The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, at Oxford University is an academic body which conducts research in ornithology and the general field of evolutionary ecology and conservation biology, with an emphasis on understanding organisms in natural environments. It is named in honour of Edward Grey, a notable politician and ornithologist.

The Institute houses the Alexander Library, the best ornithological library in Europe and one of the best in the world, which is named after W. B. Alexander.

History

The Institute was founded in 1938, largely with funds from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

In 1947, it became part of a new department of Zoological Field Studies at Oxford University, and the BTO again concentrated on a programme of volunteer-based surveys.

David Lack conducted his studies on the life histories of the Great Tit, Robin and other birds whilst Director at this institute.

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