My project aims to investigate the neural circuitry of female reproductive behavior in songbirds, more specifically in the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus Ater). The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus serves as the center of female reproductive behavior in mammals. Additionally, the VMH is considered necessary for evoking lordosis, a sexually receptive behavior in female rodents. Our knowledge of the involvement of the VMH in reproductive behaviors in the avian brain is lesser known, however it has been shown that implants of estradiol in VMH activate female courtship behaviors. There is an analogous behavior to lordosis known as the copulation solicitation display or CSD that is exhibited in female birds. My goal is to investigate the connectivity of VMH within the female cowbird and how it may influence the activity of other brain areas.