Ornithology
Biologically, San Diego is one of the best-studied areas in the United States, offering a spectacular array of plants and wildlife that no other county can rival. Among its incredible biodiversity, San Diego is home or pit stop for 522 bird speciess—essential members of the various ecosystems found in our region.
Thanks to the incredible research community in our region, our knowledge of birds and their natural history is exceptional. The Department of Ornithology at The Nat contributes to this knowledge through active research, conservation projects, and its vast collection.
Since 1910, the Department of Ornithology has grown its collection to almost 53,000 bird specimens. Each specimen in the collection offers a unique piece of information about a species’ natural history and is an active source of biological data.
The department’s contributions, however, don’t stop there. Publications like the San Diego County Bird Atlas have been critical pieces of research that have helped improve our understanding of our county's wildlife and its habitats.
Whether the department is preparing bird specimens in the lab, collaborating across the border to conserve our wetlands, or surveying our canyons for birds, this team works tirelessly to understand and protect our region’s wildlife.
We search and we research. We are keepers of the ecological record. Meet the team. More.
Take a deeper look into the department's publications, tools, and resources. More.
Read what our scientists are working on. More.
The specimens in our Birds and Mammals collection document the past and inform the future. More.
Contract Services
The department offers a unique combination of resources, experience, and a wide variety of services available by contract. These include personnel qualified, by both experience and permit, to collect and preserve all California birds authorized by state and federal agencies. See our complete listing of services.
