Zool 460
Upland Game Birds

Department of Zoology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Prerequisites:   ZOOL 220b or consent of instructor

Instructor:   Dr. George H. Waring (Office: LSII 355a; Tel: 453-4135; E-mail: waring@siu.edu)

Course Objectives:   The objectives of this course are to (1) develop an understanding of the biology, characteristics, and habitat needs of game birds of upland and shoreline as well as selectively managed species (e.g., raptors and endangered species) plus (2) provide experience in observation, identification, sex and age determination, and the conservation of these species.

Text and Laboratory Manual:   Waring, George H. 2004. North American Game Birds of Upland and Shoreline as well as Selectively Managed Species, 9th Edition. University Bookstore, Carbondale, Illinois. 123 p.   Students are also encouraged to utilize books and scientific journals at Morris Library (see references at back of text).

Lecture Outline   (1 hr/week)

A.  Introduction to the course; avian evolution; game bird history
B.  General classification and characteristics of major taxa
C.  Columbiformes (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
D.  Galliformes (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
E.  Gruiformes (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
F.  Charadriiformes (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
G.  Passeriformes (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
H.  Birds of Prey (classification, life histories, and management concerns)
I.   National and International Programs
J.   Illinois Programs
K.  Game Farm Techniques

• External anatomy, including feather tracts, types and characteristics of feathers, anatomical
      nomenclature, and criteria for sex and age determination

• Internal anatomy, giving special note to digestive and reproductive systems

• Sequential laboratory study of species, including identification, sex and age determination,
      and adaptations.

      North American examples will be covered in the following orders:

        1.   Columbiformes
        2.   Galliformes
        3.   Gruiformes
        4.   Charadriiformes
        5.   Passeriformes
        6.   Ciconiiformes
        7.   Falconiformes
        8.   Strigiformes

  The minimum goal you should set for yourself is to be able to (1) identify and name the species covered, (2) identify from external examination their age and sex, and (3) describe their range and life histories, including their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations as well as their basic needs. The more you master the above material and read current literature, the more you will be capable of sound decisions regarding conservation and management. Self instruction is necessary.

• Field trips for (1) field identification, (2) examination of types of habitat utilized by the birds, and (3) observation of management techniques.

George Waring's home page
Department of Zoology home page

SIUC / Zoology / courses / Zool 460 / Syllabus /
URL: http://www.science.siu.edu/zoology/zool460/syllabus.html
Last updated: 17-Dec-04 / ghw