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Neotropical Ornithology

Instructor:

 Dr. Dwight G. Smith
Chairman, Biology Department
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
Phone: 203-392-6222
E-Mail: smithd1southernct.edu
Fax: 203-392-5363

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the study and identification of Neotropical birds associated with the tropical rain forest habitats of the Republic of Panama. Course will emphasize three components of Neotropical Ornithology: (1) introductory information regarding the biology, physiology, and ecology of birds with special reference to the biology and ecology of Neotropical birds (2) building identification skills for finding and identifying birds of the tropical rain forest, associated habitats as well as other habitats of this part of Latin America (3) techniques of experimental design for conducting an ecological/behavior study of a selected species. All aspects of our study of birds is set against and within the tropical habitats of Panama.

 

Basic Requirements

Attendance and participation in all activities including lectures, discussion groups, identification trips, field trips to selected habitats, completion of individual study project, presentation of projects to class for group discussion are required to complete this course. Everyone should plan on bringing a good pair of binoculars. I will provide a spotting scope for identification sessions. A laptop computer will also prove useful.

Required Texts

Ridgley, R.S. and J. A. Gwynne, Jr. 1992. The Birds of Panamá. 2nd ed. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 0-691-02512-6. See in Google Books.

Tests and Grading

Most of the course concentrates on and emphasizes experiential learning including multiple intelligences approaches whenever appropriate. Discussions regarding major topics, concepts, participation in field trips, and project must all be completed to receive an passing grade in this course.

Outcomes and Learning

At the conclusion of this course the student will:
1. Have a sound introduction to the biology and ecology of tropical birds in the Panamanian habitats that we studied
2. Gain an introduction to the selected literature about neotropical birds of the Panamanian area with emphasis on tropical rain forest birds.
3. Have the skills to identify selected tropical rain forest birds
4. Have the requisite skills to identify unknown tropical rain forest birds
5. Have the requisite skills to develop an experimental design for the study of selected topic re ecology and/or behavior of tropical rain forest birds

Tentative Course Outline

First half of the course includes lectures and field trips for finding and identifying neotropical birds. Second half of the course emphasizes field identification techniques, building species lists with trips to additional tropical habitats, and individual projects involving studying the ecology/behavior of a particular species.

  • Day 1
    • Introduction to birds
    • Equipment for bird identification skills
  • Day 2
    • Evolution of Birds with special emphasis on topics
    • Finding birds in the tropical rain forest
  • Day 3
    • Adaptations for an mechanisms of bird flight
    • Introduction to studies of tropical birds
  • Day 4
    • Physiology of birds
    • Experimental design for studies of tropical birds/selection of
    • Research project for class
  • Day 5
    • Feathers and coloration of birds: Color function in tropical rain forest birds
    • Bird identification skills/evening of supervised work on nocturnal Birds of the tropical rain forest
    • Review/work on individual research project
  • Day 6
    • Food and foraging: types of food and foraging techniques of tropical rain forest birds.
    • Studying foraging behavior of tropical rain forest birds
    • Field Identification skills
    • Projects: field observations
  • Day 7
    • Bird communication in complex habitats
    • Projects: Initial observations, note taking, what can and cannot be done in the context of this study project
  • Days 8-12
    • Field trip to Cloud Forest
  • Days 13-15
    • Field trips to nearby islands, shore/coastal habitats
  • Days 16-25
    • Supervised studies; students will have the change to be involved in All projects.
  • Day 26
    • Projects: final note taking, report preparation
  • Day 27
    • Project presentations, discussion, class wrap up with an afternoon
      and evening birding identification field trip.
  • Day 28
    • Return Home.

General Bibliography

  • Wetmore, A. 1965-1973. The birds of the Republic of Panama. Parts I-III.
    Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections. Volume 150.
  • Wetmore, A., R. f. Pasquier, and S. L. Olson. 1984. The birds of the Republic of Panama. Part IV. Smithsonian Institute Press Washington, D. C.
  • Gentry, A. H. 1990. Four Neotropical forests. Yale University Press. New Haven, Connecticut.
  • Hilty, Stephen. 1994. Birds of Tropical America. Chapters Publishing Ltd. Shelburne, Vermont. 304 pages.
  • Ridgeway, R. S. and J. A. Gwynne, Jr. A Guide to the Birds of Panama. 2nd edition. Princeton University Press. Princeton University Press. 534 pages.
  • Terborgh, J. 1992. Diversity and the tropical rain forest. W. H. Freeman and Company. New York, New York.