This course presents birds both as a unique group and as representative of vertebrates. The course also emphasizes adaptation, ecology and behavior of birds and introduces students to methods used in modern ornithology. Current views of the systematic relationships among birds and the evolutionary history of birds are considered.

Ecomorphological adaptation to flight in relation to behaviour, migration, navigation and vocalization are discussed. Social and mating systems including territoriality, foraging and flocking, coloniality, mating and reproduction shall be studied. Principles of bird conservation and endangered bird species management shall be discussed.