The Ornithological Council is a consortium of scientific ornithological societies.

We provide extensive resources and support for ornithologists, including:

The Guidelines for the Use of Wild Birds in Research
A Guide to the Processes and Procedures for Importing Bird Products into the United State for Scientific Research and Display
The Ornithology Exchange, an online community for and about ornithology

RECENT OC NEWS:

  • Updated Import Guide released
    The Ornithological Council has released another updated version of A Guide to the Processes and Procedures for Importing Bird Products into the United State for Scientific Research and Display. This extensive guide, which was thoroughly updated in 2020, provides a step-by-step guide for ornithologists importing birds or bird products into the U.S. for research and … Read more
  • July/August NewsBRIEF
    The Ornithological Council is pleased to provide this bimonthly report covering activities in July and August 2023.  Our work focuses on permits for ornithological research, animal welfare issues, research funding, and other policies that affect ornithologists and ornithological societies. We greatly appreciate your support. Please contact our Executive Director with questions or concerns about this report or … Read more
  • New edition of the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research now available
    The Ornithological Council has released a new edition of its foundational publication, the Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. The 4th edition incorporates text from the 3rd edition (published in 2010) with list of new references published since that edition’s release. The Guidelines provides an in-depth guide to the animal welfare considerations … Read more