This course is a study of the classification, morphology, ecology, distribution, and behavior of birds. The lecture will prepare students to: recognize features that allow taxonomic identification of birds; understand the diversity in species and adaptations in the avian world; understand the unique physical and behavioral traits of birds; and understand the evolutionary history of birds in relation to other animals. The Lecture portion will focus on all aspects of avian biology. The lab will focus on bird identification, with an emphasis on avifauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and will include; specimens; anatomy; nomenclature; audio-video recordings and sound analysis; field identification by sight and sound; capture and extraction from mistnets;and handling, measuring, bleeding and release of birds.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407.
0.000 OR 4.000 Credit hours
0.000 OR 3.000 Lecture hours
0.000 OR 3.000 Lab hour
Levels: Undergraduate
Schedule Types: Laboratory, Lecture
Biology Department
Textbook: Handbook of Avian Biology 3rd ed., I. J. Lovette & J. W. Fitzpatrick, Eds., Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. ISBN-13: 978-1118291054; ISBN-10: 1118291050
North America Bird Field Guide of your choice. Given our central location in North America, field guides with “eastern” or “western” in the title are not recommended. One suggestion is National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, by J. L. Dunn and J. Alderfer, 7th Ed. ISBN 9781426218354
External links:
American Ornithological Society
Association of Field Ornithologists