The American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. (AFA) released “The Fundamentals of Aviculture,” an online course to give students the recognition of an AFA-Certified Aviculturist, Level 1.

Aviculturist Rick Jordan and bird behaviorist Barbara Heidenreich designed the course for students to complete at their own pace in a “read-and-test” format. The nine chapters of the first level include the following avian basics:

• anatomy and physiology
  
• reproductive functions and behaviors
  
• illness prevention and detection
  
• aviary construction
  
• an understanding of birds' taxonomic assignments
  
• avicultural history and advancements
  
• domestication of birds in aviculture
  
• laws and regulations governing aviculture
  
• keys to understanding parrot behavior
  
• pet parrot behavior modification and training.

Registration fees are $35 for AFA members and $75 for non-AFA members. As an online course, no books are required.

The AFA is a nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of aviculture worldwide. Its goal is to ensure long-term, self-sustaining populations of exotic birds in captivity and the wild through educational programs, research and legislative awareness.

To receive more information or to enroll in this course, visit the AFA website, www.afabirds.com.