An ornithologist studies bird behavior, physiology, ecology, and conservation. Working in diverse settings from remote field sites to research laboratories, ornithologists contribute to wildlife management, environmental consulting, academic research, and conservation advocacy. The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists (which includes ornithologists) is $80,060 as of May 2024.
Welcome to EnvironmentalScience.org's guide to ornithology careers. If you've always been fascinated by birds-their migration patterns, songs, nesting behaviors, and conservation needs-a career in ornithology might be your calling. Ornithologists are the scientists who dedicate their careers to understanding avian life, from tracking warblers through remote forests to analyzing DNA in cutting-edge laboratories.
It's worth knowing upfront that ornithology is a competitive field requiring substantial education and field experience. However, for those passionate about birds and willing to invest in the necessary training, ornithology offers deeply rewarding work that directly contributes to wildlife conservation and our understanding of ecosystem health.
What Is Ornithology?
Ornithology is the scientific study of birds-one of the most diverse and widespread groups of vertebrates on Earth. As a specialized branch of zoology, ornithology encompasses everything from bird anatomy and genetics to behavior, ecology, and conservation biology.
The field has evolved significantly since its early roots in natural history collecting. Today's ornithologists use sophisticated tools like GPS tracking, bioacoustics analysis, and genetic sequencing to answer complex questions about bird evolution, climate change impacts, and population dynamics. This modern approach combines traditional field observation skills with advanced technology and statistical analysis.
What makes ornithology particularly valuable is that birds serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Changes in bird populations often signal broader environmental problems, making ornithological research essential for conservation planning and environmental policy.
What Do Ornithologists Do?
While job duties vary significantly depending on the position and employer, ornithologists typically combine fieldwork, data analysis, and communication. However, it's important to understand that many professionals spend only part of their time working exclusively with birds-they may work as wildlife biologists, ecologists, land managers, teachers, researchers, environmental educators, legislative advocates, or eco-tour guides where birds are one component of their broader work.
Here's what you might do as an ornithologist on any given day: conduct field surveys at dawn to record bird songs and identify species; capture and band birds to track their movements and survival rates; collect blood samples or feather specimens for genetic analysis; download data from automated recording devices placed in remote habitats; spend hours reviewing spectrogram images to identify individual bird calls; or write sections of a research paper describing your findings.
Entry-Level and Mid-Career Responsibilities
If you're starting your ornithology career, expect hands-on field and laboratory work. These foundational experiences build the expertise needed for more senior positions:
- Conduct systematic bird surveys using standardized protocols like point counts or transect surveys
- Capture and band birds following federal and state permit requirements
- Monitor nest sites and record breeding success, fledgling survival, and habitat characteristics
- Collect and process biological samples (blood, feathers, tissue) for genetic or toxicological analysis
- Enter field data into databases and perform quality control checks
- Analyze sound recordings to identify species and study vocal behavior
- Assist senior researchers with study design and literature reviews
Senior-Level and Leadership Responsibilities
As you advance in your career, your work shifts toward research design, analysis, and strategic conservation planning. Senior ornithologists typically:
- Design research projects using computational modeling to predict population trends and climate change impacts
- Develop management plans for endangered bird species in collaboration with federal and state agencies
- Review environmental impact assessments for development projects and provide expert testimony
- Write grant proposals to secure research funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences
- Supervise field crews and mentor graduate students conducting thesis research
- Serve on technical advisory committees for conservation organizations and government agencies
Where Does an Ornithologist Work?
Most ornithologists work for federal and state wildlife agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, or universities. Some work at zoos, natural history museums, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and as environmental consultants, though these positions rarely focus exclusively on birds.
The physical work environment varies dramatically depending on your role. Field-based positions involve significant time outdoors in all weather conditions, often in remote locations. You might hike several miles before dawn to reach survey sites, spend hours in a canopy blind observing nesting behavior, or wade through coastal marshes to census shorebird populations. International fieldwork is common, particularly for researchers studying migratory species that cross continents.
Laboratory work is equally important for many ornithologists. You might spend weeks processing genetic samples, analyzing stable isotopes to track migration routes, or examining museum specimens to document plumage variation across populations. Office work is inevitable-writing reports, analyzing datasets with statistical software like R, creating maps with GIS programs, and preparing manuscripts for publication.
Most ornithologists work full-time with flexibility around project demands. Expect extended hours during critical field seasons, particularly during spring and fall migration or the breeding season, when data collection is time-sensitive. Many academic ornithologists balance teaching responsibilities during the academic year with intensive fieldwork during summers.
