My group investigates the evolution of animal coloration and morphology. What processes contribute to the extraordinary diversity of phenotypic traits in nature? We focus on birds – the most colorful terrestrial vertebrates. A fundamental challenge is that birds see differently from humans: they have tetrachromatic vision (four color cones) and ultraviolet sensitivity. To estimate a “bird’s-eye view,” we developed new computational models of avian pattern and color perception. To test these models in the field, we are establishing a system for studying perception in wild hummingbirds in the Rocky Mountains. In the lab, we are designing the first UV-sensitive “bird-vision” hyperspectral camera, a technology that could transform quantitative analysis of animal color. We also investigate the avian egg, a remarkable structure that is built to break. We apply a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining tools from math, computer vision and bioengineering, to explore the avian world.