Working conditions
   

They study birds in their natural habitats or in the laboratory. Much of the research that ornithologists do is in the lab. For example, feathers collected during fieldwork are analyzed in the lab for a variety of purposes, including genetic mapping. And some studies of migratory behaviour or mate choice might involve observing birds in special cages.

Ornithologists often write reports about their research or publish articles in scientific journals focused on biology, ecology, conservation, or wildlife management. And ornithologists who do research also write grant proposals to seek funding for specific research

Tools and technologies

In the field they may use binoculars, telescopes, nets or traps, bands, measuring and weighing equipment, notebooks, stakes, markers, surveying equipment, geographical positioning system instruments, etc. In the lab or office they may use microscopes, chemicals, test tubes, syringes, slides, vials, cages, computers, calculators, etc. Some ornithologists use lots of tools, some very few. Depends simply on what they are doing.

1. Field Guides and Binoculars. The first binoculars were double-barreled Galilean telescopes invented in the 17th century. In 1889, Florence Bailey published Birds through an Opera Glass. Modern field guides and binoculars brought bird watching to the masses.

2. Numbered Leg Bands. The first record of bird banding was during the Punic Wars, from 218–201 B.C. A messenger from a beseiged garrison carried a swallow to a Roman officer, who tied a thread around the swallow’s leg and released it to signal his response. Since 1909, about 57 million birds have been banded in the U.S.

(Source:All About Birds)

3. Cameras. The camera obscura was invented by a Greek mathemetician in the 6th century. Still, movie, and video cameras help ornithologists document rare species, allow accurate counts of flocks, and establish visual proof of the presence or absence of birds during the time the camera is operating. Motion sensors and infrared make this technology even more useful.

4. Microphones and Recorders. Invented in 1876 by Emile Berliner as a telephone voice transmitter, high quality microphones now capture every nuance of bird songs. Playing recordings in the field can get birds to respond.

5. Radio and Satellite Transmitters. Primitive radio transmitters were built by German physicist Heinrich Hertz in 1887. Large birds have been tracked by radio and satellite transmitters for decades. Passive integrated transponders allow us to track tiny birds. These transponders weigh less than 0.1 gram, less than 1 percent of the weight of a chickadee.

6. Radar. In 1904, German scientist Christian Hülsmeyer patented the first radar device. Nowadays, NEXRAD, developed for tracking weather, allows us to detect the density, location, direction, and speed of movement of birds, insects, and bats, giving a glimpse of major migratory movements.

7. Spectrograms. In 1951, the Kay Electric Co. produced the first commercially available machine for audio spectrographic analysis, marketed as the “Sona- Graph.” Spectrograms allow researchers and birders to analyze sounds of interest gleaned from many hours of recordings.

8. DNA Analysis. Since its advent in the 1970s, DNA sequencing has greatly accelerated biological research and discovery, giving researchers deep insights into the relationships between various species and answering other fundamental questions about evolution.

9. Telecommunications. In 1982, the concept of a worldwide network of fully interconnected networks called the Internet was introduced, and the speed at which news traveled among birders went from months or days to minutes or seconds. The Internet allows birders and scientists to get up-to-date information about birds via eBird (www.ebird.org) and watch live video streaming via NestCams (www.nestcams.org).

10. Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs). Since 1997, scientists in the Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab have been developing ARUs for marine and terrestrial environments. Researchers can leave an ARU in the field for long periods of time, collecting data about the whereabouts and activities of a wide variety of animals.

  
Education and training/entrance requirements

Most ornithologists start out with bachelor's degrees in biology, wildlife biology, zoology, or ecology. A good background in science and math is essential. Knowledge of statistical software is also helpful, especially for advanced positions. Since ornithologists spend a good deal of time writing reports, good communication skills and courses on technical writing are also beneficial.

However, while education is a must, practical experience in the field or lab is also critical. You can start gaining experience through local bird watching clubs, workshops, internships, and volunteer work for nonprofit wildlife and conservation organizations.

Master's degrees are usually prerequisites for higher-level positions. Doctorates are required for most university and research positions.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of zoologists and ornithologists is projected to grow slower than the average for all occupations.

More zoologists and ornithologists will be needed to study the impact that human population growth and development has on wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because much of the funding for this research comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and ornithologists may be limited by budgetary constraints.