Ornithologist Salary & Compensation
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track ornithologists as a separate occupation, they're included under zoologists and wildlife biologists (SOC 19-2041). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for this occupational group was $80,060, with approximately 84,930 people employed nationally.
Salary varies significantly by employer and experience level, according to May 2024 BLS data. Those working for the federal executive branch earned a median of $81,530, while ornithologists teaching at colleges, universities, and professional schools earned a median of $67,290. State government positions offered a median salary of $64,400. The highest earners (90th percentile) made $134,830 annually, while entry-level positions (10th percentile) started around $50,130.
It's worth noting that many ornithology positions, particularly in academia and nonprofits, offer non-monetary benefits that attract passionate professionals: flexible schedules, the opportunity to travel internationally, meaningful conservation impact, and the chance to work outdoors in beautiful natural settings. Field technician positions, often seasonal, may offer lower pay but provide invaluable experience and professional connections that lead to better opportunities.
Getting an Ornithology Degree
Most ornithologists start with bachelor's degrees in biology, wildlife biology, zoology, or ecology. Few universities offer standalone undergraduate ornithology programs, so you'll focus on birds through elective courses, independent research projects, and summer internships while building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
While few universities offer standalone undergraduate ornithology majors, several institutions are known for strong ornithology training within their wildlife biology or ecology programs. Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology offers unique undergraduate research opportunities and courses. The University of Montana, Oregon State University, and Humboldt State University provide excellent field-based training in avian ecology. Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma have active ornithology research groups. Graduate programs with notable ornithology faculty include Cornell, University of California-Davis, University of Washington, and Louisiana State University. When evaluating programs, look for faculty conducting active bird research, proximity to important bird habitats for fieldwork, and connections to bird observatories or research stations.
A solid background in science and math is essential. Your coursework should include genetics, ecology, evolution, animal behavior, and biostatistics. Knowledge of statistical software (R, Python) and GIS mapping is increasingly important, especially for research positions. Since ornithologists spend considerable time writing reports and research papers, strong writing skills and technical writing courses significantly enhance your career prospects.
However, classroom education alone isn't enough. Practical field and laboratory experience is critical for developing the skills employers seek. You can start gaining experience through local bird watching clubs, citizen science projects like eBird, workshops offered by bird observatories, summer field courses, internships with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and volunteer work for nonprofit conservation organizations. Many successful ornithologists accumulated hundreds of hours of unpaid or low-paid field experience during their undergraduate years.
Here's how educational requirements break down by career stage: Bachelor's degrees qualify you for entry-level field technician and research assistant positions-essential stepping stones for building experience. Master's degrees are the standard credential for professional ornithology positions with government agencies, conservation nonprofits, and consulting firms. PhDs are primarily required for tenure-track university faculty positions and senior research scientist roles at major institutions like the Smithsonian or academic museums. Many successful ornithologists build fulfilling careers with master's-level training, focusing on applied conservation and management rather than academic research.
Master's degrees are typically required for most professional ornithology positions beyond entry-level technician roles. A master's program allows you to develop expertise in a specific area-shorebird ecology, raptor migration, vocal communication, or conservation genetics-while producing original research. This degree qualifies you for positions with state and federal agencies, conservation nonprofits, and environmental consulting firms.
Doctorates are specifically required for tenure-track university faculty positions and senior research scientist roles at academic institutions and museums. However, the majority of professional ornithologists work successfully with master's degrees in applied positions with government wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and private consulting firms. Your career goals should guide your educational path-not everyone needs a PhD to make meaningful contributions to ornithology and bird conservation.
Essential Skills for Ornithologists
Success in ornithology requires more than enthusiasm for birds. Here are the key competencies that distinguish effective ornithologists:
Field Skills: You need sharp bird identification skills across all seasons and age classes, often relying on brief views, calls, or songs. Physical stamina matters-you'll hike long distances carrying equipment, work in challenging weather, and maintain focus during pre-dawn surveys. Careful observation and attention to detail are paramount when recording behavioral data or monitoring nest sites.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with statistical software-particularly R and increasingly Python-for analyzing complex datasets is now standard. GIS mapping skills using ArcGIS or QGIS help you model habitat suitability and track spatial patterns. Bioacoustics analysis software like Raven Pro and Audacity lets you study vocal behavior from thousands of sound recordings. Citizen science platforms like eBird are essential for accessing continental-scale data. Database management keeps your field data organized and accessible. Federal and state bird banding permits, which require training and demonstrated competency, are necessary for many field positions. Emerging tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and drone-based surveys are becoming more common in ornithological research.
