Murder by Birder [60 Second Specimens]

Every specimen has a story: this one was donated to the Field Museum by a murderer.

Before he was charged and convicted with the murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks, Nathan Leopold was an active birder in the Chicago community. After his conviction and sentencing he donated his collection of birds and published checklists to the Field Museum, where they remain today. 

Kirtland's Warblers (Setophaga kirtlandii) are relatively rare birds, and back in the 1920's little was known about their migration behavior or life histories. This specimen remains important today -- not just for its historical significance in connection with a convicted murderer -- but for the scientific value it provides as a voucher specimen for research.

More 60 Second Specimen stories:

Science by Day - Spy by Night

60 Sec. Specimen playlist

Other links and sources:

Spring Migration Notes… by a Murderer

Leopold and Loeb's Criminal Minds

Spring Migration Notes of the Chicago Area