Biology of Birds

Lecture and lab course covering the ecology and evolution of the diverse class of birds. Students will learn important ecological and evolutionary principles using avian examples, become familiar with phylogenetically and globally diverse taxa, and develop skills identifying local birds of North Carolina. Topics include: the origin of birds, flight, vocal communication, behavior, sexual selection and conservation. Students will build knowledge of bird biology and biodiversity that is applicable across the tree of life. Prerequisite: Biology 202L or 203L