Zool 467
ORNITHOLOGY

Department of Zoology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Prerequisites:   ZOOL 220b or consent of instructor

Instructor:   TBA

Course Objectives:   The objectives of this course are to (1) develop an understanding of the diversity, classification, adaptations, and biological characteristics of birds of the world plus (2) provide experience in observation, identification, sex and age determination, and the conservation of representative avian species.

Text and Other Course Materials:   Gill, Frank B. 1995. Ornithology, 2nd Ed.   Freeman and Company, New York.   Students are expected to purchase a Zool-467 laboratory manual at 710 Book Store (710 S. Illinois Ave.).   Students are encouraged to obtain binoculars and a recent North American field guide for bird identification (contact instructor for recommendations) plus utilize reference books and scientific journals at Morris Library.

Lecture Outline   (1 hr/week)

A.  Introduction to the course and avian diversity
B.  Evolution of birds
C.  Avian morphology, physiology, and flight
D.  Feeding
E.  Brain and sensory systems
F.  Visual and vocal communication
G.  Rhythmicity and cycles
H.  Orientation, navigation, and migration
I.   Social behavior and mating systems
J.   Reproduction and development
K.  Nesting and parental care
L.  Population dynamics and conservation

• 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

• Laboratory study of avian taxa, including identification, morphology, and adaptations.

  Students are expected to be able to (1) identify major taxonomic groupings, (2) identify and name the species covered, (3) identify from external examination their age and sex, and (4) describe their distribution and biology, including morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. Utilize lab manual, reference books, and Appendix in textbook. Self instruction will be necessary.

• Field trips for (1) field identification and observation plus to (2) experience types of habitat utilized by the birds. Sites will likely include:

          Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
          Pyramid State Park
          Mermet Lake Conservation Area
          Little Grassy Lake and Giant City State Park
          Mississippi River Bottomland and Pine Hills
          Union County Conservation Area
          Cane Creek Bottomland
  

• Field Assignment:   Assemble and submit for grading each week a checklist of the avian species you have seen and identified while birdwatching outside of class sessions. A specifically-designed spreadsheet will be revised weekly to form a cumulative checklist for twelve weeks of the semester.

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Last updated: 15-May-06 / ghw