The Department of Avian Sciences has merged with the Department of Animal Science to optimize resources available to both departments. The Department maintains seven light, temperature and humidity-controlled environmental chambers which are capable of mimicking several climatic conditions. These were recently constructed with electrical connections that allow remote monitoring of birds housed in the chambers. Incubation and hatching of poultry species is a routine operation in the Unit. Ecology Lab Ecology Lab facilities at the Institute of Ecology include outside and inside aviaries for investigating food-cacheing behavior and spatial memory of both domestic and wild birds.
Some inside aviaries allow for species comparison of free-flight tasks on varying photoperiods.
Currently there are approximately 120 birds housed at the lab. Research ranges from the molecular to ecosystem levels with faculty and students belonging to a number of graduate groups offering Masters and Ph.D. degrees. A fence around the larger pond allows work on flightless aquatic birds. Other ponds are unfenced and attract a small number of migratory waterfowl during fall and winter. Nearby Putah Creek provides opportunities for riparian bird study.