Home Study Course in Bird Biology - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Home Study Coursein Bird BiologyInterpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity throughresearch, education, and citizen science focused on birds.

Do you know …Illustrations by John Schmitt © 2002 Cornell Lab of OrnithologyWhy this DownyWoodpecker iswhite?What this owl is doing?Why male Mallards “disappear”in late summer?Why a Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s throatpatch appears to flash on and off?Why mockingbirdsmimic other birds?You’ll learn the answers in the …Frequency (kilohertz)Frequency (kilohertz)Sonogram of KilldeerSecondsSonogram of Northern Mockingbirdmimicking KilldeerSecondsEasternMeadowlarkYellow-throatedLongclawWhy some unrelated species fromdifferent parts of the worldlook so much alike?…Second Editionof the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’sLHome Study Course!earn about bird behavior, ecology,conservation, and many other subjects—in your own home, at your own pace, withno deadlines! This comprehensive course was writtenby twelve leading ornithologists, edited by Labof Ornithology staff, and illustrated by acclaimedwildlife artist John Schmitt. The course is writtenat the introductory college level, but is suitable foranyone with an inquiring mind and a serious interestin birds. It introduces important biological conceptsby exploring the major topics in ornithology. Currentand past students include bird watchers of all skilllevels as well as high school and college students,professional biologists, wildlife rehabilitators, andhomeschoolers.Sign up for the course and receive:• A 1,300-page textbook, generouslyillustrated with detailed figures andblack-and-white photos• An audio CD of bird sounds toaccompany the chapter on VocalBehavior• Choice of online exams through eCornellor paper exams• Complete instructor supportAfter you have read and studied each of theten chapters and completed all of the correspondingexams successfully, you will receivea Certificate of Completion signed by the director ofthe Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Birds and Humans: A Historical PerspectiveSandy Podulka, Marie Eckhardt, and Dan Otis,Cornell UniversityThe role of birds in historical and contemporary humansocieties • Birds in religion, folklore, art, and literature• Birds and early natural scienceIntroduction: The World of BirdsKevin J. McGowan, Cornell UniversityWhat is a bird? • The diversity ofbird forms • Current theories onthe evolution of birds and feathersA Guide to Bird WatchingStephen W. Kress, AudubonHow to identify birds in the fieldby size, shape, sound, color,behavior, and field marks• Choosing and usingbinoculars and spotting scopesBlack-billedScythebillForm and Function: The External BirdGeorge A. Clark, Jr., University of ConnecticutFeathers: Their structure, function, and care • Nonfeatheredareas • Molts and plumages • How colors areproducedWhat’s Inside: Anatomy and PhysiologyHoward E. Evans and John B. Heiser, Cornell UniversitySkeletons, muscles, and internal organs • The nervoussystem and senses, circulation and respiration, hormonesand reproduction, digestion and excretionBirds on the Move: Flight and MigrationKenneth P. Able, SUNY AlbanyUnderstanding how birds fly • Hovering, soaring, flying information • Why and how do birds migrate and navigate?The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institutededicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biologicaldiversity through research, education, and citizenscience focused on birds. The Lab and Cornell Universitytogether provide an international center for training bothamateurs and professionals in the ecology, evolutionarybiology, and conservation of birds.Course OverviewEvolution of Birds and Avian FlightAlan Feduccia, University of North CarolinaArchaeopteryx and the fossil record of birds • Theories onthe evolution of avian flightUnderstanding Bird BehaviorJohn Alcock, Arizona State UniversityInstinct and learning • Social behavior, displays and theirfunctions, mating systems • Understanding behaviorthrough the theories of natural selection and evolutionVocal BehaviorDonald E. Kroodsma, University of MassachusettsThe diversity of bird sounds explored and explainedthrough sonagrams and an accompanying audio cassettetape or compact disc • Bird songs, calls, and their functionsNests, Eggs, and Young: Breeding Biology of BirdsDavid W. Winkler, Cornell UniversityNest types, eggs, and patterns of clutch variability • Rolesof the sexes during nesting • Development of young, nestlingcare • Brood parasitism • Evolution of nesting behaviorIndividuals, Populations, and Communities:The Ecology of BirdsStanley A. Temple, University of WisconsinHow birds interact with their physical and living environments• Feeding ecology, how ecosystems work, ecologicalniches • Bird associations: population dynamics,communities, symbiosisBird ConservationJohn W. Fitzpatrick, Cornell UniversityThe importance of biodiversity • Why and how birds declinein number, become endangered, go extinct • Legalaspects of conservation: the Endangered Species Act •Conservation success storiesLab members receive many benefits, including• Living Bird—An award-winning magazine featuring bird biology,conservation, art, and recreation• BirdScope—A unique newsletter reporting the latest findingsin research and conservation from Lab programs and citizen-scienceprojects• Discounts at Wild Birds Unlimited at Sapsucker Woods• Discounts on the Lab’s citizen-science projects159 Sapsucker Woods Road • Ithaca, NY 14850–1999 • www.birds.cornell.edu • email: cornellbirds@cornell.eduHerring GullEnroll me in theHome Study CourseName____________________________________________First (given name)Last (surname)Address 1_________________________________________Address 2_________________________________________City_________________________ State/Prov.____________Zip/P.C.______________________ Country______________Daytime phone____________________________________Email address_____________________________________Lab ID (if known)__________________________________Cost❏ Non-members: $299.50 * (does not include Lab Membership)❏ Lab members: $270.00 *❏ TEXTBOOK ONLY (no instructor support): $99.50 *❏ Foreign shipping costs: Students from Canada orMexico please add $25.00 for shipping/handlingcosts, all other foreign students please add $50.00Exam Preference (Choose one)❏ Online Exams (through eCornell) ❏ Paper ExamsVisit to learn more.Payment Options❏ Tax—CA and NY residents only: ____% = $_________* CA and NY residents purchasing the complete course or just the textbookmust add applicable sales tax for price of the textbook ($99.50) only.❏ My check or money order for $_________ is enclosedPlease make checks payable (in U.S. dollars) to:Ornithology—Home Study CourseMail to: Home Study CourseCornell Lab of OrnithologyP.O. Box 886Ithaca, NY 14851–0886Yes!❏ Please charge my credit card $________ (choose type below)❍ MasterCard ❍ VISA ❍ DISCOVERCard No. _________________________________________Expiration Date____________________________________Signature_________________________________________For more information call (800) 843-BIRD (U.S. only) or607-254-2473, send email to ,or visit our web site at www.birds.cornell.edu/homestudyPlease allow 2–3 weeks for delivery within the United States, 6–8 weeks for foreign deliveries.Shipment is via UPS Ground. Shipments to foreign countries or P.O. boxes are sent via U.S. mail.Please inquire at your post office about any required taxes or duties.