How to become an ornithologist

How to become an Ornithologist

Becoming an ornithologist requires a passion for birds and involves a combination of education, research experience, and often specialization in an ornithology subfield. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since many schools do not offer a distinct undergraduate degree in ornithology, many aspiring ornithologists opt for a related degree with a strong foundation in biological sciences. Options include biology, zoology, animal sciences, ecology, conservation biology, and environmental science. During your undergraduate studies, focus on coursework in ornithology, ecology, genetics, evolution, conservation biology, and statistics.

Graduate Degree
Many ornithologists hold a master's or doctoral degree in ornithology or one of the disciplines cited in the Bachelor’s Degree section above. A master’s is often sufficient for certain positions in research or education. For more advanced research or conservation positions, university faculty roles, or leadership positions, a Ph.D. is typically required. Graduate programs provide the opportunity to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the scientific understanding of ornithology.

Research / Teaching Experience
Seek opportunities for undergraduate and graduate fieldwork, laboratory research projects, or internships related to ornithology. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills in bird observation and identification, handling, tracking, specimen collection, statistical and data analysis, and experimental design.

Familiarize yourself with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis tools, as these are key skills for research and conservation work.

As a graduate student, seek research funding through grants and fellowships to support your projects and contribute to the field.

If you are interested in academic positions, gain teaching experience during your graduate studies. This can be achieved through teaching assistantships and guest lecturer opportunities.

Specialization / Research Focus
Choose a research focus within ornithology based on your interests and career goals. Options include avian ecology, behavior, genetics, and conservation. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does an Ornithologist do? section in the career overview.

Continuing Education and Research Publication
Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in ornithology. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to present your work, and participate in professional development and networking activities to keep your knowledge current.

As you progress in your academic journey, aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This enhances your visibility in the field and establishes your expertise.

Certification and Professional Organizations
There isn't a specific certification widely recognized as a standard credential for ornithologists. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of ornithologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, expertise in specific areas of ornithology, and contributions to the field. There are, however, professional training programs and certifications related to specific skills or methodologies that ornithologists might find useful, depending on their focus or specialization. Here’s a sampling:

• American Ornithological Society (AOS) – The AOS is one of the leading ornithological organizations in North America. It publishes journals, organizes conferences, and promotes the scientific study and conservation of birds.
• International Counterparts to the AOS – British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU), European Ornithologists’ Union (EOU), African Bird Club (ABC), Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME), Asian Ornithological Alliance (AOA)
• North American Banding Council (NABC) – The NABC offers certifications for bird banders. Bird banding is the attachment of a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tag to the leg or wing of a wild bird to enable individual identification. NABC certification is essential for individuals involved in bird banding and contributes to the understanding of bird migration, population dynamics, and individual bird life histories.
• Waterbird Society – The Waterbird Society focuses on the study and conservation of waterbirds. It publishes the journal Waterbirds and provides a forum for researchers and conservationists.
• Wilson Ornithological Society – The Wilson Ornithological Society is dedicated to the study of birds in the Americas. It publishes The Wilson Journal of Ornithology and supports research and education.
• The Wildlife Society (TWS) –TWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology.
• National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (NWRA) – The NWRA is dedicated to improving the care of wildlife in rehabilitation and serving as a voice for the profession. It offers a wide range of courses, from wildlife medicine to organizational leadership.
• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) – The IWRC’s mission is to ‘provide evidence-based education and resources on wildlife rehabilitation to move the field of wildlife rehabilitation forward; to promote wildlife conservation and welfare; and to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts worldwide, through better understanding of wild animal ecology, behavior, and welfare.’
• GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) – The GISCI is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals through its international certification program, which awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) designation. The GISP credential can be valuable for ornithologists working with spatial data and habitat mapping.
• International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) – The ICZS was founded to encourage research, education, and communication in zoology. It includes both individual scholars and professional organizations, and particularly tries to increase the availability of research resources and enhance cooperation between different branches of zoology.
• Project Management Institute (PMI) – The PMI offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which can be beneficial for ornithologists involved in research projects or conservation initiatives.
• Research Methodology and Statistics – Proficiency in statistical analysis software is crucial for analyzing ornithological data. Certifications for software like R or SAS can demonstrate a strong foundation in statistical methods.