Research

Herbert Stoddard Bird Collection

Ornithological (Birds) Collection

The Ornithological Collection at Tall Timbers contains a diversity of study skins, skeletons, skulls, and other preserved specimens. The collection is dominated by species collected in the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States, but also includes specimens from 24 countries (Table 1) and 37 states (Table 2).

For links, see http://talltimbers.org/ornithological-birds-collection/

Ornithological Collection Data:

Tall Timbers Bird Specimen Data download
Vertnet Ornithology Information System (ORNIS)
Select “View specimen records” then select “Tall Timbers Research and Land Conservancy” as a provider to run specimen queries

Ornithological Collection Images:

Morphbank Online Database

Select “Browse”, then “Image”, then enter species name and “Tall Timbers” in the “Keywords” box.
The collection consists of 3,946 specimens representing 565 species and 3 hybirds. Some recent taxonomic changes (e.g., separation of the seaside sparrow complex) are not reflected in these numbers. At least 34 species are represented by >25 specimens (Table 3). This series might be useful in studies of geographic variation or age and seasonal differences.

The collection has specimens dating back to the late 1800s, but the peak period of specimen collection occurred from 1950-70 as the research program at Tall Timbers expanded and a study of tower kills was initiated at a nearby television station.

Most of these specimens were collected during spring and fall migration. The col-lection also includes approximately 23 species listed by state and federal wildlife agencies as rare or endangered.
Specimens collected in Florida (n=2,861) represent 345 species and come from 50 counties. The largest number of specimens comes from Leon County (n=1,801), but at least seven Florida counties are represented by >20 specimens (see map below).

Most Florida specimens come from the previously mentioned tower-kill study conducted in Leon County, but other Florida localities with numerous specimens include St. George Island, Dog Island, Bald Point, and Alligator Point. Specimens from Georgia (n = 630) represent 176 species and one hybrid and come mostly from Birdsong and Sherwood plantations in Grady County.

Birds killed at WCTV tower in one night

Tall Timbers Scientific Collections are supported in honor of Howard Melville and Jean Claire Hanna by their grandchildren. For more information about the scientific collections, contact Jim Cox.