. I'm also fascinated by animal’s personality, its origin and maintenance and possible link with mate choice.