Bird collectors

The two main contributors to the Te Papa bird collection have been former staff members Fred Kinsky (2139 specimens) and Sir Robert Falla (823 specimens).

While many early specimens were shot or otherwise collected from the wild, specimens added to the collection now are those found dead of natural causes, or accidentally killed or injured. Many specimens are received from the Department of Conservation via Massey University Veterinary School, after their cause of death has been determined.