Did you know there are over 10,000 species of birds worldwide? That’s a whole lot of feathered friends to get to know! The Certificate of Ornithology – Bird Studies is ideal for environmental consultants, animal scientists, eco-tour operators, zookeepers, those who work in the pet industry, wildlife surveyors, rescuers and conservationists, or anyone working or aspiring to work with birds … including passionate birdwatchers!

In this ornithology course, you will learn how to identify the many different species of birds, bird biology, taxonomy, physiology and habitats, common ailments and bird care, and how to attract, feed and keep birds. You will also study how birds evolved, and the adaptions they developed to be able to colonize air, land and water so successfully.

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an online ornithology course include:

• Learning about bird classification and bird watching and bird watching equipment
• Exploring over 9000 bird species
• Studying bird classification including Aves, Ratitae and Carinate
• Gaining insights into common and scientific names, classes and sub-classes
• Examining fossil or extinct birds
• Understanding how to compare the characteristics of bird families and superorders
• Learning about the biology of birds – anatomical features, skeleton, feathers, wings, beaks and bills
• Exploring the biology of birds – internal structure, respiration, excretion and digestion
• Studying the biology of birds – circulation, senses and avian behaviour
• Gaining insights into the feeding and the formation of eggs and hatching
• Examining vocalisations, migration and habitats
• Understanding common and widespread land birds
• Learning about eagles and their relatives and Carthatidae
• Exploring Pandionidae (osprey), Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, kites) and Sagittariidae (secretary birds)
• Studying Falconidae (falcons, caracaras) and crows and their relatives
• Gaining insights into butcherbirds, currawongs and related birds
• Examining pigeons, doves and cuckoos
• Understanding pets and introduced birds – Indian Mynah, sparrow, thrush, starling, etc.
• Learning about giant and long-legged birds
• Exploring Ratitites – ostriches, emus, moa, rhea, cassowaries and kiwis
• Studying South American tinamous, extinct giant elephant bird and the dodo
• Gaining insights into herons, storks and their relatives
• Examining seabirds and water birds
• Understanding Anseriformes – ducks, geese, and swans
• Learning about Gruiformes – cranes, coots, mud hens and rails
• Exploring Charadriiformes – sandpipers, snipes, curlews, plovers and dotterels
• Studying Gaviiformes – divers

And more!

 

How Birds are Classified

In this ornithology course, one of the vital skills you will learn is how birds are named and classified. From an overarching standpoint, birds belong to the class Aves. Animals of this class typically have forelimbs that are wings with three fused fingers, skin with feathers, and hind limbs (legs) each of which has four or fewer toes which are usually developed into claws. All living types of birds also have a horn-like beak, no teeth, no external genitals, external ear lobes and urinary bladders, and the bird heart has four chambers.

The Class Aves includes twenty-seven orders of living birds and a few fossil orders. Of those twenty-seven, four are Ratites and the remaining ones are Carinatae birds. The class is then sub-divided into two sub-classes (Archaeornithes and Neornithes or “modern” birds), and beyond into almost thirty different orders. An example of orders are Paleognathae (non-flyers or weak flyers) and Neognathae (modern flying birds).

Scientific and Common Names

Birds are often referred to by both “common” and scientific names. Common names are widely used by birdwatchers and scientific names by scientists in the field of ornithology. And although scientific names are relatively accurate, they’re not always 100 per cent correct! This is because depending on where an expert places their emphasis, the conclusions they reach can vary.

For example, if one expert places more emphasis on behaviour and the other on a bird’s beak, they may classify the same birds differently. Experts in different countries can also classify birds in different ways. For example, in Europe magpies are commonly black and white birds known as Pica pica. In Australia, a magpie is classified as a bird belonging to the genus Gymnorhina. It’s complicated but fascinating!

15 Amazing Bird Facts

1. There are over 10,000 different species of birds worldwide.
2. The ostrich is the largest bird in the world and the Bee Hummingbird the smallest.
3. Scientists believe that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs.
4. Birds have hollow bones that help them fly.
5. Some bird species are intelligent enough to create and use tools.
6. New Zealand kiwis lay the largest eggs relative to their body size of any bird in the world.
7. Hummingbirds can fly backwards.
8. Homing pigeons are bred to find their way home from long distances and have been used for thousands of years to carry messages.
9. When ducks nap in groups, ducks on the perimeter often keep guard by sleeping with one eye open.
10. The unique black and white colouring of penguins works as camouflage.
11. Mockingbirds can imitate a range of sounds from a squeaking door to a cat meowing.
12. Owls turn their heads almost 360 degrees but they can’t move their eyes.
13. The Wandering Albatross has the greatest wingspan of any bird at almost four metres.
14. The acid in a vulture’s stomach is up to 100 times strong than human stomach acid.
15. Crows can recognise and remember human faces, particularly faces they associate with bad experiences … so be kind!

Common Types of Pet Birds

An ornithology course can give you insights into what types of birds make the best pets. But a range of factors should be considered before you go about choosing your new pet to ensure you can be the best possible Aves lover! These include having the space, time and finances to care for them properly. Here are some of the most common types of pet birds.

Low-maintenance Birds

Some breeds are easier to care for than others. Smaller, friendlier birds can be a wise choice if you are a first-time bird owner and include:

• Budgies
• Finches
• Cockatiels
• Doves and Pigeons
• Lovebirds

Smaller Birds

Birds need adequate space to move around, so if you live in a small home or apartment, it’s wise to choose a smaller bird that can be kept in a smaller cage rather than in a larger bird aviary. Smaller birds can also be easier to handle, so are ideal for families with children. Some breeds to consider include:

• Budgies
• Finches
• Cockatiels
• Lovebirds
• Parrotlets

Bigger Birds

Larger sized birds should ideally be kept by more experienced bird owners. This is because they are generally louder, messier, more expensive and have long lifespans … so it’s a long-term commitment! Some bigger pet birds include:

• African Grey Parrots
• Amazon Parrots
• Cockatoos
• Eclectus Parrots
• Macaws

Quieter Birds

All birds will naturally make noise, but if you have sensitive ears or live close to neighbours, it might be worth considering:

• Budgies
• Finches
• Parrotlets

Noisy Birds

After a bird with a big personality? It’s in some birds’ nature to be louder and make noise more often. So if you prefer a quieter pet, avoid:

• Amazon Parrots
• Cockatoos
• Conures
• Macaws

Talking Birds

Some birds learn to mimic human speech in an attempt to bond and socialise with their owners. And teaching them can also be a whole lot of fun! However, they do require attention and training, so consistency and patience is important. Chatterboxes include:

• African Grey Parrots
• Amazon Parrots
• Budgies
• Cockatiels
• Cockatoos
• Conures
• Eclectus Parrots
• Indian Ringneck Parakeets
• Macaws
• Quaker Parrots

Affectionate Birds

After a feathered cuddler? Some bird breeds are super-friendly, easy to handle, and are more likely to bond with you. This can make the whole bird owning experience even more fulfilling and enjoyable. Breeds you can snuggle up with include:

• African Grey Parrots
• Budgies
• Cockatiels
• Cockatoos
• Conures
• Parrotlets
• Quacker Parrots
• Lovebirds (which makes sense!)

 

Gain a foundational understanding of birds, their biology, classification, habitats and how to care for them to further your career or indulge in your favourite hobby with an ornithology course such as our Certificate of Ornithology – Bird Studies.