Ornithology

The SNOMNH bird collection was established at the time of origin of the Museum in 1899. While two fires in the Museum (the last in 1918) destroyed the bird collection existing then, the collection subsequently has been developed into one of significant local, regional, and international importance. It is one of the largest in the central United States. Also associated with the bird collection is an extensive library of books and journals.

The collection contains specimens from all 23 recognized avian orders and 125 of 145 recognized bird families. Not unexpectedly, Oklahoma is well represented in the collection. In addition, there are significant holdings of specimens from Mexico, Texas, and Thailand. The bird families best represented in terms of numbers of specimens are Fringillidae (finches and allies), Laridae (skuas, gulls, terns, and skimmers), and Accipitridae (kites, eagles, and hawks).

The bird collection has approximately 26,000 cataloged specimens, including study skins (about 14,100), skeletons (6,100), mounts (750), spread wings (600), nests (300), and eggs (3,000 sets). The collection's databases will be available online in 2005.

Personnel

Dr. Gary D. Schnell, Curator

Dr. Tamaki Yuri, Collection Manager

Sara B. González-Pérez, Graduate Student

Elizabeth A. Mosteller, Graduate Student

Cassie J. Poindexter, Graduate Student

Research Associates

Victoria L. Smyth, Research Associate

Joseph A. Grzybowski, Affiliated Research Associate

David A. Wiggins, Affiliated Research Associate