Geographic coverage for
the collection is wide, with specimen representation from seven
continents, most of the earths oceans and seas, and over 50 countries.
The collection's major stregth, however, is in its regional composition,
with Arizona garnering 11125 (62%) of its holdings.
Originally begun in 1884
by Arizona resident Herbert Brown, the bird collection has seen
periodic growth over time due to the efforts of some of the nation's
best ornithologists. The Bird Collection remains dedicated to preserving
the treasures of the region, while also promoting education and
awareness to the public. Dr. Alex Badyaev is Curator, and Mr. George
Bradley is Collection Manager.
The University of Arizona
Bird Collection will soon be offering digital images of our specimens
from Mexico. In a recent project with CONABIO, Mexico's premier
biological information resource,and through the support of the National
Science Foundation, we have made available all of our holdings from
Mexico in an effort to improve Mexico's biological information resources.
Having photographed and georeferenced each of our specimens, we
will soon be offering the completed work from this collaboration.
Questions concerning
the collection should be directed to:
George Bradley
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721
(520) 621-3187
gbradley@email.arizona.edu