Birds - Collections








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The ornithological (bird) collection contains about 70,000 specimens. The majority of these are Australian species, with the major emphasis on New South Wales. The collections also have a good representation of specimens from New Guinea, New Zealand and the southwest Pacific.

The collection includes:

about 3,500 non-Australian species, representing 95% of bird families of the world
many rare (including the Night Parrot) and extinct species from Australia and elsewhere in the world
a large historical component, with extensive Australian holdings dating from the 1860s
study skins, which make up the major portion of the collection, supplemented by associated detached, spread wings for many specimens
significant holdings of skeletons, which make up one of the most rapidly growing sections of the collection
the spirit specimens, which includes a considerable number of recently specimens from throughout the southwest Pacific
the oological (egg) collections which provides an important coverage of the Australian avifauna, with more than 20, 000 registered clutches
the type collection comprising more 340 specimens of 180 taxa, primarily from Australia and the Pacific islands
collection data that are computerised using the Texpress database. Since the 1960s, detailed information on incoming specimens has been collected on comprehensive datasheets, which now number over 13,000
the holdings of ornithological books and journals, an important resource.

There is a large historical component in the collections, with extensive Australian holdings dating from the 1860s. Study skins make up the major portion of the collection, supplemented by associated detached, spread wings for many specimens. There are significant holdings of skeletons, which make up one of the most rapidly growing sections of the collection. The spirit specimens include a considerable number of recently acquired specimens from throughout the south-west Pacific.

Collection data are computerised using the Texpress database. Since the 1960s, detailed information on incoming specimens has been collected on comprehensive datasheets, which now number over 13,000.

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