The is an association for the promotion of research and observation, as well as breeding and care of tropical and subtropical birds. Founded in 1981, the GTO is a public benefit corporation acknowledged by German law.

The  supports ornithological projects on research and conversation of tropical and subtropical birds as well as their habitats, in particular endangered bird species in the tropics. The society maintains good contact with scientists and ornithological institutions in tropical and subtropical countries.

The awards the highly-regarded Tropical Ornithology Prize annualy for an outstanding publication on a GTO topic by an amateur ornithologist.

The organizes an annual Conference on Tropical Birds lasting several days. The spectrum of themes includes all fields of tropical ornithology, e.g. avifaunistics, biogeography, conservation, ecology, behavior, systematics, phylogeny, breeding and care, veterinary medicine, and avian biology in zoological gardens.

The  publishes newsletters and proceedings of the annual Conferences on Tropical Birds. GTO members keep close contact with each other and provide mutal support. e.g. in birding tours to tropical countries as well as in the exchange of experiences in all fields of common interest.