Welcome to the Homepage of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution, an international scientific society dedicated to the study of the evolution of birds. The SAPE was formed in 1985 in Lyon, France. Since then conferences were held regularly (quadrennial but triennial since 2023). So far, SAPE meetings have taken place in France, China, USA (2x), Germany, Australia, Austria, Argentina, and Spain, with the next to be held in New Zealand (2026). Here you will find news and information about SAPE, how to become a member of the society, past and future meetings, the annual SAPE newsletter, a listing of current members, and links to many other useful sites that might be of interest to you.
Both the SAPE and its meetings are not only open to professional avian paleontologists, but to anyone with a general interest in fossil birds, bird evolution, or the origin of birds. Birds are excellent models for addressing a wide range of scientific questions; we therefore encourage students and professionals of relevant research areas – functional morphology, conservation paleontology, and molecular systematics, among others – to participate in SAPE forums, especially its conferences. Our collective research provides key insights into critical issues, from evolutionary literacy to global change, and the integration of diverse disciplines will benefit this research and hence, knowledge of avian evolution.
Welcome to our Society and see you in New Zealand in 2026!
Ursula Göhlich, SAPE President