Egg collecting

Egg collecting refers to the practice of collecting bird eggs, a popular hobby in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the practice is generally regarded as illegal and unethical due to the potential harm it can cause to bird populations.

History

Egg collecting, also known as oology, has a long history, with records of the hobby dating back to the Victorian era. During this time, it was a popular pastime among the upper classes, who would often display their collections in elaborate cabinets. The largest known historical egg collection was that of Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild, which is now housed in the Natural History Museum, Tring.

Legal and ethical issues

In many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, egg collecting is now illegal under various wildlife protection laws. These laws were introduced in response to the decline in bird populations caused by over-collecting. In addition to the legal issues, many people now view egg collecting as unethical due to the harm it can cause to bird populations.

Modern egg collecting

Despite the legal and ethical issues, some people still engage in egg collecting. Modern collectors often focus on acquiring eggs from captive birds, such as chickens or ducks, rather than wild birds. Some collectors also focus on eggs from extinct or endangered species, which can be highly valuable.

See also

• Birdwatching
• Ornithology
• Wildlife conservation

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