Oology

This article is about the study of eggs. For scientific studies in general, see Ology.
Old illustration, showing 23 birds' eggs of different size and colouring
Mid-19th century illustration showing the eggs of a number of bird species

Oology (/oʊˈɒlədʒi/;[1] also oölogy) is a branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behaviour. The word is derived from the Greek oion, meaning egg. Oology can also refer to the hobby of collecting wild birds' eggs, sometimes called egg collecting, birdnesting or egging, which is now illegal in many jurisdictions.[2]

  1. ^ "Oology Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster". merriam-webster.com. [Merriam-Webster]. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  2. ^ Henderson, Carrol L (2007). Oology and Ralph's Talking Eggs. Austin: University of Texas Press. pp. 200. ISBN 978-0-292-71451-9.