Scientist Explorer: How to Become an Ornithologist | Bird Science Careers

How to Become an Ornithologist

What is an ornithologist? First, let’s define what ornithology is.

Ever spotted a colorful bird at your feeder and wondered what it was? Or maybe you’ve heard a beautiful song and couldn’t find the singer? These everyday moments of bird watching connect directly to the work of ornithologists – the scientists who study everything about birds.

Understanding Ornithology

What They Do:

Ever spotted a colorful bird at your feeder and wondered what it was? Or maybe you’ve heard a beautiful song and couldn’t find the singer? These everyday moments of bird watching connect directly to the work of ornithologists – the scientists who study everything about birds.

Where They Work:

• Universities and Research Institutions: Teaching the next generation while conducting research on bird species and their habitats
• Wildlife Agencies: Managing bird populations and creating conservation policies at state and federal levels
• Conservation Organizations: Working for groups like the Audubon Society or Cornell Lab of Ornithology to protect bird species and their habitats
• Zoos and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: An unexpected workplace where ornithologists help care for and study captive or injured birds

Key Responsibilities:

Day-to-day, ornithologists might band birds to track their movements, survey populations in specific areas, analyze migration patterns, study bird songs and calls, monitor nesting success, research the effects of environmental changes on birds, or work with the public on citizen science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count happening this month.

Impact:

Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health. When bird populations change, it often signals larger issues in the ecosystem. Ornithologists help us understand these connections and develop solutions for conservation challenges. Their work protects not just birds, but the habitats that support all wildlife – including humans.

Recent Discoveries in Mycology

• Advanced Bird Migration Tracking: New lightweight GPS transmitters have revealed previously unknown migration routes of small songbirds, showing some species fly non-stop over oceans for days at a time.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Recent studies show some birds are shifting their migration timing and breeding seasons in response to climate change, though not all species can adapt quickly enough.
• Urban Bird Intelligence: City birds show different problem-solving abilities than their rural counterparts, suggesting urban environments might select for certain cognitive traits.
• Vocal Learning Insights: Birds like ravens and crows have shown more complex communication abilities than previously thought, helping us understand how language develops.
• Backyard Bird Count Data: Citizen science projects have tracked the northward movement of many species over the past decade, connecting to climate patterns.
• Habitat Conservation Success: Several endangered bird species have shown population recovery thanks to focused conservation efforts, proving we can make a difference.
• Precision Agriculture Benefits: Studies show that farms with bird-friendly practices have fewer pest problems, connecting bird conservation with food production.
• Bird-Inspired Technology: The study of bird flight continues to influence drone design and other technologies, showing how ornithology connects to engineering.

Why Study Birds?

Research Opportunities:

• Bird migration and navigation systems
• Avian cognition and intelligence
• Urban adaptation strategies
• Climate change impacts on populations
• Bird song development and communication

Career Applications:

• Wildlife biologist specializing in birds
• Conservation program director
• Environmental policy advisor
• Avian veterinarian
• Wildlife refuge manager
• Ecotourism guide focusing on birdwatching
• Science writer or wildlife photographer
• Citizen science coordinator

Global Impact:

• Birds provide natural pest control for agriculture
• Healthy bird populations indicate environmental health
• Many birds help pollinate plants and disperse seeds
• Bird-based tourism generates billions in economic activity worldwide
• Bird research helps us understand disease spread and prevention

Meet a Leading Ornithologist: Dr. Bridget Stutchbury

Background: Dr. Stutchbury grew up in Toronto, Canada, where her early interest in nature and wildlife evolved into a passionate career studying birds. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Queen’s University before earning her PhD in Zoology from Yale University. Today, she is a professor of biology at York University in Toronto.

Current Work: Dr. Stutchbury leads groundbreaking research on songbird migration, using miniature tracking devices called geolocators to map the incredible journeys of birds between North and South America. Her work has revealed previously unknown migration routes and stopover sites that are critical for conservation planning. She also studies the effects of pesticides and habitat loss on bird populations across hemispheric scales.

Key Achievements:

• Dr. Stutchbury pioneered the use of geolocators for tracking small songbirds, documented the surprisingly rapid long-distance flights of migratory species
• Established important connections between tropical deforestation and declining songbird populations in North America.
• She’s published over 100 scientific papers and authored two acclaimed books: “Silence of the Songbirds” and “The Bird Detective,” making her research accessible to the public.
• She is the Past President and Board Chair as well as the Co-Chair for the Conservation Committee of Wildlife Preservation Canada, whose mission is to prevent animal extinctions.

