Ornithology is a branch of
zoology that concerns the study of
birds. Etymologically, the word "ornithology" derives from the
ancient Greek ὄρνις
ornis ("bird") and λόγος
logos ("rationale" or "explanation"). Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. Most marked among these is the extent of studies undertaken by amateurs working within the parameters of strict scientific methodology.