Over the past century the emphasis of study at Cornell has shifted as ornithology has developed into a recognized science. Prior to, and early in, the 20th century, interest was strongest in the economic effects of birds on agriculture, in birds as objects of nature study and as decorative motifs, and in the development of bird classification systems. Increasingly in the 20th century, birds have played a leading role in studies in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, biogeography, systematics, speciation, physiology, migration, ecology, and conservation. The literature of ornithology chronicles the change. Because of the size and inclusiveness of the Mann Library ornithology collection, no attempt is made to list specific titles in this guide.
Monograph titles appear with complete bibliographic records.
Serials and monograph series titles that are currently received are in the database with summary holdings.