Course format: Lecture: 10:00A-12:00P, TWR, JH 440. Students should
anticipate three Friday morning field trips (6A-12P).

Requirements:  Biol L111.

Course description: This course is a four-credit lecture/lab course
intended for biology majors.  The course provides a general overview
of avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and
behavior; emphasis is placed on avian physiology, migration and
orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive
behaviors.  Field trips concentrate on visual and auditory
identification of local birds, and field study research methods.
Labs focus on the study of taxonomy, topography, feather structure,
plumages and molts, sexual dimorphism, and anatomy.

Required text: “Ornithology”, F.B. Gill, second edition. National
Geographic,“Birds of North America”, Fourth edition.

Weekly assignments: Readings for lecture: 3-4 chapters per week.
Weekly lab or field trips; weekly lab assignments or field
identification quizzes.

Exams/papers: Two exams (midterm and comprehensive final); web
identification quizzes, periodic lecture quizzes, and independent
field work/observation.