Career Journey: “When I started college, I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to study,” Dr. Stutchbury has shared in interviews. “But after my first field course where we worked with birds, I was completely hooked. There’s something magical about holding a wild bird in your hand, taking measurements, and then watching it fly away. I realized these animals had incredible stories to tell, and I wanted to be the one to uncover them. My first major research project involved purple martins, and I’ve been fascinated by bird behavior and migration ever since.”

Advice for Newcomers: “Birds are everywhere, which means you can start studying them no matter where you live,” advises Dr. Stutchbury. “Begin with simple observation in your own neighborhood and participate in citizen science efforts like the Great Backyard Bird Count happening this month. Find local bird clubs where you can learn from experienced birders, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. For students interested in ornithology as a career, seek out volunteer opportunities with researchers or wildlife rehabilitation centers. The field needs people with diverse perspectives and skills – from computer science to art – not just traditional biology backgrounds.”

Notable Professionals in Ornithology

Understanding the Science

Basic Principles:

Ornithology combines field observation with laboratory analysis. Birds are studied at multiple levels – from individual behavior to population dynamics to evolutionary relationships. Modern ornithologists use techniques from many scientific disciplines, including genetics, ecology, physiology, and animal behavior.

Key Methods:

• Bird Banding/Ringing: Placing small, numbered metal or colored bands on birds’ legs to track individual movements and lifespans
• Point Counts: Systematic surveys where researchers count all birds seen or heard from specific locations
• Playback Studies: Using recorded bird songs to study territorial responses
• Tracking Technology: Using GPS, radio transmitters, or geolocators to follow bird movements
• Citizen Science: Collecting data from volunteers across wide geographic areas

Equipment Used:

Field ornithologists rely on binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, sound recording equipment, mist nets (for safe, temporary capture), and increasingly, drones for nest monitoring and habitat mapping. In labs, they might use genetic sequencing technology, sound analysis software, and high-speed cameras to study flight mechanics.

Current Challenges:

Modern ornithologists are tackling several significant problems: documenting and addressing widespread bird population declines, understanding the full impacts of climate change on bird migration and breeding, finding ways to reduce bird deaths from window collisions and domestic cats, and developing effective conservation strategies that work across international borders.

Education and Career Pathways

Academic Requirements:

• Degree Options:
  • Bachelor’s in Biology, Wildlife Biology, or Ecology (entry-level positions)
  • Master’s in Ornithology, Wildlife Science, or Conservation Biology (research positions)
  • PhD (for academic and advanced research roles)
• Key Courses:
  • Ornithology
  • Ecology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Conservation Biology
  • Statistics and Research Methods
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Useful Skills:
  • Bird identification by sight and sound
  • Field research techniques
  • Data analysis
  • Scientific writing
  • Public communication
  • Photography (increasingly important)
• Certification Needs:
  • Bird banding/ringing permit (requires training)
  • Scientific collection permits (for research)
  • Wildlife rehabilitation license (for rescue work)

Career Development

• Entry-Level Positions:
  • Field technician on bird research projects
  • Avian monitoring assistant
  • Conservation organization staff
  • Environmental educator focusing on birds
• Career Progression:
  • Research associate or project manager
    Wildlife biologist specializing in birds
    Conservation program director
    Professor or museum curator
• Specialization Options:
  • Avian ecology and conservation
  • Bird behavior and communication
  • Migration studies
  • Urban ornithology
  • Avian disease and health
• Additional Training:
  • Bird banding/ringing workshops
  • Advanced statistical methods
  • GIS certification
  • Grant writing courses

Essential Terms and Concepts

Avian Physiology
The unique body systems of birds that allow flight, including hollow bones, air sacs that extend beyond the lungs, and high metabolism. These adaptations give birds their remarkable abilities but also make them sensitive to environmental changes.

Migration
The seasonal movement of birds between breeding and non-breeding areas. Some species travel thousands of miles twice annually, using a combination of solar, stellar, magnetic, and landscape cues to navigate. Understanding migration routes is key to effective conservation.

Citizen Science
Research conducted with public participation, like the Great Backyard Bird Count this month. These projects collect data across wide geographic areas and time periods, revealing patterns impossible to detect through traditional research methods alone.

Speciation
The process by which new bird species evolve. Birds show remarkable examples of adaptation to different environments, making them excellent subjects for studying how evolution works. Islands like the Galapagos showcase this process clearly with their unique bird species.

