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Learn about Birds

Ornithology is the study of birds and is of interest to all sorts of people from the amateur to scientists the world over.

ACS Distance Education provide you with opportunity to learn about the classification and the biology of birds. You can learn about how birds have evolved, and study a selection of different types of birds.

Whether you are looking to gain a foundation of knowledge from our 100 hour course, or are looking for training via one of our certificate qualifications, these offer an ideal route to learning for:

  • Students working or seeking to work with birds and animals.
  • Life scientists and animal researchers.
  • Consultants.
  • Freelance writers.
  • Amateur bird watchers, and more.

A Foundation in Bird Studies

Birds are among the most beautiful, fascinating and amazing creatures on the planet. Their brilliant plumage, the complexity of their social behaviour and the sheer range of their forms have combined to provide a special attraction. Birds offer an incredible array of different types. They range in size from the tiny humming birds weighing only a few grams to the giant ostrich, measured in kilograms. Their lifestyle diversity is immense. Birds live in all kinds of habitat - from forests to deserts, mountains and prairies, to oceans, and even Antarctica. There are birds that feed on nothing but seeds or nectar and others that pursue living prey by sometimes unique and often ferocious ways; their courtship and mating rituals range from the simple to the highly complex and idiosyncratic, and they demonstrate enormous variety in methods of locomotion and flight. This course will introduce you to many of these amazing characteristics within the world of aves.

Classifying Birds

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

 Family Name  Characteristics  Examples
  • Tytonidae
  • Nocturnal
  • Small to large
  • Distinct facial disc
  • Dark eyes
  • Slender legs
  • Barn Owl
  • Accipitridae
  • Short head
  • Broad wings
  • Hooked bills
  • Large talons
  • Kite
  • Eagle
  • Hawk
  • Goshawk
Joining Organisations

Another step in learning about birds is to join an organisation of like-minded individuals. There are many clubs and groups interested in all aspects of birds, including bird watching, bird keeping, and bird ecology. These types of bodies can be found in most countries, and can range from national organisations, down to locally-based clubs with just a few members. Becoming a member of such a group is a great way to meet people with similar interests, and learn more about birds. As a member, you can participate in field trips, perhaps to places you might not normally be able to go. A simple internet search of clubs or organisations in your locality should provide you with a selection of different options for you to choose from.

Start Your Learning Journey

To train for your career or profession, or if you are an amateur keen on building your knowledge of birds, look at study options with ACS. We offer a variety of courses to suit different levels of existing knowledge and different goals. Our courses are all studied by distance learning, and are written and taught by highly knowledgeable expert tutors.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about studying with ACS, please get in touch with our specialist Environmental tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to suit you.

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