Mini-Exam 2 Ornithology Study Guide

Flashcards based on key concepts from the Ornithology Study Guide, covering terms related to bird behavior, physiology, and reproductive strategies.

Cyclopean area

Area of overlapping binocular vision where both eyes focus on the same object.

Echolocation

Use of sound waves and echoes to locate objects.

Song repertoire

The total number of different songs an individual bird can produce.

Stable flock

A consistent group of birds that stay together over time.

Rods

Photoreceptors specialized for low-light vision.

Oscine

Songbirds that learn songs and have complex vocal abilities.

Interspecific

Between different species.

Mobbing

Group behavior where birds harass a predator to drive it away.

Cones

Photoreceptors responsible for color vision and visual acuity.

Suboscine

Birds with more innate, less complex songs.

Intraspecific

Within the same species.

Fitness

An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.

Visual acuity

Sharpness of vision.

Conspecific

Member of the same species.

Territory

Area defended by an animal for resources.

Lekking

Mating system where males display in groups and females choose mates.

Cochlea

Structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing.

Song dialect

Regional variation in bird songs.

Roost

Place where birds rest or sleep.

Inclusive fitness

Total fitness including direct reproduction and helping relatives.

Semicircular canals

Structures involved in balance and spatial orientation.

Fixed repertoire

Set number of songs that does not change after learning period.

Colonial waterbird

Birds that nest in large groups near water.

Predator swamping

Strategy where many offspring are produced at once to overwhelm predators.

Nictitating membrane

Transparent third eyelid that protects and moistens the eye.

Sclerotic ring

Bony structure supporting the eyeball.

Tapetum lucidum

Reflective layer that improves night vision.

Monocular vision

Eyes on sides; wide field of view.

Binocular vision

Eyes forward; allows for depth perception.

Pecten

Vascular structure in avian retina that improves vision clarity.

Syrinx

Sound-producing organ in birds.

Oscines vs suboscines

Oscines learn songs; suboscines are mostly innate.

Vocal mimicry

Copying other sounds.

Duetting

Coordinated singing between mates.

Territoriality

Behavior where an animal defends a territory.

Brood parasitism

Laying eggs in another bird’s nest.

Cooperative breeding

Helpers assist in raising young.