BIRDS OF EMPIRE, BIRDS OF NATION reveals the history behind the trade of Colombian birds as a means of comprehending the scientific, economic, and environmental relations between the United States and Colombia from the 1880s to the 1960s. Through the study of the feather trade, scientific expeditions, scientific communities, and nature conservation the author brings to light how international relations and national agendas shaped the study and perception of nature in both countries during those years.