Research Skills: You'll design studies that can answer meaningful questions with available resources. This requires understanding experimental design, sampling theory, and statistical power. You'll conduct thorough literature reviews to build on existing knowledge. Scientific writing skills are essential-you'll write technical reports, research proposals, and journal articles throughout your career.
Communication Skills: The ability to explain your work to diverse audiences matters enormously. You might present findings to agency directors, testify at public hearings about endangered species, write grant proposals to funding agencies, or lead bird walks for community members. Teaching and mentoring skills become increasingly important as you advance in your career.
Interpersonal Skills: Ornithology is collaborative work. You'll coordinate with field crews, work with landowners to access study sites, partner with other researchers on multi-institution projects, and navigate agency politics when your findings have management implications. Patience and persistence are essential-bird research often requires years of data collection before patterns emerge.
Career Paths & Specializations
Ornithology offers diverse career pathways beyond traditional research positions. While titles and specific duties vary, most fall into several broad categories that allow you to focus on different aspects of avian biology and conservation.
Research and Academia
University professors conduct original research, teach courses, mentor graduate students, and publish findings in scientific journals. Museum curators maintain research collections, conduct systematic studies of bird evolution and biogeography, and oversee specimen preparation. Research scientists at institutions like the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center lead long-term studies tracking population trends, migration patterns, and climate change impacts.
Government Wildlife Management
Federal biologists with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develop management plans for endangered species, coordinate across regions to protect migratory birds, and ensure compliance with laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. State wildlife biologists conduct population surveys, set hunting regulations based on harvest data, manage wildlife management areas for breeding habitat, and respond to human-wildlife conflicts.
Conservation Organizations
Nonprofit organizations offer varied roles beyond research. Conservation biologists design and implement habitat restoration projects. Science directors translate research findings into policy recommendations. Communications specialists develop educational materials and advocate for bird-friendly legislation. Land stewards manage private nature preserves for optimal bird habitat. These positions often blend fieldwork with fundraising, public outreach, and strategic planning.
Environmental Consulting
Private consulting firms hire ornithologists to conduct environmental impact assessments for development projects, survey rare species before construction begins, develop mitigation plans to minimize bird mortality, monitor compliance with permit conditions, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. This work is project-based and deadline-driven, offering variety but less focus on long-term research questions.
Related Conservation Careers
Many professionals with ornithology training pursue conservation careers that involve birds but aren't exclusively ornithological. These include park rangers who interpret natural history for visitors, wildlife rehabilitators who treat injured birds, ecotourism guides who lead birding expeditions, and environmental educators who teach about avian ecology in schools and nature centers.
Job Outlook & Growth
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists-the occupational category that includes ornithologists-is projected to grow 6 percent between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth will create approximately 4,800 new positions over the decade, with about 6,900 annual job openings when accounting for workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
However, it's important to be realistic about competition. Ornithology positions, particularly those allowing you to focus primarily on birds, are highly competitive. Many qualified candidates apply for each opening, especially for permanent positions with federal agencies and tenure-track academic positions. The competition is particularly intense for jobs studying charismatic species or working in desirable locations.
Your job prospects improve significantly with practical experience. Successful candidates typically have multiple seasonal technician positions, relevant volunteer experience, strong field skills, and demonstrated ability to work independently in remote settings. Publications, even as a co-author, strengthen applications for research positions. Federal bird banding permits and specialized technical skills (bioacoustics, GIS, genetic analysis) make you more competitive.
The outlook is somewhat better for flexibility. If you're willing to work as a wildlife biologist where birds are one component of broader responsibilities, or if you can relocate for opportunities, you'll find more options. Many ornithologists build satisfying careers by combining seasonal fieldwork with part-time teaching, consulting, or other employment that keeps them connected to birds while providing financial stability.
Professional Organizations
Professional societies provide essential connections, resources, and opportunities for career development throughout your ornithological journey.
The American Ornithological Society (formed from the merger of the American Ornithologists' Union and Cooper Ornithological Society) is the premier professional organization for ornithologists in the Americas. The society publishes leading research journals, including The Auk and The Condor, hosts annual scientific meetings where researchers present findings, offers research grants to graduate students, and provides networking opportunities essential for career advancement.
The Association of Field Ornithologists focuses specifically on field studies and conservation biology of birds. This organization bridges professional and amateur ornithologists, making it particularly valuable for early-career professionals. AFO publishes the Journal of Field Ornithology, which emphasizes practical field methodology and conservation applications. The association's annual meetings are smaller and more intimate than AOS conferences, offering excellent opportunities to build relationships with researchers in your specialty area.
