ORNITHOLOGY

DISCOVER THE AMAZING WORLD OF BIRDS!

IDENTIFY BIRDS, MANAGE BIRDS, UNDERSTAND BIRDS

Learn what a bird is, how they evolved, what adaptations they developed to be able to colonise air, land and water so successfully. This course is designed for people working or wishing to work with birds and animals, life scientists and environmental researchers and consultants, amateur bird watchers, or anyone working with birds.

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the many interesting and diverse bird species, and their physiology and habitats. You will learn a wide variety of bird facts, through a combination of tools such as reading, interacting with tutors, undertaking research and practical tasks, and observing birds.

• A course for amateurs or professionals.
• Start with a passion, learn to understand the taxonomic framework for bird identification.
• Fill in the gaps in your knowledge and develop a sound framework upon which to build your understanding of birds beyond your studies.

 Open Learning Course - Learn about the Biology, taxonomy and management of birds.

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Classification and Introduction to Bird watching.
2. The Biology of Birds.
3. Common and Widespread Land Birds.
4. Giant Birds and Long Legged Birds
5. Seabirds and Water birds.
6. Hunters -Birds of Prey, Owls, and Kingfishers.
7. Passeriformes.
8. Other Birds.
9. Attracting, Feeding and Keeping Birds.

Aims

• Discuss the study of birds, including bird taxonomy.
• Describe anatomical and physical characteristics of birds.
• Discuss a range of different common and widespread land birds.
• Discuss a range of different flightless and long legged birds including Ratites and Ciconiiformes.
• Discuss and describe a range of water birds and sea birds.
• Discuss and describe a range of hunting birds.
• Discuss and describe a range of Passeriformes.
• Discuss and describe a range of parrots and other birds.
• Explain domestication of birds and the methodology and implications of attracting and feeding wild birds.

How are Birds Classified?

The first step in understanding birds is to understand how they are classified (i.e., how they are named).

Why You Need to Know Bird Classifications

When you understand the groups or subdivisions which birds fall into, you will have a foundation for identifying and remembering the names of different birds which you encounter. You will also have a basis upon which to use reference materials (books, websites, etc.).

Bird names are better remembered when you can associate that name with something you are familiar with - especially, the family to which that bird belongs.

Scientific and Common Names

Common names are widely used by birdwatchers, and even scientists in the field of Ornithology.

Bird classification is an imperfect science. Depending upon where an expert places their emphasis, the conclusions which they reach may vary. For instance, if an expert gives more importance to similarities in physical characteristics such as the beak rather than behaviour, they may classify birds a particular way. Another expert who gives more emphasis to behaviour and less to physical appearance, may classify the same birds differently. Further, scientists in different countries sometimes classify birds differently. For example, in Europe, magpies are commonly black and white birds with the scientific name Pica pica. In Australia, a magpie is classified as a bird belonging to the genus Gymnorhina (note that they had previous belonged to the genus Cracticus, which now represent only butcherbirds).

CLASS AVES

Birds are animals that belong to the Class Aves. Animals of this class characteristically have skin with feathers, forelimbs that are wings with three fused fingers, the hind limbs that are legs, each leg having four or less toes (usually developed into claws). All living types of birds have a horn like beak, and do not have teeth. The Class Aves includes 27 orders of living birds and a few fossil orders. Of the 27 living order 4 are ratites and the remaining 24 are carinate birds.

The bird heart has four chambers with a single aortic arch on the right and the lungs are extended air pouches. Birds do not have external genitals, external ear lobes or urinary bladders, and their urine is semi-solid.

Birds are classified (scientifically) under the class Aves, which is then subdivided into two subclasses and beyond into almost 30 different orders.

• Subclass Archaeornithes
• Subclass Neornithes
• Superorder Palaeognathae – non-flyers or weak flyers
• Superorder Neognathae – modern flying birds

Learn more about the different orders, and individual genera and species of birds throughout this course.

This course is a great opportunity if you are really serious about birds.

It has practical applications for years well beyond the duration of the course.
For some graduates it is the enhancement of an existing passion or career; and for others it is the start.

This course is for many different people! -

• Environmental consultants
• Wildlife Surveyors
• Wildlife Rescuers
• Wildlife Conservationists
• Animal scientists
• Ecotour Operators
• Zoo keepers
• Pet Industry Personnel

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!