Birdwatching: meaning, definitions and examples

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birdwatching

 

[ ˈbɜrdˌwɒtʃɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

hobby

Birdwatching is the activity of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat. It often involves using binoculars and field guides to help identify different species. Birdwatching can be a relaxing and educational pastime for nature enthusiasts.

Synonyms

birding, ornithology.

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Word Description / Examples
birdwatching

Used when referring to the hobby of observing birds in their natural environment. It implies a casual or leisure activity typically done by amateurs.

  • She spent her weekend birdwatching in the local park
  • | Birdwatching is a relaxing way to enjoy nature
birding

Similar to birdwatching, but often used by more enthusiastic hobbyists. It's slightly more informal and implies a more active search and identification of birds.

  • They went birding at dawn to catch a glimpse of some rare species
  • | Birding requires a good pair of binoculars and a keen eye
ornithology

Refers to the scientific study of birds. This term is used in more academic or professional contexts and involves systematic research.

  • She is studying ornithology at the university
  • | Ornithology provides important insights into bird behavior and conservation

Examples of usage

  • I enjoy going birdwatching in the local park.
  • Many birdwatchers keep a checklist of the birds they have spotted.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

Birdwatching can also be a form of citizen science, where individuals contribute data to scientific studies on bird populations. This information helps researchers track changes in bird populations over time and understand the impact of habitat loss and climate change.

Synonyms

citizen science.

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Word Description / Examples
birdwatching

Refers to the recreational activity of observing birds in their natural habitat.

  • She enjoys birdwatching on weekends, often traveling to nature reserves
  • Birdwatching is a relaxing hobby for many
citizen science

Refers to scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by amateur or non-professional scientists. Often involves collecting data for large-scale scientific projects.

  • Many volunteers engage in citizen science by recording bird sightings for research
  • Citizen science projects help scientists gather large amounts of data

Examples of usage

  • Many conservation organizations rely on birdwatchers to gather important data.
  • Citizen scientists play a crucial role in birdwatching research.
Context #3 | Verb

observing birds

To go birdwatching is to spend time observing and identifying birds. Birdwatchers often travel to different locations to see rare or migratory species. It requires patience, keen observation skills, and a love for nature.

Synonyms

birding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
birdwatching

Used generally for observing and studying birds in their natural habitat. It's usually a casual and recreational activity.

  • She spends her weekends birdwatching in the local park
  • Birdwatching can be a peaceful and relaxing hobby
birding

Often used by more serious enthusiasts or professionals who document and identify bird species. It can be both recreational and scientific.

  • They went birding to document the migration patterns of the local species
  • Birding requires good knowledge of different bird calls and appearances

Examples of usage

  • We plan to go birdwatching this weekend.
  • She enjoys birdwatching in the early morning.

Translations

Translations of the word "birdwatching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observação de aves

🇮🇳 पक्षी-दर्शन

🇩🇪 Vogelbeobachtung

🇮🇩 pengamatan burung

🇺🇦 спостереження за птахами

🇵🇱 obserwacja ptaków

🇯🇵 バードウォッチング

🇫🇷 observation des oiseaux

🇪🇸 observación de aves

🇹🇷 kuş gözlemciliği

🇰🇷 조류 관찰

🇸🇦 مراقبة الطيور

🇨🇿 pozorování ptáků

🇸🇰 pozorovanie vtákov

🇨🇳 观鸟

🇸🇮 opazovanje ptic

🇮🇸 fuglaskoðun

🇰🇿 құстарды бақылау

🇬🇪 ფრინველებზე დაკვირვება

🇦🇿 quş müşahidəsi

🇲🇽 observación de aves

Etymology

The term 'birdwatching' originated in the 1900s as a way to describe the activity of observing and identifying birds. It has since grown in popularity as a recreational activity and a valuable tool for scientific research. Birdwatching has deep roots in the tradition of natural history and continues to be a beloved pastime for bird enthusiasts worldwide.

See also: bird, birding, bluebird, seabird.