(in Polish) 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.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
1. Student knows both the unity and the diversity of organisms, with particular focus on the complexity of biological phenomena and processes (KA7_WG1).
2. Student understands reciprocal relationships between organisms and their environment (KA_WG3).
3. Student knows and understands the current trends in biological sciences, as well as factors affecting research opportunities (including science funding mechanisms) (KA7_WG7).
4. Student knows how to use different data and literature repositories in order to find task-specific scientific literature (in English or other languages), as well as is able to process and critically analyze the acquired information (KA7_UW5).
5. Student is ready to systematic broadening his/her professional output (KA7_KR5).
Assessment criteria
Forms and conditions of credit:
Lecture –attendance; final written test.
Field course – attendance; test.
Bibliography
Literature:
Bicudo J. E. P. W., Buttemer W. A., Chappell M. A., Pearson J. T., Bech C. 2010. Ecological and environmental physiology of birds. Oxford University Press.
McNab B.K. 2002. The physiological ecology of vertebrates. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York.
Balmer DE, Coiffait L, Clark J, Robinson R. 2008. Bird ringing: a concise guide. British Trust of Ornithology
Busse P, Meissner W, Cofta T. 2015. Bird ringing station manual. De Gruyter
Svensson L. 2010. Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins
Demongin L. 2016. Identification guide to birds in the hand. Beauregard-Vendon
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: