Module 11: Bird Migration

Module 11 was designed in collaboration with Dr. Heather Watts from Washington State University and was made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation (IOS:1456954/1756976). Part I has a special focus on studying migratory behavior of Pine Siskins Spinus pinus. Students will explore topics such as why some birds migrate while others do not; the differences between obligate (predictable) versus facultative (flexible) migrants; and the physical and environmental cascading factors or cues that impact migration, including food availability, temperature, photoperiod, temporal cues, and hormone levels. Students will also have the opportunity to observe migratory birds in a laboratory setting using ethograms. By the end of this Module, students will better understand bird migration and the environmental cues that drive migratory behavior.