D.B.F.

Dayanand College of Arts and Science, Solapur

Mahatma Anand Swami Skill Development Center
Department of Zoology
Syllabus for ‘Basic Ornithology’ Course
Duration of the Course: 30hrs Total Credits:2
__________________________________________________________________________
1) Structure of syllabus:

Sr. no Paper Name Total Marks

1 Theory: Basic Ornithology 50
2 Practical: Basic Ornithology 25
3 Project Work and Field Report 25

2) Objective of Course:

 To understand theoretical and practical aspects of Ornithology.

 To learn how birds evolved and are still evolving, their physical adaptation to fly,
Acoustics and Courtship behaviour.
 To appreciate the diversity of birds of the world and understand the ecological
importance of Birds and necessity for Conservation.
 To create awareness and education on role of birds in the world and how they interact
with humans.

3) Scope of Course:

 Students may assist as field assistant or work at nature reserves.

 Job opportunities in different institutions like Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and
Natural History (SACON), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute
of India (WII), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) etc.

4) Detail Theory and Practical syllabus:

 Theory: Ornithology
Unit No. Topic Time Duration
Introduction to Ornithology
 Avian Diversity and Classification Major (04)
Order of Class: Aves .
1  Origin of Aves.
 Evolution and Speciation:
 Beak and Leg modification, Types of Feathers.

Anatomy and Physiology of Birds

2  Basic Anatomy of Aves.
 Parental care and Courtship behaviour in Aves.
Life History
 Foraging Behaviour.
3  Mating Behaviour.
 Breeding Behaviour.

Ecology and Ethology of Birds

 Types of Habitats of different bird groups.
4
 Nesting behaviour in different bird groups.
 Migration in Aves with examples from India.
Avian Conservation Concepts
 Major threats to the Avian diversity in India
5
 Conservation Breeding Programmes (Great
Indian Bustard and Vulture).

Practical: Ornithology
1) To study classification of birds observed on field (10 specimens).
2) To study various methods for studying ecology of Birds (Transects, Point count, Census etc).
3) To study communities of birds in different habitats (Wetland, Grassland, Forest, Agriculture
etc).
4) To study courtship behavior of birds using field observation or videos with local examples.
5) To study the community structure of Birds within campus or local gardens (Shannon
diversity indices).
6) To study beak and leg modification in birds using field observations.
7) To study different types of Feathers.
8) To study migration in birds using local case studies.
9) To study different types of nest using field observations, or photographs or Models.
10) To study the scientific photographic approach for Avian studies.

5) Teaching Method
  Class Lectures
 Laboratory exercises (e.g., bird identification with models, Digital Photographs and
Powerpoint presentation)
 Field Visits in campus (birdwatching, habitat observation)
 Guest lectures by conservationists and NGO Reprentatives

6) Assessment:

 Attendance
 Presentation
 Field Visit Reports
 Quiz
 Final Exam

7) Reference Books:

 Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Paperback – Picture Book, 20 December

2016by Richard Grimmett (Author), Carol Inskipp (Author), Tim Inskipp (Author)
 A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of India Paperback – 1 January 2016by Bikram
Grewal (Author), Garima Bhatia (Author)
 The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World Hardcover – Illustrated, 1
January 2018by David Alderton (Author)

8) Question paper pattern:

Theory: Ornithology

Question Pattern Marks

1 MCQ 15
Answer the following (Any 3)
1
2
2 15
3
4
5

Answer the following (Any 2)

1
3 12
2
3
4 Compulsory question one 8

Practical: Ornithology

Question Pattern Marks

 To Study / Observation______________________
1 10
Spotting
1
2
2 10
3
4
5
3 Viva 5
4 Project Work and Field Report 25