Oology can be defined as the scientific study of bird eggs, including their shape, color, size, and distribution. It involves collecting, analyzing, and cataloging eggs from different bird species to understand their reproductive behavior, ecological role, and evolutionary history.
Oology has been an important tool for ornithologists, conservationists, and paleontologists in understanding avian biology, monitoring bird populations, and reconstructing past environments.
However, due to the ethical concerns and legal regulations around egg collection and trade, oology is now mostly practiced through non-destructive methods such as photography, DNA analysis, and citizen science programs.