Discover an extinct dodo, our historical hummingbird cabinet, and a Victorian avian anatomy display in the Birds gallery.
From endangered species to native British breeds and contemporary conservation efforts, explore the wonders of our bird collection.
Star specimens and exhibits
- cases of nesting birds dating from 1883, featuring blackbirds and storm petrels
- a selection of eggs ranging from those of the tiny hummingbird to the giant elephant bird
- two passenger pigeon specimens, a species that once numbered in the billions and is now extinct
- framed prints from John James Audubon's famous The Birds of America book
- a beautiful painting of the extinct great auk
The Birds of America
It's not hard to imagine why a group of teenagers might attempt to steal John James Audubon's iconic and valuable book The Birds of America, a true story told in the film American Animals.
See these prints on display in the Birds gallery.
The diversity of birds
Discover the world's birds in an online exhibition.
A collaboration between the Museum and Google Arts & Culture.
Discover: birds
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Science newsRising water levels threaten the survival of the lesser flamingo
The lesser flamingo is in danger of losing its feeding and breeding grounds.
12 April 2024 -
British wildlifeFlock Together: In our own words
The positivity and radical power of Flock Together – the UK’s first birdwatching collective for and by people of colour – as told by its members.
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What on Earth?Do birds pee?
What are those milky white splatters – are they pee or poo?
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Science newsAustralia remains bird flu free as outbreak continues elsewhere
Since 2020, millions of birds have been struck down by avian influenza, but Oceania remains virus free.
4 April 2024
