Ornithology Syllabus | Gish Blog

Ornithology

Ornithology, a branch of zoology with the study of birds. Most of the early writings on birds are more anecdotal than scientific, but they represent a broad foundation of knowledge, including much folklore, on which later work was based.

 

How much an ornithologist earn?

The median annual wage for these professions was $57,710 in May 2012. Those in the federal government made $72,700, while ornithologists teaching at colleges, universities and professional schools earned $55,610. 

Father of Ornithology:

 

Allan Octavian Hume

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the behavioral, morphological, and physiological characteristics that distinguish the Class Aves from other animal taxa.
   
2. Identify and understand general themes in avian ecology and evolution (e.g. communication, mating, foraging, feathers, flight).
3. Appreciate the conservation issues affecting bird species, populations, and communities.
4. Identify most of your local bird species by sight and sound.
5. Generate relevant and detailed field notations of bird behavior.
6. Integrate knowledge of principles and methods into the design and implementation of a research project that effectively addresses a research question about bird ecology.
7. Communicate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and through oral presentations.

Syllabus of Ornithology:

•   avian evolution and diversity
•   becoming acquainted with your local species through eBird
•   avian behavior, form and function: foraging and flight
•   external and skeletal avian anatomy
•   bird identification skills
•   form/function in your local species
•   avian conservation and management
•   conservation status of your local species
•   sounds of your local species
•   avian behavior, form and function: breeding and migration
•   internal avian anatomy
•   bird identification skills
•   observing and understanding bird behavior
•   observational field methods
•   birding safely and ethically
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   eBird checklists
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   sound recordings
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   point count surveys bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   field research project design
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   carrying out a field research project
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   carrying out a field research project
•   bird identification skills
•   behavioral observation
•   carrying out a field research project
•   bird identification skills
•   carrying out a field research project
•   carrying out a field research project
•   carrying out a field research project
•   presenting your own research

 

 Fun Facts About Birds: