The BOC has a special interest in avian systematics, taxonomy and distribution.
The BOC was founded at a meeting of 15 members of the British Ornithologists' Union held in Covent Garden, London on 5 October 1892.
This was at a time when individuals and expeditions were exploring remote parts of the world, discovering many new species of birds in the process and the BOC was formed to enable members to meet regularly to present papers, exhibit specimens and engage in discussion on wider ornithological matters.
The Bulletin, which is published four times a year, focuses in particular on avian systematics, taxonomy, nomenclature and distribution worldwide.
It regularly contains papers: The BOC has a membership of around 370 (2011) almost half of whom live outside the United Kingdom.