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.

Fields of study

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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

More on [ Ornithology ]

MarineBio Blog

My favorite recent headline: First Do More Harm
Joni Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:43:11 -0000
Once again, I’m abandoning MarineBio’s policy of striving to remain politically neutral. What is with the Bush administration? First it’s “hey! let’s drill offshore to trick people into thinking it will lower gas prices - it won’t do any good, but my buddies in the oil industry will give me another atta boy!” Now it’s [...]
Good news and great advice about the plight of corals
Joni Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:31:18 -0000
I just came across this quote in an interview with International Society for Reef Studies President Richard Aronson on SeaWeb and was immediately inspired to share it with you: The main thing that I would advise scientists, conservationists and the public to do is to take heart, be courageous and don’t give up on coral [...]
Tuna: A Love Story
Joni Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:50:32 -0000
Richard Ellis’ new book Tuna: A Love Story is now in bookstores. In his latest book, Ellis focuses on the bluefin tuna - an amazing species that is being loved to death in sushi bars worldwide. We’re fans of Ellis’ The Empty Ocean, which paints a grim but accurate view of the exploitation of the ocean [...]
Why corals need urgent protection
Joni Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:11:30 -0000
Time Magazine published this great article earlier this month. Read: You don’t have to be a marine biologist to understand the importance of corals — just ask any diver. The tiny underwater creatures are the architects of the beautiful, electric-colored coral reefs that lie in shallow tropical waters around the world. Divers swarm to them not [...]
No offshore drilling…stop oil speculation
Joni Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:20:19 -0000
So David suggested that I blog about topics that are a bit, meatier, than say…reusable bags. I love those bags! Particularly after stuffing my pockets with water-inflated plastic bags and other jetsam and flotsam in a remote sea in Indonesia. And, I get excited when I see companies doing something good for the planet. So here’s [...]
Penguins = canaries in a coal mine
Joni Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:14:31 -0000
I always loved the song “Canary in a Coal Mine” by the Police: First to fall over when the atmosphere is less than perfect Your sensibilities are shaken by the slightest defect You live your life like a canary in a coalmine You get so dizzy even walking in a straight line Now the first line of the song and [...]

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