The primary geographic area of representation is the western Edwards Plateau of Texas. A minor collection from Guyana, South America, is also present.
The collection was began in 1968 and remained relatively small for 20 years. Within the last decade, collection organization has formalized and the rate of specimen addition has accelerated. A significant portion (about 35 percent) of the collection is of teaching material (much from zoology gardens). Since the collection’s inception, the curator had been Dr. Terry Maxwell, who retired in May 2014. The collection’s new curator, Dr. Benjamin Skipper is looking forward to further expansion.
The main function of the birds collection is teaching, although research-quality data with specimens is available and has contributed to published ornithology.
Specimen information for the Collection of Birds can be found on Arctos. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of catalogue information, researchers should verify information before use or publication. For additional information not provided through the searchable web interface, or if you have questions, please contact the curator.
Specimens are available for examination in the collection area. Request for visitation should precede a trip to the university as staffing and hours are irregular. Specimens can be sent on loan, usually not to exceed six months.
To search ASNHC Birds records, go to Arctos and select the Angelo State Natural History Collections (ASNHC) Bird specimens (ASNHC:Bird) from the drop-down menu.
