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Who is a Ornithologist?
There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before ~ Robert Lynd, The Blue Lion; And Other Essays
An ornithologist studies birds. Ornithologists may study the behavior, physiology, and conservation of birds and bird habitats. This work often involves surveying, recording and reporting on bird activity. Ornithologists may either generalize, or specialize in a particular species or bird group. However, many professionals may only spend part of their time researching birds. They may work as wildlife biologists, ecologists, land managers, teachers, researchers, environmental educators, legislative advocates, or eco-tour guides.
Ornithologist in a Nutshell
Ornithologists are experts with specialisation in a particular bird group or generics. They study bird populations and explore the wildlife for analysis. Some even connect with the public to help them realise the importance of every species on the planet. Many of the Ornithologists collaborate with agencies, NGOs and leaders to generate awareness on the protection of bird species and the role that they play in maintaining balance in nature.
Quick Facts for Ornithologist
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Industry
Environment
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as an ornithologist is suitable for everyone regardless of gender. Individuals’ gender does not affect career progression. Whether a person is male, female or belongs to any other gender, he or she can opt for a degree in biology or related field to become the ornithologist.
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Any special needs
No
Candidates with special needs should not choose a career as an ornithologist. Special needs may affect his or her career progression and efficiency of functioning as an ornithologist. An ornithologist is required to be fit in order to treat birds through medicinal as well as surgical methods.
Table of Contents for Ornithologist
What is the role of Ornithologist?
While job duties vary by position, ornithologists may conduct field research to better understand migration routes, reproduction rates, and habitat needs; monitor and assess the status of a particular population; capture and band birds to track their movements and identities; analyze collected data; conduct wildlife impact assessments for development projects; and create management plans and reports. They may also serve as park rangers or work at nature reserves. Those employed by nonprofit conservation organizations may also be involved in policy development and advocacy.
Research work
An ornithologist reviews research papers birds literature to carry out research on various birds that involve other bird species. An ornithologist has to read through various sources about birds and species. He or she reviews the research paper work produced by other researchers, scholars and practitioners available in the public domain.
Monitoring
An ornithologist monitors birds’ usage and green mass increase or reduction over the years. He or she forecasts the conditions of birds on earth. An ornithologist finds ways to increase the green mass of a region. A ornithologist responds to biomass catastrophes such as floods, droughts, fire outbreaks, and storms. He or she evaluates the various methods of remediation.
Record keeping
An ornithologist performs a test on the samples of birds to identify its properties and usage such as fit for human consumption, can be used in treatment or other uses. A ornithologist records the test and its result along with the bird's type and its scientific name. He or she prepares a report based on their findings for documentation. An ornithologist presents their findings to other scientists, scholars, and stakeholders.
Surveying
Surveying forms an important part of an ornithologist's job. He or she carries out environmental surveys to identify birds species, their natural habitat and other aspects related to bird life. An ornithologist spends hours on the field observing the birds species and their life processes such as eating habits of carnivorous birds, or studying their physical properties.
Use of computer
A ornithologist uses predictive computer-aided software to analyze the best ways of managing biomass of a region. An ornithologist uses computer software to study the birds' structure and differentiate between their physical properties. The computer software visually highlights the subtle venation features to classify it. It helps ornithologists to consider relevant traits of a bird family or species. The computer can also recognize the clades of angiosperms from the images of leaves.
Types of a Ornithologist
Airport Wildlife Biologist: A qualified airport wildlife biologist helps to ensure passenger safety by analyzing potential wildlife hazards at airports and recommending strategies that can be implemented to reduce the attractiveness of that airport to wildlife that could pose a risk to human life and aircraft.
Aquatic Biologist: Aquatic biologists study organisms in lakes, streams, ponds, oceans and other bodies of water. Biologists specialize in species based on their environment. Because of the number of bodies of water on Earth, as well as the vast diversity of organisms that live underwater, projects and roles do vary.
Biologist (Department of the Army) : Biologist is primarily responsible for the scientific research of biochemistry and physiology for the Army health care team.
Environmental Quality Analyst: Environmental analysts examine and study the interaction of the environment and people, as we live, pollute and change the earth. Environmental analysts may work in the public or private sector, analyzing data about different topics such as soil, water, or air pollution, geology, or hydrology. A bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related major is typical for entry-level positions.
Farm Manager/Educator: A farm manager is responsible for the management and general maintenance of a farm. On a crop farm, a farm manager will supervise the fertilizing, planting, spraying, cultivating and harvesting procedures of crops.
Fish and Wildlife Technician: Wildlife technicians help with data collection. This typically means inventorying wildlife populations, trapping and tagging animals, and taking blood and tissue samples. They may also collect samples of water, soil, and plants. Wildlife technicians evaluate the health of animals, looking for signs of illness. They're often responsible for caring for captured animals.
Laboratory Technician: Lab technicians are skilled workers that work with complex systems or perform highly technical mechanical or diagnostic tests in medical or scientific laboratories. Depending on the field, technicians may work independently or under the direction of a professional
Wetland Scientist: A wetland specialist works in the natural science profession assessing the health of wetlands and determining through field experimentation how human and natural activities influence a wetland's physical conditions.
What is the workplace/work environment of Ornithologist like?
Working conditions vary widely throughout the field. Some ornithologists work indoors in clean, well-lighted laboratories. Others spend much of their time outdoors or in greenhouses. Some ornithologists need to travel from time to time to sites where they can collect specimens.
Does Ornithologist require travelling?
