Biology Project Abstract
BIRD DIVERSITY IN COSTA RICA
Presenters:
Matt T. Born, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; mattborn@imsa.edu
Kathryn G. Dirks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; kdirks@imsa.edu
Monica Khan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; mkhan@imsa.edu
Ashley Levato, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; ae1913@imsa.edu
Carly N. Nix, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; carlyle@imsa.edu
Monica L. Radosevich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; momo22@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Mr. James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Computing and Network Services, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5012; jgerry@imsa.edu
Mr. John Thompson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Biology, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506-1000; 630-907-5944; jtt@fnal.gov
Abstract:
The country of Costa Rica harbors at least 830 different species of birds, more than in all of North America and Mexico combined. As a very small country, no larger than the size of West Virginia, birds are abundant in nearly all areas. During Intersession, a group of students attempted to identify and record all of the birds they observed during their trip in just two places of Costa Rica, Palo Verde National Park and La Selva. Using bird guides designed for such activities, we trained ourselves to notice the coloring, beak shape, size, and other physical characteristics of the birds we encountered. Of the thousands of birds we observed, we successfully identified over one hundred different species, especially during a boat ride around a bird sanctuary island. Varying greatly in size, color, and other physical attributes, the birds of Costa Rica are beautiful and exotic, inhabiting the forests, swamps, and mountains. From parrots to hummingbirds to the bright pink roseate spoonbill, bird diversity between just the dry forest and rainforest of the country is undeniably unique and incredibly amazing.