How to Become a Ornithologist

About Ornithologist

Ornithologists research birds. Ornithologists can research the physiology, behaviour, and conservation of birds as well as their habitats. Bird activity is frequently surveyed, noted, and reported upon in this work. Ornithologists can either specialise in a specific species or group of birds or generalise about all birds. Many professionals, however, might only devote a portion of their time to bird research. They might work as ecologists, land managers, lecturers, researchers, environmental educators, lobbyists, or ecotour guides, among other professions.

Ornithology research can be divided into three categories: collection-based, field-based, and laboratory-based. Two of the ornithological societies operating in India are the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in Mumbai (previously Bombay) and the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) close to Coimbatore.

In short, Ornithologists are specialists who focus on a specific bird species or group of birds. They investigate the wildlife for analysis while studying bird populations. Some even engage the general public to help them understand the value of each species on the planet. Many ornithologists work with organisations, non-governmental organisations, and leaders to raise awareness about the need to protect bird species and the part they play in preserving the balance of nature.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Ornithologist 

Ornithologists' job responsibilities vary depending on the position, but they may conduct field research to learn more about migration patterns, reproductive rates, and habitat requirements; monitor and assess the condition of a specific population; capture and band birds to learn more about their identities and movements; analyse the information they have collected; perform wildlife impact assessments for construction projects; and develop management plans and reports.

Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of an ornithologist listed below:

Work on Research: An ornithologist conducts studies on various birds which involve other bird species by reviewing research papers and bird literature. An ornithologist must read a variety of sources about birds and species. He or she examines research papers published in the public domain by other researchers, scholars, and practitioners.

Monitoring: An ornithologist tracks the use of birds and the increase or decrease in green mass over time. He or she forecasts the weather for birds on Earth. An ornithologist looks for ways to increase a region's green mass. Ornithologists respond to biomass disasters such as floods, droughts, fires, and storms. He or she assesses the various remediation methods.

Keeping Records: An ornithologist tests bird samples to determine their properties and applications, such as whether they are fit for human consumption, can be used in treatment, or have other uses. An ornithologist records the test and its outcome, as well as the bird's type and scientific name. He or she creates a report for documentation based on their findings. The findings of an ornithologist are presented to other scientists, scholars, and stakeholders.

Surveying: An important aspect of an ornithologist's job is surveying. He or she conducts environmental surveys to determine the types of birds, their natural habitats, and other elements of bird life. Hours are spent in the field by an ornithologist observing different bird species and their natural behaviours, such as carnivorous birds' eating habits or the study of their physical characteristics.

Utilization of a computer: An ornithologist analyses the best ways to manage a region's biomass using predictive computer-aided software. An ornithologist studies the structure of birds and distinguishes between their physical properties using computer software. To classify it, the computer software visually illustrates the subtle venation features. It aids ornithologists in considering relevant characteristics of a bird family or species. The computer can also recognise angiosperm clades from images of leaves.

Eligibility to become Ornithologist

To find out the answer to 'How toBecome an Ornithologist?' a candidate needs to take certain decisions and opt for studies in a relevant discipline to choose this career. The minimum qualifications to become an Ornithologist is given below:

• The candidate must hold a bachelors’ degree in Biology/ Zoology/ Animal Science etc.
• Those who wish to work as a researcher or scientist must hold a PhD degree

Types of a Ornithologist

The following are the various types of Ornithologists:

Airport Wildlife Biologist: Qualified airport wildlife biologists analyse potential wildlife hazards at airports and make recommendations for strategies that can be put into place to lessen the attraction of that airport to wildlife that could be a risk to human life and aircraft. This helps to ensure passenger safety.

Aquatic Biologist: A biologist who specialises in studying organisms in lakes, streams, ponds, oceans, and other bodies of water is called an aquatic biologist. Based on a species' environment, biologists specialise in that species. Projects and roles do vary due to the sheer number of bodies of water on Earth as well as the enormous diversity of organisms that live beneath the surface.

Biologist (Department of the Army): For the Army health care team, biologists are primarily in charge of conducting scientific research in the fields of biochemistry and physiology.

Environmental Quality Analyst: Environmental quality analysts look into and research how people and the environment interact as we live, pollute, and alter the planet. Environmental analysts could work in the public as well as private sector and analyse data on a variety of subjects, including geology, hydrology, and soil, water, or air pollution. For entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a closely related field is typical.

Farm Manager/Educator: A farm manager is in charge of overseeing and maintaining a farm's overall operations. A farm manager will oversee the planting, fertilising, spraying, cultivating, and harvesting of crops on a farm.

Technicians in Fish and Wildlife: Technicians in wildlife assist with data gathering. This typically entails taking blood and tissue samples, trapping and tagging animals, and inventorying wildlife populations. Additionally, they might take samples of the soil, water, and plants. Animals are examined by wildlife technicians who look for symptoms of illness. They frequently have to take care of animals that have been captured.

Laboratory Technician: In medical or scientific laboratories, lab technicians are highly skilled workers who operate intricate systems or carry out intricate mechanical or diagnostic procedures. Depending on the industry, technicians might operate independently or under a professional's supervision.

Wetland Scientist: In the field of natural science, a wetland specialist evaluates the health of wetlands and conducts field research to ascertain how both natural and human activities affect a wetland's physical characteristics.