Likely
Yes, Some ornithologists need to travel from time to time to sites where they can collect specimens.
Employment Shifts
Their working hours are generally flexible but sometimes have to work rotating shifts.
Employment Nature
Ornithologists generally work on a permanent basis. However, depending on the demand of the project, employers might hire ornithologists on a contract basis.
Work Place
Most of the ornithologists work in labs which are situated in urban tier 1 cities and the rest work in sanctuaries, national parks, or zoos.
Presence in Geographical Area
Most of the ornithologists either work in tier-1 cities with big organisations in the field of research and development. And the rest work in the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to study the birds.
Time Pressure
Not Likely
Generally, there is no time pressure in a career as an ornithologist unless a deadline has to be met.
Overtime Details
Ornithologists spend most of their time in research and development in their respective fields which requires them to work overtime more often.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 40 Hours
Ornithologists are required to work forty hours per week minimum. Depending on the work demand and deadlines, they might also work overtime.
How to become a Ornithologist?
Steps to become a Ornithologist
This section explores the journey of becoming an oncologist in India, providing a step-by-step guide and essential insights into the educational and professional pathways. Understanding "How to Become an Oncologist in India" involves specific qualifications, educational milestones, and practical experiences that aspiring individuals can navigate to pursue a career in oncology.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Ornithologist?
Interest in the natural world: As an ornithologist, one needs to develop a deep interest in birds, their living habitats, characteristics, and nature. In order to understand and research thoroughly on birds, one needs to have natural interest in birds.
Scientific skills, particularly biology and chemistry: An Individual should have the knowledge of biology and chemistry, which are the core subjects of ornithologists. Ornithologists are required to use these subjects widely while conducting researches on a particular topic.
Research skills: Strong research skills helps in projects. Ornithologists are required to study about different species of birds and conduct various experiments on them to reach certain conclusion which is not possible without strong research skills.
Evaluation skills: Critical evaluation skills include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making. Individual always needs to pay attention to details, what the other person is saying. It might be useful in their work.
Problem solving ability: Ornithologists should know how to handle difficult or unexpected situations while working outdoors/field. There are going to be various instances where they might need to aaply their problem solving ability in order to reach a particular conclusion.
Communication skills: Communication skills are must, one must know how to communicate with others, Explain in a way that people can understand. Use simple language while communicating.
Attention to detail: One mistake can lead to incorrect information, one needs to be accurate and pay attention. While conducting a research, an ornithologist is required to take care of even minute of details since they can result in huge variations.
Patience: A person should know how to react in difficult circumstances. There are going to be times when the research might be stretched for longer than it was supposed to. In such times, ornithologists are required to show patience and keep going on with the research.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Ornithologist?
Internship Availability
What is the job outlook for Ornithologist?
Organisations/industry usually hire those who have requisite formal academic qualifications in ornithology or allied subjects with experience in their field of specialisation they require. Most ornithologists work for land and wildlife agencies at the federal and state levels, or nonprofit conservation organizations. They may also teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Some work at zoos, wildlife parks, and as veterinarians and environmental scientists, though these jobs are rarely exclusive to birds. Workers in certain positions may spend a significant amount of time in the field gathering data and studying birds in their natural habitats. Fieldwork may involve travel to remote locations, including international travel. It can also involve travel by foot, exposure to all kinds of weather conditions, and isolation. Ornithologists also work in laboratories and may process data with computers in an office setting.
Frequently Asked Questions for Ornithologist
Que. What do you mean by the term ornithologist?
Ans.An ornithologist studies birds. Ornithologists may study the behaviour, physiology, and conservation of birds and bird habitats. This work often involves surveying, recording and reporting on bird activity.
Que. What do you need to become an ornithologist?
Ans.In order to become an ornithologist, candidates are required to have a degree in Biology, Zoology, or Animal Science or a related specialisation. Candidates who wish to move in the field of research are required to earn a doctorate degree.
Que. What does an ornithologist do on a daily basis?
Ans.Ornithologists perform a variety of jobs depending on their position and seniority. Some of the common tasks performed by ornithologists are conducting field research for better understanding of the migration routes, reproduction rates, and habitat needs; monitoring and assessing the status of a particular population; capturing and banding birds to track their movements and identities and analyzing collected data.
Que. Is ornithology a good career?
Ans.Employment opportunities in the field of ornithology or related fields are limited. Most candidates don't have a bright chance unless you have some connections and experience that could provide you an edge over other candidates. However, if a candidate is passionate enough to study animals or do related research, the chances are bright.
Que. Is ornithology a good career
Ans.Ornithology can be a rewarding career for those passionate about birds, offering opportunities in research, conservation, and education.
Que. What is the salary of an ornithologist in India?
Ans.The salary of an ornithologist in India varies, but it typically ranges from INR 3 to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on experience and employer.
Que. What do ornithologists study?
Ans.Ornithologists study birds, focusing on their behavior, ecology, physiology, and conservation to contribute to our understanding of avian species.
Que. Where can I study ornithology in India?
Ans.In India, you can study ornithology at institutions like the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore and various universities offering wildlife biology programs.
Que. What is the study of ornithology called?
Ans.The study of ornithology is called ornithology itself, which involves the scientific study of birds, including their anatomy, behavior, and ecology.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
There are more than 10,000 species of birds living on every continent on the planet.
Fact 2
The tiny Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) engages in an annual migration that stretches up to 44,000 miles.
Fact 3
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is not only the fastest bird in the world, it's also the fastest animal.
Fact 4
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest moving bird in the world with the speed of 200 mph.
