Basic Course in Ornithology

 Basic Course in Ornithology – Introduction

The Basic Course in Ornithology is designed to introduce participants to the fascinating world of birds through a structured and practical approach. The course covers the fundamentals of bird biology, identification techniques, behaviour, habitats, migration patterns, and conservation principles. It aims to build a strong foundation for beginners while also refining observation skills for enthusiastic birders.

Throughout the course, participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights to help them better understand avian diversity and ecological importance.

The materials are curated to ensure easy understanding, practical application, and long-term reference for continued learning in ornithology.

Course layout

Week 1 : Introduction to Ornithology; Avian Diversity and Classification; Evolution and Speciation

Week 2 : Anatomy; Physiology; and Feathers and Plumage

Week 3 : Life History; Foraging Behaviour; Mating and Breeding Behaviour

Week 4 : Social Behaviour; Methods of Science and Posing Research Questions

Week 5 : Vocal Behaviour: Mechanisms; Ecology & Evolution; Vocal Behaviour: Case Study

Week 6 : Migration; Basics of Research Design
Week 7 : Bird Populations: Concepts; Bird Communities: Concepts

Week 8 : Mixed species flocks; Studying Bird Populations and Communities: Techniques

Week 9 : Avian Disease; Introduction to data visualisation and analysis

Week 10 : Biogeography; Macroecology; Macroecology: Case Study
Week 11 : Avian Conservation: Concepts; Avian Conservation: Case Studies 1; Avian Conservation: Case Studies 2

Week 12 : Citizen Science in Ornithology; Molecular Techniques in Ornithology; Molecular Techniques: Case Study

License:
All course materials will be shared under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA license, allowing participants to use, share, and adapt the content for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution and under the same license terms. 

@all credit goes to NPTEL