Marler, Peter (Robert) (1928– )

English animal behaviourist. Although trained as a botanist, he rekindled his childhood interest in ornithology early in his career. He made major contributions to behavioural studies of animal (including primate) vocalization, especially regarding the social function of birdsongs. Marler was born in London, England. He was a research fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge University (1954–56), then moved to the USA to join the University of California, Berkeley (1957–66). He was a professor at Rockefeller University (1966–89) before moving to the University of California, Davis (from 1989).