Ornithologist (Ornitholoog)
Information on this skill...
An ornithologist is a professional bird researcher. Ornithologists are very similar to birdwatchers, with the important difference that birdwatchers are active as a hobby. An ornithologist investigates, among other things, behavior of birds, such as migratory behavior, singing behavior and the flight mode of birds. Ornithologists are not only responsible for classifying bird species. Ornithologists are also responsible for conducting scientific research on birds. Consider, for example, answering scientific and biological theories by studying birds. Ornithology has similarities with zoology, but is specifically focused on the study of birds. Ornithology is therefore a discipline within biology. An ornithologist studies birds in order to investigate and test biological theories. Because an ornithologist can use different methods and techniques, the ornithologist can also use other names, such as the names' population oecologist, population geneticist, morphologist-anatomist or ethologist. In all cases, an ornithologist will conduct research on birds in a professional manner. What exactly an ornithologist examines can differ per study because many different types of examinations are possible. Consider, for example, a study focused on the number of birds within the Netherlands of a certain species, or a study focused on the influences of plastic in nature on birds. For example, plastic is known not to break down, which can cause birds to die if they ingest the plastic. Another important research is the mapping of possible resting places for birds. By mapping migration routes, it is possible to see how and where best a certain nature reserve can be designated as a resting place, so that more birds have better chances of survival on their migration route.
An ornithologist is therefore a scientist, who has specifically focused on the study of birds. Ornithology is a component within biology and zoology, but specifically focused on the study of birds. In general, an ornithologist will conduct research into the behavior, song, migration and flight of birds. Studying birds is important to be able to map the bird population in the right way. In addition, the studies contribute to an important extent to preventing certain bird species from becoming extinct or, for example, leaving the Netherlands. As described earlier, an ornithologist cannot simply be regarded as a birdwatcher. A birdwatcher should rather be regarded as an amateur ornithologist. An ornithologist can work a lot with birdwatchers. Think, for example, of birdwatchers who carry out bird counts throughout the country every year. This type of information is generally not available in any other way. Birdwatchers therefore also contribute to scientific research in an important way.
WHAT DOES AN ORNITHOLOGIST DO
An ornithologist is primarily responsible for conducting scientific research. Consider, for example, the ringing of birds to determine the migratory behavior of birds. Being able to determine the migratory behavior is important to be able to protect birds in the right way. For example, it can happen that a nature organization takes targeted measures with the obtained data, so that birds do not move to other areas. Agreements can also be made with farmers and/or arable farmers not to cultivate certain pastures during the migration period or breeding period. An ornithologist can conduct research on all birds, such as migratory birds and beach birds. Beach birds are birds that do not hibernate in other countries. Other names for beach birds can also be stayer or resident. An ornithologist may also collaborate with other scientists. Think, for example, of geologists, ecologists, oceanographers and environmentalists.
WHAT DOES AN ORNITHOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN ORNITHOLOGIST
There are no training opportunities for the profession of ornithologist through ordinary schools. The most obvious programme as an ornithologist is the university study Biology or, for example, the Hbo programme in Environmental Science. Most professional ornithologists do have a university degree. In addition, it is conceivable that other scientists will later specialize as ornithologists. The profession of ornithologist is not very common in practice. The study of birds involves very specific activities. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur. For more information, see also the website of the Dutch Ornithological Union.
COMPANIES WHERE AN ORNITHOLOGIST CAN WORK
In general, an ornithologist will work for a government agency focused on flora and fauna management. A job at nature organizations is also possible. In addition, an ornithologist can work for consultancies. In that case, an ornithologist may be considered a consultant. A position as a professor within a university is also possible. In that case, as an ornithologist, you must have a university degree.
COMPETENCES ORNITHOLOGIST
The main competence of an ornithologist is bird knowledge. In addition, you must have scientific research skills. Because an ornithologist will often collaborate with other scientists and birdwatchers, communication can be regarded as an important competence. Passion and motivation are also two important words for an ornithologist. General important words are analytical, cooperation, independence, precision, perseverance, discipline, planning and persuasion. Further competencies cannot simply be indicated because an ornithologist can carry out various examinations. An ornithologist is a scientist, who can also have to deal with fixed professional competences.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN ORNITHOLOGIST
The labour market perspective as an ornithologist is generally good. It is not a profession for which it is very easy to find a job, but professional ornithologists are usually well-trained, so the employment opportunities are generally good. The career opportunities as an ornithologist are limited, depending on the type of employer. An ornithologist who has a university degree can sooner or later also choose to do a PhD.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY ORNITHOLOGIST
As an ornithologist, you are in most cases a civil servant or semi-civil servant. An ornithologist will usually earn a salary between 2800 and 3800 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and responsibilities.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Ornithologe auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Ornitologo en español.
Lees deze informatie over Ornitholoog in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl