Ornithology

Advanced undergraduate survey of ornithology, introducing students to the biology of birds and giving them to tools to use birds as model systems for research. Topics will include avian evolution, physiology, adaptations, behavior, and ecology. Focus throughout on identification of California birds and applications to current bird conservation issues. Course will include lectures and a field component which will expose students to standard avian research techniques such as mistnetting, banding, and point count surveys. Prerequisite: BIO 81 or BIO 105 or instructor approval.