Stroud’s Digest on the Diseases of Birds

Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds is a significant work by Robert Stroud, an American criminal who became a self-taught ornithologist during his 54 years in prison. Despite spending 42 of those years in solitary confinement, Stroud made notable contributions to the study of birds.1

His book, published in 1943, details his research into bird diseases, breeding, and care. Stroud's passion for ornithology began while he was imprisoned, where he raised canaries and other birds, collected laboratory equipment, and studied avian ailments. His research was smuggled out of prison and published, with Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds being a key publication in the field.1