Regional and specialized organizations also merit consideration. The Wilson Ornithological Society focuses on birds of the Western Hemisphere, the Waterbird Society serves those studying aquatic birds, and the Raptor Research Foundation supports researchers working with birds of prey. Student memberships are typically discounted, making it affordable to join multiple organizations while building your professional network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a PhD to Become an Ornithologist?
Not for most ornithology careers. Bachelor's degrees qualify you for field technician and research assistant positions. Master's degrees are the standard credential for professional positions with government wildlife agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state departments), conservation organizations, and environmental consulting firms. PhDs are specifically required for tenure-track university faculty positions and senior research scientist roles at academic institutions. If your goal is applied conservation work rather than university teaching, a master's degree is typically sufficient and will get you into the field faster.
Can I Study Ornithology as an Undergraduate Major?
Most universities don't offer standalone ornithology undergraduate programs. Instead, you'll major in biology, wildlife biology, zoology, or ecology, then focus on birds through elective courses (ornithology, avian ecology), undergraduate research projects with professors studying birds, and summer internships with bird observatories or research stations. Graduate school is where most specialized ornithology training occurs. Your undergraduate years should focus on building a strong foundation in biology, ecology, statistics, and field methods while gaining practical bird experience through volunteering and summer positions.
How Competitive Is the Ornithology Job Market?
Competition is strong, particularly for permanent positions focusing primarily on birds. Dozens of qualified candidates typically apply for each advertised ornithology position, especially for federal agency jobs and academic positions. However, the broader field of wildlife biology (which includes ornithology as one component) is projected to grow 6% through 2032. Your prospects improve dramatically with practical field experience, specialized technical skills, willingness to relocate, and flexibility about job titles-many fulfilling ornithology careers involve positions officially classified as "wildlife biologist" or "ecologist."
What's the Difference Between an Ornithologist and a Wildlife Biologist?
Ornithology is a specialization within wildlife biology focused exclusively on birds. Many professionals use the job title "wildlife biologist" but spend most of their time on bird-related work-managing grassland habitat for breeding bobolinks, studying sage-grouse population dynamics, or assessing wind turbine impacts on migratory raptors. The distinction is often about job classification and funding sources rather than actual daily responsibilities. If you're passionate about birds, don't limit your job search to positions with "ornithologist" in the title-many of the best bird-focused positions are classified under broader wildlife biology categories.
Where Do Most Ornithologists Find Employment?
The majority work for federal agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, USGS), state wildlife agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations (The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, local land trusts), and universities. Environmental consulting firms hire ornithologists for project-based work, conducting impact assessments and regulatory compliance surveys. Smaller numbers work at zoos, natural history museums, bird observatories, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Some ornithologists are self-employed, combining consulting work with leading bird tours, teaching workshops, or conducting contract research.
Learn more about ornithology.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive But Growing Field: Ornithology positions are highly competitive, but zoologists and wildlife biologists (including ornithologists) earn a median salary of $80,060 with 6% projected growth through 2032, creating approximately 6,900 annual job openings, including replacements. Success requires substantial field experience and specialized skills beyond classroom education.
- Education Requirements Vary by Career Stage: Bachelor's degrees qualify you for field technician positions that build essential experience. Master's degrees are the standard credential for professional roles in government agencies and conservation organizations. PhDs are primarily needed for university faculty and senior research positions. Many successful ornithologists thrive with master's-level training in applied conservation roles.
- Diverse Work Environments: Ornithologists work in remarkably varied settings-from pre-dawn field surveys in remote wilderness areas to laboratory benches analyzing genetic samples to office computers modeling climate change impacts. Most positions involve a dynamic mix of outdoor fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and desk work, writing reports and analyzing data.
- Technical Skills Matter as Much as Bird Knowledge: Modern ornithology requires proficiency with statistical software like R, GIS mapping, bioacoustics analysis, and database management. Strong scientific writing abilities are essential for publishing research, securing grants, and communicating findings. Physical stamina and the ability to work independently in challenging conditions are fundamental field requirements.
- Multiple Pathways Beyond Traditional Research: Not all ornithologists work in academic research. Rewarding career options include government wildlife management, nonprofit conservation work, environmental consulting, museum curation, bird banding stations, wildlife rehabilitation, ecotourism guiding, and environmental education-all focusing on understanding and protecting avian species and their habitats.
Ready to pursue your passion for birds and conservation? Explore environmental science and wildlife biology programs that will prepare you for a career in ornithology.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for zoologists and wildlife biologists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
