Ornithological Applications: The Evolution of a Premier Bird Science Journal
In the world of avian science, few publications possess a legacy as rich as Ornithological Applications. As a peer-reviewed quarterly scientific journal, it serves as a critical venue for researchers to share findings that advance our understanding of birds. Today, it stands as an official publication of the American Ornithological Society, providing a bridge between theoretical research and practical application in the field of ornithology—the scientific study of birds.
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Key Facts
- Current Name: Ornithological Applications (renamed in January 2021).
- Former Names: The Condor; Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club.
- Established: 1899.
- Publisher: American Ornithological Society.
- Impact Factor: 3.1 (2022).
- Frequency: Published quarterly.
A Century of Scientific Evolution
The journal's journey began in 1899, originally titled the Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club. It was founded by the Cooper Ornithological Club, a society based in California. By 1900, the publication adopted the name The Condor. For the first several decades of its existence, the journal maintained a regional focus, primarily highlighting ornithological research from the western United States.
The mid-20th century marked a turning point for the publication. In 1951, an editorial board was created to manage a growing volume of submissions. Under the leadership of editor-in-chief James R. King after 1965, the journal underwent two transformative changes: the implementation of an external peer review system—where independent experts evaluate research before publication—and a significant expansion of its geographic scope. By 1966, international contributions grew to represent at least 40% of the journal's published papers.
Modern Transitions and Rebranding
As the field of ornithology evolved, so did the journal's identity. In 2013, it became The Condor: Ornithological Applications, narrowing its focus specifically to applied research. A major organizational shift occurred in 2016 when the Cooper Ornithological Society merged with the American Ornithologists' Union to form the American Ornithological Society.
Further modernization followed in 2018 through a publishing partnership with Oxford University Press. Finally, in January 2021, the journal was renamed Ornithological Applications. This change was designed to make the title more descriptive, clarifying its thematic focus and simplifying citations for researchers worldwide. Simultaneously, its sister publication, The Auk, was renamed Ornithology.
Journal Specifications and Leadership
The journal is indexed under ISSN 0010-5422 for print and 1938-5129 for web versions, with the standard ISO 4 abbreviation Ornithol. Appl.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Discipline | Ornithology |
| Language | English |
| Publication Frequency | Quarterly |
| Impact Factor (2022) | 3.1 |
| Current Editor-in-Chief | Judit K. Szabo |
Chronology of Editors-in-Chief
The journal has been guided by a series of distinguished academics and researchers:
- 1899–1902: Chester Barlow
- 1902–1905: Walter K. Fisher (with Joseph Grinnell as Associate Editor)
- 1906–1939: Joseph Grinnell
- 1940–1966: Alden H. Miller
- 1966–1968: James R. King
- 1969–1973: Ralph J. Raitt
- 1973–1974: Francis S. L. Williamson
- 1975–1985: Peter Stettenheim
- 1986–1990: Martin L. Morton
- 1991–1995: Glenn E. Walsberg
- 1996–2000: Walter D. Koenig
- 2001–2008: David S. Dobkin
- 2009–2013: Michael A. Patten
- 2013–2019: Philip C Stouffer
- 2019–2024: Catherine A. Lindell
- 2024–Present: Judit K. Szabo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current name of the journal formerly known as The Condor?
The journal is now called Ornithological Applications, a name adopted in January 2021 to better reflect its focus on applied ornithological research.
Who publishes Ornithological Applications?
It is an official journal of the American Ornithological Society and is published in partnership with Oxford University Press.
How has the journal's scope changed over time?
Initially, the journal focused on regional research in the western United States. Over time, it expanded to a global scope and eventually specialized in applied research within the field of ornithology.
What is the impact factor of the journal?
As of 2022, the journal has an impact factor of 3.1.
When was the external peer review system introduced?
The external peer review system was instituted by James R. King, who served as editor-in-chief starting in 1965.