Avian Biology

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Abstract

This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of birds. This includes the structure and function of feathers, the skeletal, muscle and physiological adaptations allowing flight, the highly efficient respiratory, circulatory, gastrointestinal and excretory systems, and the structure of the brain and sensory organs that influence bird behaviour. Special attention is paid to how the anatomy and physiology has evolved differently across species to support endurance and to allow birds to survive in a particular environment. During the second part of this subject, students will gain in-depth knowledge about the main, annual events that marks a bird's life: reproduction, moult and migration. On completion of this subject, students will know and understand the fundamentals of bird biology and be able to apply this knowledge to further study bird ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation.

Syllabus

What makes a bird a bird? The early evolution of birds and the diversity of modern birds;Feathers, the most distinctive feature of birds;A body designed for flight;Physiology of birds;Bird brains and senses;How birds produce a beautiful song;The annual cycles of birds;Migration, navigation and territoriality;Life history strategies and breeding systems;Mate choice … For more content click the Read More button below.

What makes a bird a bird? The early evolution of birds and the diversity of modern birds;
Feathers, the most distinctive feature of birds;
A body designed for flight;
Physiology of birds;
Bird brains and senses;
How birds produce a beautiful song;
The annual cycles of birds;
Migration, navigation and territoriality;
Life history strategies and breeding systems;
Mate choice and sexual selection;
From sex to eggs; and
Parents and their offspring.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of the internal and external anatomy of birds, bird physiology, and avian respiratory, circulatory, gastrointestinal, excretory and reproductive systems;

be able to describe the sensory and neural mechanisms underlying bird behaviour;

be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of migration, navigation, avian life histories and reproduction; and

be able to review, relate and synthesize their knowledge of avian biology to bird behaviour, ecology, evolution and conservation.