The keeping or rearing of birds is called what?

Aviculture is the branch of biology that deals with the keeping, breeding, and management of birds, particularly those kept in captivity such as parrots, pigeons, canaries, peafowls, and other ornamental or exotic birds. The word “Aviculture” comes from the Latin word avis, meaning “bird,” and culture, meaning “care” or “cultivation.” Hence, aviculture literally means “the culture of birds.”

People who practice aviculture are called aviculturists. They maintain birds for various purposes such as:

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  Conservation: Protecting endangered bird species through captive breeding programs.

  
  


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  Research: Studying bird behavior, reproduction, and adaptation.

  
  


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  Commercial: Rearing birds for sale, trade, or exhibition.

  
  


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  Recreation and Aesthetics: Keeping birds as pets or for their beauty and song.

  
  

Aviculture differs from ornithology, which is the scientific study of birds in general, including their physiology, migration, and ecology. While ornithologists study birds in the wild, aviculturists focus on caring for and managing birds under human supervision.

It’s also important to distinguish aviculture from other animal-rearing practices:

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  Apiculture – Rearing of honeybees.

  
  


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  Pisciculture – Rearing of fish.

  
  


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  Sericulture – Rearing of silkworms.

  
  


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  Animal husbandry – General term for raising livestock such as cows, goats, and sheep.

  
  


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  Viticulture – Cultivation of grapes.

  
  


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  Viniculture – Making wine from grapes.

  
  

Aviculture plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, pet industry, and scientific education. Many aviculturists collaborate with zoological institutions to help restore bird populations that are declining in the wild due to habitat loss or climate change.

Thus, the keeping or rearing of birds is scientifically called Aviculture.

✅ Correct Answer: B) Aviculture