People have been interested in birds since ancient times. Aristotle was one of the first to conduct research and describe where the birds disappear in the winter. The philosopher decided that they wait for the cold in the holes, and return when it gets warmer. He also hypothesized that some species change their plumage for the winter and become completely different birds. And many believed him, since it was more than two thousand years ago.
But science does not stand still, today everyone knows that in winter birds go to warm countries. But not everyone knows the name of the scientists who study birds. But it is thanks to the representatives of this profession that we know so much about birds.
Scientists studying birds
People who professionally study birds are called ornithologists, and bird science is called ornithology. This term was coined by the Italian Ulysse Aldrovandi in the 16th century.
There are a lot of directions in ornithology: a person can sit in the laboratory, studying experimental samples, or travel the world in search of rare species. But the main tasks are the study of the physiology, ethology, phenology and ecology of birds, the search for unknowns and the conservation of endangered species.
How to study birds
The simplest and most common method is ordinary observation or birdwatching. This is done outdoors when the birds are in their natural habitat. Often use binoculars so that they do not feel in danger.
Birdwatching is not just about bird scientists. There is also amateur ornithology when observed just for fun. This is especially common in Western countries. But even a hobby is useful: often it’s lovers who accidentally discover new species of birds.
To study migration, life expectancy, change in the number of species, use the method of banding birds. To do this, a wild bird is caught, a ring with a number is put on it and released. Then again they catch her or find a body with a ring, on the basis of which conclusions are drawn.
The ring is worn on more than one bird. To do this, you must select a certain number of birds. For example, one in a thousand. Otherwise, it will be impossible to understand how the number has changed.