Do you enjoy travelling? Are you intrigued by birds and want to learn more about them when you see them? If you answered yes, you have the mindset of an ornithologist!
The scientific term for bird-watching and research is ornithology. Birds, their bio-learning, habitat, and evolution are all being studied. Ornithology has a long history and has contributed to the development of several key concepts in evolution, such as species definition, behaviour and the process of speciation, ecological niches, biodiversity conservation, instinct, phylogeography, and island biogeography.
Do you aspire to be an Ornithologist or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve come to the right place! This blog discusses the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to become an Ornithologist. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog about how to become an Ornithologist.
An ornithologist is someone who studies birds professionally. Ornithologists study bird species’ physical structure, behaviour, origin, diseases, and evolution. An ornithologist’s job description is vague. Some may work as researchers in laboratories, while others may work as ecologists.
Many ornithologists work with agencies, NGOs, and leaders to raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation and the role that birds play in maintaining natural balance.
Learn more: Career As An Ornithologist
To become an Ornithologist, students should select the Science stream and take Biology as one of their subjects. Ornithology, as a primarily scientific discipline, is heavily rooted in zoology, and knowledge of zoology and other topics covered in the subject of Biology can prepare students for advanced topics in their bachelor’s.
The courses listed below can help you become an Ornithologist.
To become an ornithologist, candidates must have a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field. Candidates who want to work in the field of research must obtain a doctorate degree.
How to become an Ornithologist after 10th?
Join a bird-watching club in your area. Joining a bird-watching club is one way to get your feet wet in ornithology while still in school or after 10th. Most towns have these clubs, and they would be delighted to welcome a new bird enthusiast!
How to become an Ornithologist after 12th?
To be an Ornithologist in India –
Before enrolling in a B.Sc Zoology Hons., students must have completed a 10+2 level of education in physics, chemistry, and biology with an aggregate of 50% or equivalent marks from a recognised board. Students can then pursue a Master’s degree in Ornithology, followed by a Ph.D.
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| B.Sc Zoology Hons. | 3 years | ₹9,258 to ₹2,88,000 |
| Name of Institution | Location |
| MSU Baroda – Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda | Gujarat |
| LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University | Punjab |
| BHU Varanasi – Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh |
| DU Delhi – University of Delhi | Delhi |
| Visva Bharati University – Visva-Bharati | West Bengal |
| AMU Aligarh – Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh |
| Ravenshaw University, Cuttack | Odisha |
| NIMS University, Jaipur | Rajasthan |
| Panjab University, Chandigarh | Punjab |
| DEI Agra – Dayalbagh Educational Institute | Uttar Pradesh |
Also read: How to become a Geologist
To become an Ornithologist abroad
There are almost no well-known ornithology-specific undergraduate courses. Aspiring ornithologists can enrol in zoology and wildlife biology programmes that offer elective ornithology courses. Animal behaviour, conservation biology, ecology, genetics, wildlife science, and vertebrate anatomy are all topics covered in zoology and wildlife biology degree programmes. Following that, students can pursue a Master’s degree in Ornithology, followed by a Ph.D.
| Course | Duration |
| BS in Zoology | 3-4 years |
| BS in Biology | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science | 3-4 years |
| Name of Institution | Location |
| University of California – Davis | United States |
| University of California – Berkeley | United States |
| Cornell University | United States |
| University of Sao Paulo | Brazil |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| University of Queensland | Australia |
| University of Florida | United States |
| University of Washington – Seattle | United States |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | United States |
An entry-level Ornithologist with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an annual compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹5,23,574.
The following are some entry-level Ornithologist salaries from around the world.
| Country | Annual Salary |
| South African Republic | R309,780 |
| United Kingdom | £24,302 |
| New Zealand | $50,890 (NZD) |
| Canada | $47,926 (CAD) |
| Sweden | KR 264,546 |
| Australia | $54,833.(AUD) |
| United States | $45,902 |
Know about: Career as a Zoologist
If you’ve arrived at this point in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you like Ornithologists and may one day become one yourself! As a bonus, a few bird-watching Instagram accounts are included here. Check them out and have fun exploring more!
To be an ornithologist, you must be passionate about birds and nature. Just like the legendary ‘Birdman of India,’ who helped people understand the importance of birds in our ecosystem and thus popularised ornithology in India.
Dr. Salim Ali’s passion for birds was so well-known that a cartoon strip once depicted a group of Siberian cranes flying over the Bharatpur sanctuary, with the leader of the group saying, ‘Come, let’s fly a little low; if we are lucky we may be able to spot Salim Ali!’ I hope, like Salim Ali, you can do your best for the birds and nature! Best wishes for your ornithological adventure!
Ans: To become an ornithologist, candidates must have a degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field. Candidates who want to work in the field of research must obtain a doctorate degree.
Ans: In India, the average ornithologist’s gross salary is Rs. 7,10,856. The average salary for an entry-level ornithologist (1-3 years of experience) is ₹5,23,574. A senior-level ornithologist (8+ years of experience) makes an average salary of ₹8,86,330.
Ans: The Bachelor’s degree should take 3-4 years, the Master’s degree 2-3 years, and the PhD 3-5 years.
Ans: Students must have completed a 10+2 level of education in physics, chemistry, and biology with an aggregate of 50% or equivalent marks from a recognised board before enrolling in a B.Sc Zoology Hons. programme. Following that, students can pursue a Master’s degree in Ornithology, followed by a PhD.
Ans: An ornithologist is a professional who studies birds. Ornithologists study the physical structure, behaviour, origin, diseases, and evolution of bird species.
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