This course is focused on the most diverse group of land vertebrates on earth, Class Aves, and our primary emphases will be directed at studying avian ecology and evolution, reproductive biology, functional anatomy and physiology, and conservation biology. The course will consist of some class and lab time to construct conceptual foundations, but otherwise much of our study will occur in some of the most diverse and bird-rich terrestrial habitats in North America, including the Sky Islands of Arizona. In these field settings, we will integrate discussion of primary literature with field investigation to broaden our understanding of avian foraging ecology and life-history strategies, hone field research and observation skills, and develop field-based research proposals.