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Ornithology: Study of Birds, Significance and Migration

Collegedunia Team
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Ornithology is the study of birds which includes their physical characteristics, behaviour and their
conservation procedure along with their habitats. This can be done by conducting various surveys, tracking
and recording their activities and environment. Birds are a group of warm-blooded endothermic vertebrates
with feathers, beaked jaws, a four-chambered heart, and a well-designed body structure with wings to fly.
Crocodiles, alligators, and dinosaurs are their closest living relatives. The word Ornithology is derived
from the ancient Greek words "Ornis" (birds) and "logos" (theory), and refers to the theory of birds.
Table of Content
1. Ornithology Definition and Explanation
2. Significance of Ornithology
3. Classification of Birds through Ornithology
4. Laboratory and Field Study of Birds through
Ornithology
5. Things to Remember
6. Sample Questions
Keyterms: Ornithology, Birds, environment, habitats, fly, Crocodiles, alligators, dinosaurs, warm-blooded
endothermic vertebrates, feathers, zoology

Ornithology Definition and Explanation

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Ornithology is a discipline of zoology that studies birds in detail, including their spindle-shaped bodies,
well-developed flight muscles, physical appearance, habitats, migration patterns, and much more.
 Different Types of Birds
There are between 9,000 and 10,000 live bird species in the world, divided into 25 different orders,
including fowl, barbets, doves, raptors, woodpeckers, parrots, and more. The Kingdom Animalia, Class:
Aves, and Phylum: Chordata is the category to classify these bird species. Ornithologists are scientists
who research the anatomy and physiology of birds.
Also Read: Biosphere reserves

Significance of Ornithology

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Ornithology, or the study of birds, has a long history within the field of zoology, and it aids in the
advancement of our knowledge and understanding of birds. Ornithology explains the distinguishing traits
of birds, which are:
1. Migration: At different periods of the year, birds are considered to live in different habitats. They
do this by migrating from one location to another, which can be as away as 3000-6000 kilometres.
Many species of birds are believed to fly hundreds of kilometres in a single flight, with only a few
stopping to rest before reaching their objective. Ornithology helps the scientists to understand the
various geographical features used by birds to locate and reach their destination.
The various geographical features used by birds include star positions, solar signals, wind
directions, and so on, to determine the direction of their migration and flight. Even sound
plays a significant role in guiding them to their objective.
2. Mating Behaviour: Birds' mating practises are distinct from those of other animals which can be
determined through ornithology. Some birds sing to attract mates, while others dance to entice
them. Some birds make no sound at all, but they can demonstrate a range of movements and
behaviours in order to attract a mate. Few bird species create pairs just for the purpose of
copulation, while others form mate bonds for the rest of their lives and others form pairs solely for
the purpose of incubation. Ornithology states that the parental care of the birds differs as well.
While some types care deeply about their progeny, others do not.
3. Vocal Call: There are just a few bird species that create a vocal call or song that is utilised for a
variety of reasons, including:
 Attracting its partner
 To identify their baby
 Species/Sexual identification
 Establishing Territory etc.
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Classification Of Birds through Ornithology

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Birds are mainly divided into two categories:
1. Neornithes: This category of bird covers both living and extinct species. Almost all existing
birds and their descendants are included. They have a developed sternum, a shorter tail, no
teeth and instead have beaks, and forelimbs that have been converted into wings. These
are warm-blooded creatures with a single condyle on the skull. To aid in breathing during flight,
the lungs contain expanded air sacs. Feathers cover the entire body. Ornithology refers to the
analysis of their DNA obtained from the information, states that the modern birds were formed in
the middle to late Cretaceous age. Birds have a high metabolic rate, and they have developed to fit
the environment in which they live. Some birds that dwell in an aquatic environment have
developed the ability to swim. Examples of neornithes include duck, kingfisher etc.
2. Archaeornithes: This species of bird is no longer alive. According to various researches based on
ornithology non-avian dinosaurs are the ancestors of these birds. These reptile-like birds
possessed clawed wings and a bony, lengthy tail, unlike today's short-tailed birds. Few birds
possessed teeth in addition to beaks. Examples of this kind include Archaeopteryx.
Also Read: Predation

Laboratory and Field Study of Birds through Ornithology

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After the invention of high-resolution cameras, it became possible to study birds in the field. With high-
resolution cameras, we can capture even the tiniest detail and trait of the bird. When a bird is caught in the
hand, the measurement is taken first, followed by other characteristics such as the form of the beak, colour,
feathers, toes, and so on. The age and sex of the bird can be determined from the skull. Blood samples are
taken in order to perform ornithological research on the DNA, which helps us comprehend genetics and
trace it back to our ancestors in order to understand the evolution pattern. Hormonal conditions are
documented in order to better understand the physiology and pathology of birds in order to learn more
about their diseases and to link them medically to humans in order to improve the development of new
vaccines and medications for a variety of human ailments. This aids in the development of vaccinations for
a variety of viruses. In the field study, marking the bird for future reference is an important requirement.
When it comes to some endangered bird species, the usage of camera traps can assist ornithological
researchers learn more about the bird's existence, nesting habits, and environment.
Many traits of the birds cannot be observed and examined in the field. As a result, a laboratory study of
such species is conducted for further examination and recording of the birds' details. Blood and feather
samples taken from the birds during the field investigation can be tested further in the lab. This allows us
to have a better understanding of the physiological and behavioural characteristics of birds. Only in the
laboratory are some qualities of a few varieties of birds, such as singing and intelligence, investigated and
better understood. Understanding what aids birds in navigation for migration allows us to predict migration
in birds by studying their physiology.
Most viral vaccines are first tested on poultry to determine their efficacy. In 1878, the great Louis Pasteur
created the first attenuated vaccine for poultry cholera.
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Things to Remember
 Ornithology helps in the understanding of the birds along with their habitats and migration
patterns resulting in tracking their varied population all over the world.
 Ornithology helps in studying the process of evolution of the birds and differentiating them.
 Allan Octavian Hume is the father of ornithology.
 According to reports there are almost 9000 to 9500 species of birds currently existing and 23 to 24
orders.
 Oology is a branch of ornithology that refers to the collection of eggs.

Sample Questions
Ques. What is the importance of Ornithologists'? (2 Marks)
Ques. Write a short note on characteristics of Aves? (2 Marks)
Ques. What Is the relationship between modern birds and dinosaurs? (2 Marks)
Ques. When Did Ornithology Start to Gain Popularity? (2 Marks)
Ques. State the significance of ornithology. (3 Marks)
Ques. Who was the father of ‘Ornithology’? What does ornithology help to
understand? (2 Marks)
Ques. What are the steps involved in ornithology? (3 marks)
Ques. What is ornithology? (2 Marks)
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