The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institution. Our mission is to obtain, protect, and manage ornithological collections in a manner that ensures their accessibility to researchers, educators, students, and the public, and to ensure that the materials are used in projects that contribute to the conservation of the world's wild bird species.

The collections of the WFVZ are composed of more than 190,000 sets of bird eggs representing approximately 4,000 species, more than 18,000 nests, more than 55,000 bird study skins, and a library of over 8,000 books and monographs on birds and natural history. The library also houses more than 400 bird and natural history journal serials, and a large collection of the field notes of collectors and scientists.

Peregrine Falcon eggs

Our Goals

The fundamental goals of the Foundation are to:

• Acquire, integrate, and preserve ornithological collections so that they can contribute to the conservation of the birds of the world.
• Provide data to avian researchers, educators, and scientific artists around the world.
• Educate the public through tours, classes, and material loans.
• Conduct original research on birds.
• Publish findings that reflect the WFVZ’s goals, programs, and activities.

The WFVZ has contributed information to thousands of research projects since our inception. Its resources often play key roles in understanding diverse topics such as avian systematics and evolution; the effects of environmental contamination, such as through eggshell thinning; and changes in bird numbers, distributions, and habitat use.

How are We Funded? 

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology is a non-profit public charity. Thus, it is not supported by the state or a University. Instead, the WFVZ relies on charitable donations and gifts from individuals and foundations, and grants and contracts for specific research projects. We also have a membership program, through which individuals and families can partner with us. If you like the Foundation's mission, programs, and beautiful facility, we hope you will consider making a donation so we can continue expanding our services! All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on our programs, or to become a member or Volunteer, please contact us. Thank you for your interest! 

Ed N. Harrison, Founder

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology 

Ed N. Harrison, Founder 

Board of Directors:

Fritz Hertel, Ph.D., Faculty member California State University Northridge
Ed Tarvyd, Faculty member Santa Monica College 

Science and Administration:

¡Nuestros empleados son bilingues! 

General Contact Information

Volunteers and Interns:

Isabel Rice
Margaret E.Stevens

Black-capped Vireo nest.

    

Research Associates: