Certificate of Ornithology Bird Studies

Do you enjoy birdwatching? If so, you might like to extend your knowledge and learn about bird biology, physiology, and taxonomy and improve your ability to identify different bird types. This course is ideal for life scientists, environmental researchers and consultants, amateur bird watchers or anyone working or aspiring to work with birds.

The Certificate of Ornithology (Bird Studies) is a professional development course that will provide the knowledge required to identify, understand and manage birds.

In this bird studies course, you will learn about the many different species of birds, bird physiology and habitats, common ailments and bird care, and how to attract, feed and keep birds.

On completion of this course, you will have a foundation understanding of birds, their biology, habitats and classification to indulge in a hobby or further your career.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us.

Course Structure

Unit 1 – Classification and Introduction to Bird watching

Nature and scope of ornithology (over 9,000 species)
Place of Birds in Nature
Bird Classification (Aves, Ratitae, Carinate)
Use of common names and scientific names
Fossil or Extinct Birds
Classes and Sub Classes
Comparing characteristics of different Super orders
Comparing characteristics of all major bird Families
Resources for further information
Bird Watching equipment

Unit 2 – The Biology of Birds

Anatomical features
Skeleton
Feathers
Feather Colour
Wings
Wing Types (elliptical, high speed, long soaring, high lift)
Legs and Feet
Beaks and Bills
Internal Structure
Respiration
Excretion
Digestion
Circulation
Senses
Avian Behaviours (Flight, Diving, Reproduction, Courtship, Bonding, Territoriality, Nesting)
Formation of Eggs and Hatching
Feeding
Vocalisations
Migration
Habitats

Unit 3 – Common and Widespread Land Birds

Eagles and Relatives; Carthatidae (New World vultures, condors)
Pandionidae (osprey)
Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, kites)
Sagittariidae (secretary bird)
Falconidae (falcons, caracaras)
Crows and their Relatives
Butcher birds, Currawongs and related birds
Pigeons (structure, feeding, breeding, types)
Doves
The Dodo
Cuckoos
Pest and Introduced Birds (for man countries); Indian Mynah, Sparrow, Thrush, Starling, etc

Unit 4 – Giant Birds and Long Legged Birds

Ratitites; Ostrich, Emu, Moa, Rhea, Cassowary, Kiwi, South American Tinamous, extinct giant Elephant bird and Dodo
Herons, Storks and relatives

Unit 5 – Seabirds and Water Birds

Anseriformes; ducks, geese, swans etc
Gruiformes; cranes, coots, mud hens, rails
Charadriiformes; sandpipers, snipes, curlews, plovers, dotterels, etc
Gaviiformes; divers
Gulls, Skuas, Auks, Puffins, Terns
Tube Nosed Birds
Albatrosses
Petrels, Storm Petrels and Diving Petrels
Pelicans and Relatives
Gannets
Cormorants
Boobies, Frigate Birds, Tropic Birds
Penguins

Unit 6 – Hunters -Birds of Prey, Owls, and Kingfishers

Eagles
Eagle species
Hawks
Kites
Osprey
Falcons
Vultures
Owls
Breeding behaviours of birds of prey
Kingfishers

Unit 7 – Passeriformes

Scope of “songbirds” or “perching birds”.
Features common to Passeriformes
Varieties of Passeriformes (Primitive and Advanced)
Muscicapidae; thrush
Robins
Flycatchers, Larks, Pippits, Wingtails
Swallows and Martins; physical characteristics, breeding and nesting
Fringilllidae; finches

Unit 8 – Other Birds

Parrots; structure, feeding, breeding, species
Honeyeaters, Swifts
Galliformes; chicken.
Other Orders

Unit 9 – Attracting, Feeding and Keeping Birds

How plants benefit birds
Plants that attract birds
Feeding Birds
Bird Care; parasites, catching and handling, caring for a sick bird
Common Ailments

Estimated Duration

50 hours

Course Delivery and Start

Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online

Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

Career Outcomes

Professional Development for:

Environmental consultants
Wildlife Surveyors
Wildlife Rescuers
Ecotour Operators

It was overall a great experience and having tutors on hand was a good help!