Feathers of History: Unveiling the Smithsonian's 600,000 Bird Specimens 🦜🌎

Step inside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and you'll find yourself immersed in a hidden treasure trove—a vast and awe-inspiring collection of over 600,000 meticulously preserved bird specimens, each spanning the past two centuries. Month after month, this remarkable collection grows, thanks to the dedicated efforts of specialists committed to safeguarding and maintaining these avian wonders. However, what might surprise you is that the majority of these beautifully preserved birds never grace the museum floor. So, you may wonder, why the need for such perfection in preservation?

The answer lies in the pursuit of research.

These bird specimens play a pivotal role in various research endeavors, extending far beyond being mere museum exhibits. They serve as invaluable resources for scientific investigations, from identifying birds tragically killed by airplanes to unraveling the evolutionary changes in duck bills over time. It's not merely about preparing a bird for immediate display but rather for the generations to come, enabling future scientists to glean vital information and insights.

Recently, we had the privilege of witnessing the intricate process of adding a single specimen to the esteemed skin collection at the Smithsonian. This journey begins with the acquisition of the specimen itself. Some birds in the collection boast storied histories, like an ostrich gifted to President Roosevelt by King Menelik. Others are generously donated by individuals or organizations, contributing to the collection's diversity and significance. For instance, a California condor found its way to the museum through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while a Cooper's hawk earned its place in an upcoming exhibit after tragically crashing into a building window.

Once acquired, the transformative journey of the hawk begins. Skilled museum specialists, like Christina and her husband Brian, take on the delicate preservation process. Every ounce of muscle and fat must be carefully removed from the bird's body, as these specimens will be stored as dried and taxidermied remains, designed to stand the test of time. Brian skillfully employs gentler tools like his hands to ensure the skin remains intact and free from damage.

The meticulous process of removing fat from the skin is critical, as the preservation aims to eliminate the possibility of rancidity over time. Through the use of corncob dust and masterful techniques, these specialists guarantee that the specimen remains immaculate.

After the cleaning process is complete, the bird is washed, dried, and skillfully presented. Brian artfully ties the wings together, approximating their natural spread, ensuring the specimen's strength and integrity for years to come. Finally, the hawk is meticulously pinned onto a board to dry, forever capturing its position and posture.

But why go through such extraordinary effort? The answer lies in the boundless possibilities that the future holds for these meticulously prepared bird specimens. With an extensive collection representing a staggering 80 percent of the world's bird species, the Smithsonian's Division of Birds becomes a vibrant hub of research. Specialists like Lauren and Joshua dedicate their time to studying how mating between domestic and wild ducks influences bill size and structure, while Jim works diligently in the feather identification lab to help identify birds killed during air strikes.

Moreover, the collection serves as a valuable reference for deeper analyses, such as microbiome studies of bird wings, feather research, and even understanding bacterial groups like dinococcus thriving on vulture wings.

Each meticulously prepared bird becomes a valuable time stamp for the present bird population, creating an invaluable record for future generations of researchers. As the years pass, the collection's significance continues to grow, contributing to countless discoveries and innovations that we can only begin to imagine.

So, the next time you step foot into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, take a moment to pause and reflect on the awe-inspiring journey that these bird specimens have embarked upon—a journey destined to shape the future of scientific exploration for generations to come. Their legacy is more than just preserved skins; it's a testament to humanity's insatiable thirst for knowledge and the unwavering commitment to understanding the world we share with these fascinating creatures.