How to become a Ornithologist: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Salary, Scope

How to Become an Orthinologist: Quick Facts

What does an Ornithologist do?

Ornithologists are experts with specialization in a specific bird group or generics. They study bird populations and discover the wildlife for analysis. Few experts connect with the public to benefit them and realize the significance of each species on the planet.

• While the job responsibilities vary by situation, ornithologists may conduct field research for enhanced understanding of migration routes, analyze collected data, conduct wildlife impact assessments for development projects, generate management plans and reports. 
• They may assist as park rangers or work at nature reserves. 
• Those employed by nonprofit conservation establishments may also be involved in policy development and advocacy.
• The job role of an Ornithologist is not precise. Few may work in laboratories as researchers while the rest usually work as ecologists. 
• Several Ornithologists collaborate with agencies, NGOs, and leaders to produce awareness on the protection of bird species and the part that they play in conserving balance in nature.

Steps to become an Ornithologists:

There are a few simple important steps that can be followed to become an ornithologist, below explained are some steps in detail:

• Step 1 – Make a proper decision: Before starting to pursue a career, a candidate must be sure of what your interests are, what kind of mandatory subjects do you need to take in the 10+2 class, and what courses are eligible for the candidate to become an ornithologist. A career as an ornithologist is often demanding and stressful with strong competition, candidates must have the zeal and motivation to work in any changing conditions.
• Step 2 – Have a bachelor’s degree: Many ornithological jobs are accessible to students with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as ecology, wildlife biology, or any job related to life sciences. Ambitious ornithologists must understand science and math, which comprises research approaches and figures. It is similarly important for candidates to take programs in communications in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to achieve the skills required to deliver their findings academically.
• Step 3 – Achievement of Experience: Interested candidates can gain experience through various opportunities throughout their academic studies before they enter college life. Working in a zoo, a sanctuary, wildlife refuge, bird-watching clubs, and attending workshops are great means to improve the practical and applicable experience.
• Step 4 – Get a master’s degree: The mainstream of professional positions available to ornithologists will need a minimum of a master’s degree in subjects related to Ornithology, wildlife biology, ornithology, or any other related field. A master’s degree permits persons to obtain more precise education and improve their research abilities. Writing a thesis is the conclusion of earning this degree and is a vital start to pursuing a path in ornithological study.
• Step 5 – Get a doctoral degree: Not all positions will need this kind of education qualification. Candidates who wish to conduct research independently or expect to work as a professor or high-level administrator will most likely need a Ph.D. to develop in the field. Persons wanting to work in this capacity should earn a degree that is straightly connected to the type of work they wish to conduct.

Types of Ornithologists

There is not really any precise job role of an Ornithologist but they can select what to work from different profiles. A few of the job roles they can choose are mentioned below in a detailed manner:

Bird Biologist

The Bird Biologists are specialists who study the actions and significance of birds for the environment. They tend to study every minor detail about the bird species. They understand the mechanism that directs the effect of biological processes of a species under the bird kingdom. They are connected with fundamental research to discover the behavior of birds. They examine and authorize information based on results.

Ecologists

An Ecologist discovers the connection between birds and the environment. They realize how the species interrelates with the biodiversity and their coexistence with other species. Many ecologists spread awareness about the concerns of variations in the environment on the bird species like their shelter, food, and breeding.

Nature Educator

A nature educator wishes to train the public about nature, environmental concerns, and the significance of every kind of species on earth counting birds. The Educators visit schools, nature reserves, NGOs, and workplaces to increase awareness of environmental problems, sustainability, and procedures to protect several species on earth.

Bird Geneticist

A Geneticist studies the genetic appearances of birds over tests and experiments. They discover the composition of the genetic material of birds to analyze the evolution of species. They also complete experiments to recognize diseases associated with birds.

Bird Conservationist

A Bird Conservation is an individual who works for the protection and conservation of the birds' species. They work on the ground as preservation workers to reserve birds and gather them for study purposes. They play an important role in protecting the built heritage and place of existence of wildlife.

