Explore the Scientific Collections in Our Newest Museum Display
A new exhibit in the Bill & Denise Spence Discovery Gallery features birds and marine mollusks from the museum’s scientific collections, including highlights of the incredible biodiversity of the Philippines as well as research from our scientists. Visitors can discover how natural history collections help scientists study adaptation, biodiversity, and conservation over time.
Interactive questions, specimen tags, and QR codes invite guests of all ages to explore, ask questions, and connect with the science behind the scenes. Whether you are curious about shells, birds, or the work of scientists, this display offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world and the role museums play in helping us understand it.
In the glass case, birds and mollusks from the Philippines a region made up of more than 7,000 islands and home to countless unique species. Featuring both birds and marine mollusks, the display explores how the islands’ habitats encouraged the evolution of species found nowhere else in the world.
The three drawers each focus on a different story from the collections.
Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis orientalis) DMNH 4276
Phillipine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogenys meridionalis) DMNH 67956
Garden Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis jugularis) DMNH 74824
Purple-throated Sunbird (Leptocoma sperata sperata) DMNH 21532
Pink-necked Green-Pigeon (Treron vernans) DMNH 14909
Brown-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) DMNH 66512
Luzon Flameback (Chrysocolaptes haematribon) DMNH 66380
Triton (Charonia tritonis) DMNH 3385
Spider Conch (Harpago chiragra) DMNH 2134
Ass’s Ear (Haliotis asinina) DMNH 118539
Helmet Shell (Cassis cornuta) DMNH 233792
Exploring Diversity
For a challenge, compare colorful mollusk shells and discover how their shapes and features help them survive in different environments. Scientists digitize each specimen so its image and data can be shared over the internet, and analyzed all around the world.
1 Spider conch (Harpago chiragra) DMNH 2134
2 Maculated top shell (Trochus maculatus) DMNH 1911
3 Common delphinula (Angaria delphinus) DMNH 156961
4 Strawberry conch (Conomurex luhuanus) DMNH 122445
5 Boring clam (Tridacna crocea) DMNH 238958
6 Orange auger (Oxymeris dimidiata) DMNH 183539
7 Brown murex (Chicoreus brunneus) DMNH 63538
8 Dark-spotted auger (Oxymeris areolata) DMNH 118925
9 Tiger lucine (Codakia tigerina) DMNH 2200
10 Pin shell (Pinna vingata (muricata)) DMNH 59245
11 Cone shell (Conus striatus) DMNH 47117
12 Helmet shell (Cassis cornuta) DMNH 233792
13 Olive shell (Oliva miniacea) DMNH 63504
14 Purple clam (Periglypta puerpera) DMNH 248838
15 Ass’s ear (Haliotis asinina) DMNH 118539
16 Oyster (Lopha cristagalli) DMNH 174627
17 Lynx cowry (Lyncina lynx) DMNH 31303
18 Mud creeper (Cerithium nodulosum) DMNH 235158
19 Silver conch (Lentigo lentiginosus) DMNH 122456
20 Boring clam (Tridacna crocea) DMNH 238958
21 Trapezium horse conch (Pleuroploca trapezium) DMNH 122452
22 Diana conch (Strombus aurisdianae) DMNH 55609
23 Common distorsio (Distorsio anus) DMNH 16491
24 Pimpled nassa (Nassarius papillosus) DMNH 4422
25 Vase shell (Vasum turbinellus) DMNH 15950
26 Gafrarium (Gafrarium pectinatum) DMNH 3670
27 Zigzag venus (Lioconcha castrensis) DMNH 42609
From Accipiter to Astur
In spotlighting DNA research led by Research Director & Curator, Bird Collection Matthew Halley, Ph.D., the exhibit explains the recent reclassification of hawks from the Accipiter genus to Astur, showing how genetic tools are changing our understanding of bird relationships.
American Goshawk (Astur atricapillus) DMNH 85850
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) DMNH 85670
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus velox) DMNH 85673
How Birds Become Scientific Specimens
Visitors can also learn how birds are preserved for research, using techniques such as study skins and skeletons that provide long-lasting scientific value. Preserved specimens help scientists compare past and present, identify new species, and answer questions.
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
Study Skins and Spread Wing
1 DMNH P10575 (not catalogued)
2 DMNH P10577 (not catalogued)
3 DMNH 85862
Great Horned Owl(Bubo virginianus)
Skeleton
DMNH 76500
This exhibit is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.
