Dessert with Discussion: The Science of Bird Color
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
7-8:30 p.m. ET
MSU's W. K. Kellogg Biological Station,
3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060
In-person
or
Streamed Online via Zoom webinar
Join Dr. Kevin McGraw, professor and chairperson of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University, for an engaging look at how and why birds are so colorful. Dr. McGraw is a leading researcher on bird coloration and how environmental change—from cities to farms—shapes the lives of wild birds. His team studies everything from oriole communication to biodiversity in Michigan cities, ancient pigment evolution, and how microplastics affect bird health.
Talking Points
- Birds use many different mechanisms to create color.
- Color serves a wide range of functions in bird behavior and survival.
- Feather colors evolve differently than colors on bare body parts like bills, legs, and skin.
Dessert with Discussion is a free lecture series that connects the KBS and MSU research community with our local community. This series is made possible through generous donations to the Dessert with Discussion Fund.
Registration for Dessert with Discussion: The Science of Bird Color is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026.
There are 90 openings available.
Registration for Dessert with Discussion: The Science of Bird Color is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 4, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For information, contact the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Community Outreach Coordinator at communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu or 269-671-2402.