If you raise birds, you might wonder what people call someone who does that. Most folks call them aviculturists or bird breeders.
These terms describe people who care for, breed, and raise birds, whether it’s a hobby or a job. Some just like having birds around, while others turn it into a whole career.
But the name really depends on the type of birds you’re raising or your reason for doing it. If you raise chickens, ducks, or turkeys for food, people usually call you a poultry farmer.
Work with birds of prey? That’s a falconer. Funny how the title shifts with the bird, right?
Names for People Who Raise Birds
People who raise birds get all sorts of titles. It really depends on what they do and why.
Some focus on breeding and caring for certain species. Others just keep birds as pets or for farming.
Your role kind of shapes what people call you.
Aviculturist
An aviculturist breeds and raises birds, usually in captivity. You handle their diet, housing, and egg incubation.
Maybe you breed exotic birds, parrots, or even more common poultry. Aviculture covers everything about caring for birds’ health and reproduction.
You need a good grasp of bird behavior and nutrition. Sometimes, you manage aviaries or help keep bird populations steady in zoos.
It’s not just about keeping birds—it’s about really nurturing and preserving them.
Bird Breeder
A bird breeder raises birds to produce eggs or chicks. Usually, you pick a species to specialize in, like parrots or game birds.
Your goal? Improve traits like color or size. You’ve got to keep an eye on health and genetics to keep your flock strong.
Breeding takes planning because matching the right birds affects the chicks’ quality. You select parents, watch over egg incubation, and raise the young ones.
Bird Keeper
A bird keeper looks after birds for all sorts of reasons—pets, display, or farming. You feed them, clean up, and check on their health.
Bird keepers might work with backyard chickens or with tropical parrots. The variety keeps things interesting.
You focus on making sure the birds’ environment works for them. Sometimes you manage cages, aviaries, or even free-range spaces.
Even if you’re not breeding, your job matters a lot for the birds’ wellbeing.
If you want to dig deeper into what an aviculturist does, check out birdful’s guide on how to become an aviculturist.
Related Roles and Bird Enthusiasts
People who care for birds often take on different roles. Each one has its own skills and focus.
Some study birds in detail. Others just enjoy watching them or raising them in special places.
Ornithologist
If you’re curious about how birds live and behave, an ornithologist is the expert you’re looking for. Ornithologists study birds through science—ornithology.
Most have a degree in the field and do research on bird biology, migration, or conservation. You won’t find them just birdwatching for fun.
They work in labs, field studies, or universities. Often, they use tools to track bird populations and figure out how healthy they are.
Their research really helps protect birds and their habitats.
Birdwatcher and Birder
If you enjoy watching birds outside, you’re a birdwatcher or maybe a birder. Birdwatchers usually check out birds casually, maybe in the backyard or a park.
Birders take it up a notch. They try to spot and identify as many species as possible, sometimes keeping lists.
Both use binoculars, field guides, or even apps to help spot and identify birds. Birdwatching and birding help you connect with nature and get a bit of exercise, too.
Honestly, for a lot of people, it’s just a relaxing and fun way to spend time outdoors.
Avian Biology Expert
Avian biology experts dive into everything about birds—their bodies, what they eat, how they breed, and how to keep them healthy. If you’ve ever raised birds in an aviary or a zoo, you’ve probably tackled some of this work yourself.
These experts make sure birds get the right care. They also pay close attention to housing and health needs, which, honestly, can get complicated fast.
Avian biology ties pretty closely to aviculture, which is just a fancy way of saying “raising birds in captivity.” If you’re the one managing feeding schedules or carefully handling eggs and chicks, you’re putting this knowledge to good use.
Keeping bird populations healthy in controlled spaces? That’s a big deal, and it’s exactly what this role supports.
Curious about bird enthusiasts? You might want to check out more on birdwatchers and birders. Or maybe learn about aviculturists, the folks who raise birds in captivity.
