Ornithology

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Ornithology (from the Greek ornis = bird and logos = word/science) is the branch of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds. Several aspects of the study of ornithology differ from closely related disciplines, perhaps because of the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. Most marked among these is the extent of field studies undertaken by amateur volunteers working within the parameters of strict scientific methodology.

Contents

[edit] Fields of study

The areas of study that are included under ornithology are numerous and no list can attempt to be exhaustive. The following is a broad classification of some of the fields within contemporary ornithology.

  • Field Ornithology
    • Ecological studies
      • Studies of individuals
      • Studies of populations
      • Studies of communities
    • Behavioral studies
  • Laboratory Ornithology
    • Physiological studies
    • Genetic studies

The techniques used in ornithology are varied and changing. Early ornithological studies were based on specimen shooting and skins. Ornithology has subsequently become largely observation based. Optical instruments have been very important in ornithology; however approaches such as the use of radar and radio tracking are also used. Use of ringing and other marking techniques have helped in studies of migration and behavior.

Birds have served as important model organisms in the evolution of modern biological ideas. Key ideas include that of speciation, as noted by Charles Darwin from his observation of the finches on the Galapagos Islands. The first attempt to formally define the concept of biological species was also developed using birds as model organisms by Ernst Mayr. Birds have also been the subject of numerous evolutionary studies that have helped in understanding the plasticity of species and the limitations of attempts to define species.

Many advances in ecology have also been made based on the study of birds. These include theories of island biogeography, models of extinction and species-area relationships.

Birds have also served as models for behavioural studies including studies of mate selection, territoriality, foraging behaviour and parental investment. Other aspects of special interest include their ability to navigate in migrations.

[edit] History of ornithology

(See also Timeline of ornithology)

[edit] National associations and societies

[edit] Africa

South Africa
  • BirdLife South Africa

[edit] Asia

India
  • Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): Located at Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the oldest non-government Organization in the area of natural history in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Located near Coimbatore.
  • Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta. The government department meant to document and study the fauna of India.
Japan
  • The Ornithological Society of Japan (OSJ) - [1]
  • Wild Bird Society of Japan (WBSJ) - [2]
  • Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds (JSPB) - [3]
  • Yamashina Institute for Ornithology - [4]

[edit] Europe

Czech Republic
  • Czech Society for Ornithology - [5]
Estonia
  • Estonian Ornithological Society - [6]
France
  • Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux(LPO) - [7]
Germany
Ireland
  • Bird Watch Ireland
Latvia
  • Latvian Ornithological Society - [8]
Lithuania
  • Lithuanian Ornithological Society - [9]
Slovenia
  • Society for Observation and Study of Birds of Slovenia (Društvo za opazovanje in proučevanje ptic Slovenije)[10] (DOPPS)
Sweden
  • Sveriges ornitologiska förening (SOF)
  • Club300
United Kingdom

[edit] North America

Canada
USA
Mexico
  • CIPAMEX, La Sección Mexicana del Consejo Internacional para la Preservación de las Aves, A.C.

[edit] Oceania

Australia
New Zealand

[edit] South America

Argentina


Brazil


Colombia


Ecuador

[edit] Publications and magazines

See: List of ornithology journals

[edit] People

See List of famous ornithologists

[edit] See also

[edit] Other Meanings

[edit] External links

edit Birds
Anatomy: Anatomy - Skeleton - Flight - Eggs - Feathers - Plumage
Evolution and extinction. Evolution - Archaeopteryx - Hybridisation - Late Quaternary prehistoric birds - Fossils - Taxonomy - Extinction
Behaviour: Singing - Intelligence - Migration - Reproduction- Brood parasites
Bird types: Seabirds - Shorebirds - Waterbirds - Song birds - Raptors - Poultry
Bird lists: Familes and orders - Lists by region
Birds and Humans: Ringing - Ornithology - Birdwatching - Birdfeeding - Conservation - Aviculture
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