Ornithology - Sam Noble Museum

The Sam Noble Museum ornithology collection was established with the museum in 1899. These 30,000 specimens carry significant importance for research, exhibits and educational programming. The collection contains specimens from 33 recognized avian orders and 180 recognized bird families. Oklahoma is well represented in the collection, but we also house significant holdings of specimens from Mexico, Texas and Thailand. Well-represented families include Fringillidae, Laridae and Accipitridae. With over 16,500 study skins and 6,500 skeletons, the collection is one of the largest in the central United States. Other highlights include over 950 mounts, 630 spread wings, 490 nests, 5,100 sets of eggs and an extensive library of books and journals. The curator, professional staff, students, volunteers and associates are continuing a tradition of research and collection that dates to the founding of the museum and the legacies established by Margaret Morse Nice, George Miksch Sutton and Gary D. Schnell.

Support the Ornithology Department

Are you interested in supporting the museum? By donating to the Ornithology Department, you will help us continue to inspire minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation, and education. Any dollar amount can help your museum continue to serve the people of Oklahoma.

Review the following area to see where your donation can make a difference:

Donate to the Ornithology Research and Operations Endowment: This endowed fund provides support for the Ornithology Department’s collection operations and research by museum curators, staff, and students.