Biomedical
Development of Ornithology and Ornithological Journals—A New Opening by the MDPI with the Birds Journal
Jukka Jokimäki
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Before I started to produce this Editorial article for the new ornithological open access journal, Birds, of the MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), I read a fascinating book about the history of ornithology by Michael Walters. A lot has happened since the first ornithological journals, the Journal of Ornithology (1853), Ibis, the Auk, Wilson Journal of Ornithology and the Condor, were established. Walters’ book reminded me about the long history of ornithology and ornithologists; birds have fascinated people since practically the dawn of civilization. The 18th century was the time of Linnaeus, Brisson, Buffon, and Pallas, i.e., the classification of birds. During the 19th century, ornithology was still mainly very descriptive. Most ornithologists were studying the anatomy and taxonomy of birds, while some were interested in the distribution of birds.
Key Questions
1. What advancements have been made in ornithology recently?
Recent advancements in ornithology include breakthroughs in bird migration tracking, the use of DNA analysis for species identification, and the integration of technology like drones and satellite imagery for studying bird populations.
2. How has the Birds Journal contributed to ornithological research?
The Birds Journal has provided a platform for publishing high-quality research on avian biology, ecology, and conservation, contributing to the broader scientific community by promoting knowledge exchange.
3. What are the main challenges in publishing research in ornithology?
Challenges include limited funding, difficulty in accessing remote bird habitats, and the need for long-term data collection to ensure research reliability.
4. How do technological advancements impact ornithological studies?
Technological advancements, such as GPS tracking, automated bird song recognition, and remote sensing, have greatly enhanced data collection and analysis, improving the understanding of bird behavior, migration, and conservation needs.
