ENV 3100 Tropical Birds of Costa Rica

They are birds, described by the Costa Rican based naturalist Alexander F. Skutch. This course will introduce the major topics in ornithology, answering questions about birds: their origin, their lives and ways. With more than 900 species of birds, Costa Rica is a unique country as an introductory Neotropical ornithological and birding experience. The course focuses on the features that make Neotropical avifauna a highlight among bird studies, including their evolutionary relationships, the very high species diversity in the Neotropics, and the natural history of Costa Rican birds. Students will be introduced to the main groups of birds present in Costa Rica, their behavior, biodiversity and conservation threats. Throughout the course the students will be immersed in hands on experiences that include field work to observe bird biodiversity, analyze bird behavior and understand bird habitat use. These experiential field activities to observe and monitor birds in their natural habitat, will allow students to learn and master skills to identify them, and participate in bird reports that aid in science and conservation.

Previous course title: ENV 3100 Neotropical Ornithology: Birds of Costa Rica