Ornithologist

Job overview
Ornithologists are concerned with the behaviour, ecology, physiology, classification and conservation of birds.

What do people do in this occupation?
The type of work will depend on where ornithologists are employed, e.g. a museum, university or nature conservation organisation.

• At museums they are responsible for bird collections and displays, educational talks and research on birds.

In addition they answer questions about birds directed to the museum and identify birds donated.

For the collection of birds, ornithologists must work in close collaboration with conservation organisations and must be familiar with legislation applicable to the fauna and flora of the area.

• In nature conservation organisations they are involved in research on rare and economically important bird species.

Birds are captured, weighed, measured and marked.

Aspects such as the density and fluctuation of bird populations are studied.

Ornithologists also give advice to farmers on the needs and management of birds that can be found on their farms.

They control the export and import of birds and encourage a sense of conservation in the community as a whole.

• At universities they are involved in lecturing and conducting research.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Ornithologists must love nature.

Self-motivation is important, especially because they often have to work for long periods on their own in remote areas and conduct research.

An aptitude for figures is essential in data processing.

What qualifications are needed?
A BSc with majors in zoology and botany, plus postgraduate studies in those subjects, together with entomology and ecology.