History of Ornithology Reference Chapters 1-2 ADVANCED LEC 01 ORNITHOLOGY University of Rio Grande Donald P. Althoff, Ph.D.

Long Standing Interest by Humans As symbols, myths, art, and science: Served as symbols of war and peace Served as subjects of art Served as subjects for scientific study Served as mascots/nicknames for sports

As Symbols of Ideology, Inspiration & Religion _______ served as symbol of motherhood in Mesopotamia, associated with Aphrodite—the Greek goddess of love, for Christianity it represents the Holy Spirit and is associated with the Virgin Mary _______ known to have appeared as symbols of Western civilization as early as 3000 B.C., in Greek mythology the messenger of Zeus, the war symbol of many North American natives, and bald eagle of the national bird of the United States _______ was Apollo’s messenger, Noah—after 40 days sent both a dove and a raven to discover whether flood- waters had receded, Native American folklore describes its generosity in sharing food with stranded men Etc.

Diversity of Human Interest in Birds _______ have long been a part of the human diet __________________, a form of the Red Junglefowl, exited in India before 3000 B.C., known in China by 1500 B.C, and in Greece by 700 B.C. ____________________ were domesticated in the Far East by 1000 B.C. in the Far East Romans developed ___________________ and raising of poultry for food _________ have served as both carrier and as a prized food _________ most likely originated as far back as 2000 B.C., with the sport flourishing in Europe by the Middle Ages _________ have been widely used for ornamentation among North and South American peoples, in Africa, and the Western Pacific

Native Peoples: both ___________ & __________ (i.e., movement)

Diversity of Human Interest in Birds Art Sculpture Literature First illustrations for “birders”: 15 th century --Among the most famous: produced in was by ___________________ (think “Aubudon Society): Birds of North America ______________ of Today (aka last 50+ years) for birders: Roger Tory Peterson ~ 1934

Early Ornithology Aristotle’s _____________. History of Animals is first known effort in Western culture reflecting start of “modern science of ornithology.” -included written, organized research -included natural history information Alexander of Myndos’ ________________ wrote 3-volume work on animals that included birds..and others pre-17 th century Major step towards “modern” ornithology occurred in 18 th century (1700s). In _________________, an English clergyman, published a natural history of his parish that covered 40 year span. Included information about basic biology of birds, about species, about ecological niches, physiology, and migration.

Ornithology Today Our knowledge of birds today is ______________ than most other classes (think from birds to mammals to reptiles to amphibians to fishes to insects) By 1980s, birds provided ______________________ of biological phenomena than any other class of vertebrates _____________ winners related to major discoveries: Niko Tinbergen—evolution of behavior with gulls Konrad Lorenz—ducks and geese behavior Albert Szent-Gyorgyhi—eludication of Krebs cycle Payton Rous—avian sarcoma linking viruses to cancer

Ornithology Today: Early Well-known Ornithologists (just a few…) John James ___________ –published illustrations Alexander ________ –father of American ornithology John _________ –English ornithologist, with large illustrated volumes and collection of exotic bird skins Thomas _______ – wrote first field guide of North American birds Frank _________ –curator of bird collections American Museum of Natural History; started Aububon Society Margaret Morse _____ –”an American housewife who was the greatest scholar of them all” per Tinbergen David _____ –helped develop radar then used it to study bird migration

Ornithology Today…con’t Advances in ____________ theory Deciphering of __________ relations Increased knowledge of ____________ and ____________ ecology Increased knowledge of _____________ ecology Increased understanding of ______________ including: -sexual selection -roles of kinship and cooperation -maximized lifetime reproductive success Advances in how birds use their __________________ (think seeing in UV range—which humans cannot)

Ornithology Today… CONSERVATION POWER Sensitivity to environment: think Rachel Carson’s ______ book ______ _______ …a book that ignited the modern era of positive environmentalism Failure of seabird reproduction heralded the _______ phenomenon Recognition of well-known _____________: dodo, great auk, and passenger pigeon Well known “__________________: penguins, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, etc.

Birders have value : Understanding __________ of vertebrates ____________ perception & intelligence ______________ of environmental quality & ecosystem health Engage public in ________________ of landscapes & ecosystems Huge __________ impact— both food production & ecotourism Etc.