Resources and Next Steps

Academic Programs

• Cornell University’s Ornithology Program
• University of Montana’s Avian Science Center
• University of California Davis Wild Bird Research Program
• Field Ornithology Intensive Programs at various biological field stations

Professional Organizations

• American Ornithological Society: Offers student memberships, conferences, and research grants
• British Trust for Ornithology: Provides training courses and citizen science opportunities
• Society for Conservation Biology – Bird Section: Focuses on applying ornithology to conservation
• Audubon Society: Combines research, conservation, and public education about birds

Hands-On Experience

Internship Opportunities:

• Look for seasonal field technician positions with universities and government agencies
• Many wildlife refuges offer internships focused on bird monitoring
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers both in-person and remote internships
• Applications typically open 4-6 months before positions start

Research Experience:

• Join a professor’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant
• Volunteer with bird banding stations or migration monitoring networks
• Participate in breeding bird surveys with local Audubon chapters
• Contact wildlife rehabilitation centers that specialize in birds

Industry Connections:

• Attend bird festivals and ornithology conferences
• Join local birding clubs and participate in field trips
• Connect with professionals through the Ornithological Societies of North America
• Follow ornithologists and research programs on social media

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Industry Developments:

The field of ornithology is evolving rapidly with new technology and growing public interest. Tracking devices keep getting smaller, allowing researchers to follow even tiny songbirds throughout their annual cycles. DNA analysis techniques are revealing previously unknown relationships between bird species and helping identify new conservation priorities.

Job Market Projections:

Job prospects in ornithology remain competitive but are expanding beyond traditional academic paths. Conservation organizations, private environmental consulting firms, and government agencies all hire ornithologists. The growth in biodiversity monitoring programs and environmental impact assessments creates opportunities for those with strong bird identification skills.

Emerging Specialties:

Emerging specialties include urban bird ecology, technology development for bird monitoring, and climate change adaptation planning. The connection between bird conservation and human health is also receiving increased attention, particularly regarding disease transmission and the mental health benefits of birdwatching.

Exploring Further

Recommended Reading:

• “The Bird Way” by Jennifer Ackerman: Explores recent discoveries about bird intelligence and behavior
• “Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior”: A comprehensive reference about North American birds
• “Bird Sense” by Tim Birkhead: Examines how birds perceive their world
• “The Atlas of Birds” by Mike Unwin: Provides a global view of bird diversity and conservationp dive into plant-fungal partnerships

Online Resources:

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds: Comprehensive bird identification and information website
• eBird: Citizen science platform for recording bird observations globally
• Xeno-canto: Worldwide collaborative database of bird sounds and calls
• BirdCast: Real-time migration forecasts based on weather radar
• Great Backyard Bird Count: This annual event takes place over a four-day period in mid-February each year (typically Presidents’ Day weekend). Anyone can contribute to bird science by counting birds for as little as 15 minutes. Find current dates and participation information at birdcount.org

Professional Development:

• Ornithological Field Techniques Workshop (offered at various biological field stations)
• North American Ornithological Conference (held every four years)
• American Birding Association’s birding skills workshops
• Cornell Lab’s Bird Academy online courses

Conclusion

Ornithology offers a fascinating window into the natural world. Birds connect us to the changing seasons, the health of our environment, and the wonder of animal adaptation. Whether you’re interested in pursuing ornithology as a career or simply want to better understand the birds in your backyard, the study of birds rewards curiosity at every level.

For those considering this path, here are some practical next steps to grow your ornithology skills:

• Start a bird journal: Record the birds you see, their behaviors, and seasonal patterns in your area. This builds the observation skills that all ornithologists need.
• Join community science projects: The Great Backyard Bird Count this month is just the beginning. Programs like eBird, Project FeederWatch, and breeding bird surveys run year-round and welcome participants of all skill levels.
• Connect with local experts: Contact your local Audubon chapter, bird observatory, or nature center about field trips, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Many offer bird walks led by experienced birders.
• Develop specialized skills: Try learning bird songs and calls, practice wildlife photography, or volunteer at a bird banding station. These specialized skills can open doors to future opportunities.
• Take a course: Look for ornithology classes at local colleges or online through platforms like the Cornell Lab’s Bird Academy. Many field stations also offer weekend workshops.
• Attend a birding festival: These events bring together experts and enthusiasts from all levels and often include specialized talks, field trips, and networking opportunities.

Remember, every bird observation you share contributes to our collective understanding of bird populations. Your backyard observations today might help shape conservation decisions tomorrow.

Have questions about ornithology or want to share your bird observations? Contact us