Avian Biology 320-ERS-1ABE

Lecture presents summary of avian systematics, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and reproduction. Flight adaptations, as well as similarities and differences between birds and mammals (the only two groups of extant endotherms) will be particularly emphasized. Because birds are a common subject of studies in different fields of biology, lectures will frequently refer to more general problems of evolutionary, physiological and behavioral ecology. Impact of human activity on birds and bird conservation will be also discussed.
1. General overview of modern birds.
2. Definition of species and speciation in birds.
3. Physiology and ecology of birds. Adaptations for flight. Comparison of birds and mammals – the only two groups of extant endotherms.
4. Avian flight: feathers, types of flight.
5. Bird migration and navigation.
6. Avian reproduction: altricial and precocial birds, hatching asynchrony, brood parasites.
7. Human-caused threats to birds, bird conservation.

Field course during winter semester will take place at Akcja Siemianówka, the biggest inland bird ringing station in Poland localized on the northern edge of Białowieża Forest. During summer semester students will visit birding hot spots in Podlasie region like Biebrza Marshes and Białowieża Primeval Forest and witness the phenomenon of spring bird migration. During the course students will learn about the methods and activities connected with bird ringing, through the process from handling a bird safely to taking basic measurements, as well as about migrant and resident bird species observed and ringed in NE Poland.