How to become an Ornithologist in India?

To become an Ornithologist in India has a very conservative procedure but it takes a lot of merit and commitment. Candidates who wish to become an ornithologist in India should start preparation from their school academic education itself. They need to select the right kind of subjects and prepare for undergraduate examinations.

School Level Preparation

Each candidate who wishes to become an ornithologist should have a science subject with important subjects like physics, chemistry, biology at a higher secondary level. Candidates should start arranging after class 10 and select their subjects thoroughly.

• Students should select biology in class 10+2 if they wish to develop their career as an Ornithologist.
• Candidates should prepare for the undergraduate entrance examination from class 11 to get scoring marks. Many institutions provide preparation and guidance for candidates who want to sit for the entrance exams which vary from college to college.

How to become an Ornithologist after Class 12

Undergraduate Preparation

• Students after 10 classes should select Physics, Chemistry, Biology to start preparing, or other subjects that might help them to pursue ornithologist as a career in India.
• After completing the 10+2 class, the candidate should clear the entrance exam which may vary in different colleges, and complete a three-year undergraduate program.
• The candidate should have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their mandatory subjects in class 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate grades in their examination.

Postgraduate Preparation

• There are few options a student has after post-bachelors to lead their career path.
• After completing a bachelor’s degree, the student can start working in an entry-level role. It shall deliver the candidate with experience and industry visions. After a few gaps of years, the candidate can resume their studies further and opt for a master’s degree. A master’s degree is considered more valued for senior roles.
• A student can also after completing the bachelor level program further continue their education without taking any gap in the academic year. After completing a master’s degree the candidate can start working in the business or industry.

Courses to become an Ornithologist

To become an ornithologist a student must pursue BSc as an undergraduate program and further can also study a postgraduate and doctoral degree to achieve expertise and then follow a career as an Ornithologist.

BSc

BSc is a three-year full-time undergraduate degree course that essentially compacts with the study of natural science, businesses, management, engineering science, informatics and mathematics, and more. 

BSc: Admission Procedure

The admission in Bachelor of science is based on grades attained by the candidate in the previous qualifying exam. Few universities conduct entrance exams on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are based on merit it is significant for candidates to get good grades in their 10+2 class.

• The candidate must firstly find the right college and gain in-depth information about the university.
• Then fill the application form of the university thoroughly without making any mistakes.
• University will display the list of successfully applied candidates along with a merit list of students.
• Based on the merit list applicants will be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussions, and lastly, Document verification.
• After acing the PI, the applicants will be presented admission after the students have successfully paid the desired fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• The students must pass a 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized board and must have a good score as admission will be given based on merit.
• Candidates must have science stream and Biology as a mandatory subject in 10+2.

BSc Zoology

BSc Zoology is a 3 year UG course that deals with Animal Biology and offers an amalgamation of understanding the animal world from outside as well as at the molecular level.

Admission Process

• The admission to the BSc Zoology course is mostly based on the cut-off list issued by the university or college. 
• However, few universities also conduct their own undergraduate entrance tests to shortlist students for admission into the course.
• The process starts in the month of May and the first step is to duly fill the admission form. 
• Applicants can apply for the BSc Zoology course either online or offline depending upon the institution.

MSc Zoology

MSc Zoology is a 2 year PG course dedicated to the study of animals. This course dives deep into the biology, behavior, and structure of animals.

Admission Procedure

The admission in Master of science is based on grades attained by the candidate in the previous qualifying exam. Few universities conduct entrance exams on their own to offer admissions. Since admissions are based on merit it is significant for candidates to have a bachelor’s degree.

