Most bird lovers may already know that aviculture is the practice of keeping birds. The term does not only refer to bird keeping, but the various practices related to it, such as bird breeding, and the sub-culture that usually surrounds these practices. It can also be extended to the preservation of wild birds in their various natural habitats and public awareness campaigns that are created to help ensure the longevity of these birds.

People are drawn to the world of aviculture for various reasons, but at the heart of their actions usually lies a deep appreciation for birds. They may, for example, breed birds such as parrots as companion birds for others to enjoy. Or they might prefer to limit their breeding activities to certain ‘wild’ birds as part of efforts to preserve a particular bird species. They might also ultimately end up being in it for the money. As these individuals get started in their chosen profession, they often meet more and more likeminded individuals that they can share their passion for birds with. In doing so, they quickly find themselves part of a massive subculture of modern society that is dedicated solely to the breeding and protection of a large number of different bird species.

Aviculture is so big, in fact, that a number of different avicultural societies have been established all over the world. The largest organizations are usually found in Europe, Australia and the United States. Many of the people affiliated with such societies have a fair amount of time and money to invest in their beloved birds. You do not have to be an affiliated member of a bird society in order to be an aviculturalist. More lackadaisical bird lovers often find other ways to feed their avian-based culture. They may, for example, subscribe to a regular periodical that focuses on bird keeping and bird preservation. These periodicals may be generalized or specific and usually talk about things such as breeding, care, health, bird selection and companion birds. Aviculturalists may also branch out from bird keeping into bird breeding, or get self-help books to help ease their introduction to bird keeping. Aviculture is a great way to explore new possibilities, learn new things and make new friends. So get involved and explore this fascinating aspect of birding.

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Aviornis, or Aviornis International, was established in the year 1973 by a group of Belgian aviculturists who shared the same vision in the conservation of waterfowl and ornamental birds. A Dutch branch of Aviornis was founded in 1973, and has spread across the globe, with more than eight thousand members in seven different countries. Aviornis International is a conservation group that not only protects different bird species but also assists members in various aspects of birding.

At present, the members of Avionis, in all the different chapters, take care of an estimated six hundred and twenty five various bird species. The chapters of Aviornis International are as follows: Aviornis United Kingdom (founded 1991), Aviornis Germany, Aviornis France, Aviornis Ibercia, Aviornis Netherlands and Aviornis Belgium. Members of Aviornis come from countries including Spain, Portugal, Holland and Italy. And as a member of this lifesaving establishment, members receive a color Aviornis magazine with informative articles, legislation updates and reports on breeding programs and projects. Members are also informed of upcoming lectures, activities in areas close to them, and are able to turn to Aviornis for assistance and information in regard to their birds.

The main goal of Aviornis as an organization is to protect endangered bird species against extinction and to assist agencies and related programs in their efforts to conserve and protect these species. To ensure that a healthy stock of each species, in regard to genetics, remains within the breeding programs, Aviornis arranges international exchanges of young individuals, and provides advice and knowledge to breeders and the breeding projects. Reintroduction into the wild is always the end goal for Avionis and other organizations that run breeding programs.

The most important birds in the breeding programs at present include quails, ibis, waterfowl, cranes, pheasants and junglefowls, but there are many other species that are already in breeding facilities. This organization also took the lead in introducing the Ringing and Registration System, which allows Aviornis members a lifetime membership number, serial number and rings that are available in various sizes (depending on the bird species) and every year a different color is given to the rings. This creates a central information network in regard to breeding seasons and the birds that were bred within a specific season.

Aviornis was founded to provide protection and aid to bird species that need human intervention to save them from extinction, and to date it still performs this noble service. Supporting and aiding where possible, and ensuring that its members have updated information in regard to legislations, regulations and other successful projects, Aviornis is certainly serving a vital role in bird conservation.

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