It published ornithological research, and through the 1950s, its scope was regional, focusing on the western United States.

James R. King, editor-in-chief following 1965, instituted an external peer review system.

By 1966, at least 40% of papers published in The Condor were written by scientists outside the United States.

[3] In January 2021, The Condor was renamed as Ornithological Applications to make the title more descriptive and clarify its thematic focus and citation.

[4] The society's sister publication The Auk was renamed to Ornithology at the same time.