Why would anyone bother studying bird brains? This is a question that I frequently get from many people. As I will discuss, studying bird brains led to the discovery that adults can add new cells to the brain: this has informed current treatments and experiments in human brains. Birds also provided some of the first evidence that hormones can affect human brain anatomy and function. A lot can also be learned about bird behaviour from studying their brains, which I will illustrate from our own studies of hummingbirds, vultures, and the Dodo. These examples will not only address the question of why study bird brains, but also emphasize the value of basic research to understanding the natural world.
Speaker: Dr Andrew Iwaniuk
Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk is a Professor of Neuroscience and Research Chair in Comparative Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge. Raised in Edmonton, he studied at the University Alberta, University of Lethbridge, Monash University in Australia, and the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Iwaniuk studies how and why brain anatomy varies within and across animal species. His lab houses the world’s largest bird brain collection and he has published over 100 scientific articles on hummingbirds, vultures, parrots, hawks, and many other bird species. Dr. Iwaniuk’s research has been recognized by the American Ornithological Society and Royal Society of Canada. He has contributed to natural history museum exhibits in the USA and Europe, multiple issues of National Geographic magazine, and documentary series, such as Earthsounds and The Nature of Things, and appeared on CBC Radio.
Date/Time: Thursday, February 5, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.
Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session
You may also like the following events from SACPA:
- Next Thursday, 8th January, 12:00 pm, What is the role of a community newspaper in the digital age? in Lethbridge
- This month, 22nd January, 12:00 pm, Fear and loathing in Alberta - how do we overcome it to save the Prairie Rattlesnake? in Lethbridge
- This month, 29th January, 12:00 pm, South Campus: How can we Plan for Tomorrow, Together? in Lethbridge
Also check out other
Nonprofit events in Lethbridge.
