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.
Course Structure
Unit - Ornithology
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
Study Hours
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.
Testimonials
It was my first time studying online. For me, it is very flexible because I can follow my own pace and it is a great feeling of self-motivation. It also helped me to observe the birds and the environment. At the end of my study, I realized the online course just opened the gate of Ornithology for me. It is an endless study because there are so many birds around the world and we still know very little about this creature. Overall, it is a great experience.
T. Lin, Broome, WA | Certificate of Ornithology – Bird Studies
Very pleasant experience. Help with the courses was always easy and understanding.
information and assignment questions were easy to understand
M. Harcla-Goody, Hamilton Island, QLD | Certificate of Ornithology (Bird Studies)
A great experience, first time doing online course was easy to follow and course material was fantastic, learnt so much.
V. Roberson, Casino, NSW | Certificate of Ornithology (Bird Studies)
From the outset I was impressed with the online friendly assistance and I found the course structure to be so well organised. It led from the known to the unknown seamlessly and in a most efficient and practical way it kept leading me on. I loved the study of birds and think I finished the course in less than three months, because I enjoyed it so much I just kept going.
Norma | Ellenbrook, WA | Certificate of Ornithology – Bird Studies
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Environmental consultants
- Wildlife Surveyors
- Wildlife Rescuers
- Ecotour Operators
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