Birds of the Bahamas: Draft #2

This topic submitted by Tyler Bruns ( Brunsts@muohio.edu) at 10:31 PM on 5/1/08.

What a beautiful frog! Only in Costa Rica!

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University

TME Outline ~ Tyler Bruns

Marine Birds of the Bahamas

Abstract: This paper will focus on birds, specifically on those species found in the Bahamas and their role in the marine ecology of the area. It will include the a general description of birds, the 19 major bird species found in the Bahamas, several key characteristics of those species including mating, adaptations, etc. and finally how human populations are affecting the bird population.

I. Introduction to Birds
A. What is a Bird? Characteristics common to all birds.
B. Biology
C. Reproduction

II. The Different Bird Species Present in the Bahamas
A. Biogeography/Habitats
B. Mating
C. Predators and Prey
D. Adaptations
E. Birds Role in Grand Scheme of Things

III. BirdÕs Plight
A. Loss of Habitat
B. Affect on Populations and Overall Health.
C. Possible Solutions

Burger, Joanna and Michael Gochfeld. (2004). Marine Birds as Sentinels of Environmental
Pollution. EcoHealth. 1(3). p. 263-274.

Hunt, George L., Gary Drew, Jaume Jahncke, and John Piatt. (2005). Prey Consumption and
Energy Transfer by Marine Birds in the Gulf of Alaska. Deep-Sea Research Part II.
52(5-6). p. 781-797.

Kushlan, James A., and Melanie Steinkamp. (2007). Seabird Nesting and Conservation in the
Northern Bahamas. Waterbirds. 30(4). p. 613-623.

Mallory, Mark L., Grant Gilchrist, Birgit Braune, Anthony Gaston. (2006). Marine Birds as
Indicators of Artic Marine Ecosystem Health: Linking the Northern Ecosystem Initiative
to Long-Term Studies. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 133(1-3). p. 31-48.

Murphy, Michael T., Jonathan Zysik, and Aaron Pierce. (2004). Biogeography of the Birds of the
Bahamas with Special Reference to the Island of San Salvador. Journal of Field Ornithology. 75(1). p.18-30.

Perrins, Christopher. The New Encyclopedia of Birds. Ed. Oxford University Press, 2007. Oxford
Reference Online. Oxford University Press. http://www.oxfordreference.com.proxy.lib.muohio.edu/views/BOOK_SEARCH.html?book=t228&authstatuscode=202.

Poole, A. (Editor). 2005. The Birds of North America Online:
http://bna.birds.cornell.edu.proxy.lib.muohio.edu/BNA/. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY.

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