Introduction to Ornithology

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Evolution of Birds

Notes and Supplementary Material

• Notes
  • Evolution of Birds
  • Avian Speciation
• Handouts
  • Geologic Time Scale
  • Classification of Birds
• Lab Material
  • Avian Topography

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Flight

• Notes
  • Avian Flight
• Lab Material
  • External Anatomy

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Anatomy & Physiology

• Notes
  • Digestive System
  • Respiration
• Lab Material
  • Dissection Guide to the Pigeon - The diagrams will be provided in class

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Migration

For this lecture we will discuss migration and its physiological control.  The lab portion of class will be very short but we will learn techniques of taking avian measurements (culmen, wing, tail, tarsus etc).

• Premigratory State
• Orientation and Navigation

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ecology

Today we will be introducing the concept of life history theory.  We will then discuss breeding seasons and conclude with a discussion on the types and functions of territories. 

For our last lab, I thought it might be fun to go outside and learn how to use some important techniques for the study of avian ecology.

• Ecology