ABSTRACT
For many people, birds have long held special appeal. Reasons for this are several. First, most birds are diurnal and are relatively conspicuous. Second, many exhibit striking colors, intricate color patterns and complex vocalizations, all of which can be spectacularly interesting and beautiful. Third, the vast majority of birds possess a capability that many humans envy: they can fly. In addition to these factors, birds, like humans, exhibit complex social relationships, many of which revolve around parent-offspring interactions. Also like humans, the majority of avian species produce completely helpless, altricial young, which require intense parental care.
