Ornithology

The ornithological collection (a collection of dermoplastic preparations, skins and breast bones) represents one of the largest collections in the entire Czech Republic.

The basis of the ornithological sub-collection is made up of dermoplastic preparations and skins (balks) of European birds, and to a lesser extent also dermoplastic preparations of foreign birds from all over the world.

Foreign birds were obtained by purchasing the collections of F. Holingr from Ostrava-Zábřeh (1965), L. Holuba from Chrudim (1973), by transfer from schools in Moravia and a small part by purchasing the ornithological collections of our collectors. Our birds were acquired from many collectors, including O. Lipecký, Z. Verbirse, P. Matuška, E. Pohleho and most recently L. Brejcha. The collections of Oldřich Lipecký and Pavel Matuška form the main part of the "Birds of Bohemia" exhibition, which is located at the Ornithological Station of the Comenius Museum. As the only one in the Czech Republic, it is focused on specimens of the largest possible number of species of birds found in the territory of the Czech Republic (365 out of a total of 403 species of birds in the Czech Republic; 593 preparations). The aim of the exhibition is to show visitors the differences in coloration in females, males, young and old birds and changes in coloration throughout the year.

In total, the ornithological sub-collection consists of 4,100 dermoplastic preparations of almost 700 species of birds, 3,500 skins and 3,000 breast bones. The collection of breast bones is apparently the only one in the Czech Republic.

The collection is stored in the building of the Ornithological Station.

The collection is managed by Mgr. Martin Vymazal.