• The candidate must firstly find the right college and gain in-depth information about the university.
• Then fill the application form of the university thoroughly without making any mistakes.
• University will display the list of successfully applied candidates along with a merit list of students.
• Based on the merit list applicants will be called for Personal Interviews, Group Discussions, and lastly, Document verification.
• After acing the PI, the applicants will be presented admission after the students have successfully paid the desired fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• The minimum eligibility for wanting admission to the Master of Science program is that a candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in the related subject.
• The candidate should have at least 50% aggregate marks in the previous examinations to be eligible.

How to become an ornithologist Abroad?

A candidate to become an ornithologist, they are an opted career field in several other countries apart from India. Few of the countries that offer such courses are Australia, the US, UK, and Canada. We have mentioned below in detail the programs offered in these countries:

Australia

Admission Procedure:

• For a candidate to take admission to any Ornithologist program in Australia they must have cleared IELTS.
• An applicant should have a minimum of grade more than 7.0 in the IELTS.

Educational Condition:

• For the undergraduate program, a student must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% in 10+2.
• The postgraduate applicants must have completed graduation in a subject relevant to Ornithology with a minimum of 65% for a Graduation degree.

Top Colleges in Australia

United Kingdom

Admission Procedure:

• IELTS is compulsory for an applicant who wishes to take admission to any course in the UK.
• IELTS grade of 6+ is compulsory for entry into the Ornithology program of the UK.

Educational Condition:

• For the undergraduate program, an applicant must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% in 10+2.
• For post-graduate students, a candidate must have completed graduation in a subject related to Ornithology with a minimum of 65% in Graduation.

Top Colleges in UK

USA

Admission Procedure:

• IELTS is necessary for examination for entry into any program in the US.
• The Admission in any ornithology-related program of US colleges is based on IELTS grade which is usually more than 7.

Educational Condition:

• For the undergraduate program, an applicant must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% in 10+2.
• Postgraduate applicants must complete graduation in the Ornithology-related program with a minimum of 65% in Graduation.

Top Colleges in USA

Canada

Admission Procedure:

• IELTS is necessary for examination for entry into any program in Canada.
• A grade of more than 6.5 in IELTS is said to be a safe grade for admission into any program in Canada.

Educational Condition:

• For the undergraduate program, an applicant must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% in 10+2.
• Postgraduate applicants must complete graduation in the Ornithology-related program with a minimum of 65% in Graduation.

Few top Universities that offer programs related to Ornithology as a course are as follows:

Benefits of becoming an Ornithologist?

Every job role has certain benefits and issues which a student should consider before choosing a career to understand what best suits their personality and in the most satisfying manner. Below mentioned are a few benefits that an ornithologist has:

• It is a good career for those students who have an interest and love for birds along with nature and its components.
• Experts get a chance to discover several bird species and be involved in protecting the bird species. It is a good job role for those candidates who are interested in performing fieldwork.
• Ornithologists are respected in society just because of their knowledge about different species of birds and because of the work they do which leads to motivation and a positive impact to do better.
• This profession allows you to learn every day. They have a huge scope of learning and there is no end to new tasks related to birds.
• While they do not have an option to choose a work location or city but they have an opportunity to travel to different places for research reasons.

Skills required for an Ornithologist?

• Interest in the natural world- A person needs to have a deep interest in birds, their living habitats, characteristics, and nature to understand birds thoroughly.
• A person should know biology and chemistry, which are the main subjects of ornithologists.
• Ornithologists are required to study different species of birds and held several investigations on them to reach a particular conclusion.
• Critical evaluation skills comprise of opinion, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, clarification, problem resolving, and decision making.
• Ornithologists must know how to handle a difficult situation when working in the field.
• Communication skills are very important; one must know how to communicate with others to explain in a way that people can understand.
• A candidate shall know how to react in difficult situations. There will be periods when the research will be stretched due to a reason for longer than it was supposed to. Ornithologists must show patience and continue with the research.

Salary of Ornithologist

The income of a person can vary according to different fields depending on the individual's experience, the more experienced, the better. Below are the average salaries of various Ornithologist might get:

Average Annual Salary

Specialisation Wise Salary

Gender Wise Salary

Experience Wise Salary