Investigating Behavior: Courtship and Rivalry in Birds

What's up with the birds?

• Why is that duck bobbing its head?
• Does that bird really have a broken wing?
• Why does that bird fluff up every time it calls?

Have you ever wished you knew more about the bird behaviors you observe? Why they do what they do? Well, here's your chance to take a guided peek into their world!

Watch a video preview to see what we're talking about.  (2:35 mins)

This five-week course is your key to developing new bird observation skills and new understanding of bird behavior. You will use videos of bird behavior, online discussions, and interactive tutorials to interpret whether birds are flirting or fighting, and why. As you progress from exploring the displays of backyard birds to examining how scientists answer questions about the most exotic birds on earth, you'll build a collection of skills and resources to continue investigating and appreciating bird behavior long after the course is over.

Sign up now to learn more about this great opportunity to learn from the Lab's top scientists, and from the birds -- it's all online!

Why eCornell and the Lab of Ornithology?

Truly understanding bird behaviors requires being able to see and hear the birds in their natural habitats. The Lab of Ornithology has teamed up with eCornell to bring you guided presentations of bird video and audio, photo and video tutorials, and facilitated discussions with classmates and an expert instructor.