How to Become an Ornithologist?

Candidates can become Ornithologists by following the steps below:

Step 1: Complete a 10+2 School Education in Relevant Subjects

Students must have completed a 10+2 level of education in physics, chemistry, and biology with an aggregate of 50% or equivalent from a recognised board.

Step 2: Examining for Admission

Several colleges and universities hold entrance exams to determine admissions. After successfully completing 10+2, candidates must appear in the entrance examinations of respective universities and colleges. The popular entrance examination for agriculture degrees is listed below.

Popular Entrance Examination

Step 3: Bachelor’s

Students must apply for admission to bachelor's level programmes after successfully completing 10+2 in physics, chemistry, biology, OR physics, chemistry, maths or physics, chemistry, biology, maths. We have listed the most popular bachelor's level programmes for agriculture inspector careers below. Ornithology courses are available at a number of institutes and colleges. Some of the most popular ornithology courses are listed below.

Popular Bachelor's Level Programmes 

Step 4: Post Bachelor’s

There are several options after completing a bachelor's degree, a candidate has several options for pursuing a career. We have listed both of the options that a candidate can consider below.

Option 1: After earning a bachelor's degree, the candidate can begin working in an entry-level position. It will give him or her experience and industry knowledge. After a few years, he or she can return to school and pursue a master's degree. For senior positions, a master's degree is considered more valuable.

Option 2: After completing the bachelor level programme, the candidate can continue his or her studies without missing a semester. He or she can begin working in the industry after completing a master's degree.

Popular Master’s level programmes

Skills Required to Become an Ornithologist

In today's world, skills are essential in every field. They are what give graduates their careers and determine how successful they are. These are a few of the abilities an ornithologist needs to succeed.

• Observation
• Active Learning
• Critically Analysing
• Patience
• Understanding of Biology
• A Strong Ability to Communicate Orally
• Teamwork Abilities
• Science Knowledge
• Math Proficiency
• Focus on the Details
   

Types of Job Roles Ornithologist

There is no specific job role of an Ornithologist. They can choose to work for different profiles. Some of the job roles they can choose are explained here: 

Bird Biologist 

Bird Biologists are professionals who study the behaviour and importance of birds for the environment. They understand the mechanism that governs the functioning of biological processes a species under the bird kingdom. 

They are associated with fundamental research to explore the behaviour of birds.  They test and validate information based on results

Ecologists

An Ecologist explores the relationship between birds and the environment. They understand how the species interacts with the biodiversity and their coexistence with other species. 

Most ecologists spread awareness about the consequences of changes in the environment on the bird species like their shelter, food and breeding.  

Nature Educator 

A nature educator aims to educate the public about nature, environmental issues and the importance of all types of species on earth including birds.

They visit schools, nature reserves, NGOs and workplaces to raise awareness of environmental issues, sustainability life and measures to protect various species on earth.  

Bird Geneticist

A Geneticist studies the genetic characteristics of birds through test and experiments. They explore the composition of the genetic material of birds to analyse the evolution of species.

They also perform experiments to identify diseases associated with birds. 

Bird Conservationist

A Bird Conservation is a person who works for the protection and preservation of the birds' species. They work on the ground as conservation workers to preserve birds and also collect them for study. They play a significant role in protecting the built heritage and place of existence fo wildlife.
 

Employment Sector/Industry for Ornithologist

The sectors where an Ornithologist can find a job role are as follows: 

• Forest department
• Wildlife centres
• Sanctuaries 
• NGO’s 
   

Top Recruiting Companies/ Agencies/ Organizations

Following are some of the organisations that hire professionals as an Ornithologist:

• Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Bird Conservation Society 
• Plant & Animals Welfare Society (PAWS)
• Aarakyan 
• Wildlife Institute of India
   

Pay Scale/Salary of Ornithologist

Pay Scale of an Ornithologist varies according to the job role that they choose. Detailed pay scale according to the job role of an Ornithologist is given below:

NOTE: The salary structure mentioned above is indicative only and is subject to change unconditionally.

Career Path

• Candidates who want to make a career as an Ornithologist must take up internships and projects that would relate to the study of birds during the study of course or after the compilation of course.
• Extra skills and experience will help a candidate apply for the job role with some advantage.
• After the competition of the course, they can apply for job roles in various organisations for the relevant job post.
   

Books & Study Material to Become Ornithologist

Following are some of the good books to refer for a career as an Ornithologist:

• Ornithology by Frank B. Gill 
• The Book of Indian Birds by Sálim Ali 
• Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics, and Management by L. Scott Mill
• Animal Diversity by K.L Kotpal
• The birds by K.L Kotpal
   

Pros of becoming a Ornithologist

Every job roles have certain pros as well as cons. While choosing a career you must ensure a job role that best suits your personality and is most satisfying for you. In this section we have covered the pros and cons of a career as an Ornithologist:

• It is a good career for those have a love for birds and nature.
• Professional gets a chance to explore various bird species and be involves in protecting the bird species.
• It is a good job role fo those who are interested in fieldwork.
   

Cons of becoming a Ornithologist

• Salary scale may not be high of an Ornithologist
• Ornithologist is not very well recognised in India 
• It requires travelling and the job location may change from time to time.