American Ornithology

Alexander Wilson, a Scottish-born naturalist and poet, is recognized as a founder of American ornithology for his seminal work, American Ornithology. This nine-volume publication, released between 1808 and 1814, was a comprehensive study of North American birds.1

Wilson's journey to ornithology began after he emigrated to the United States in 1794 and became a teacher. Inspired by naturalist William Bartram, Wilson decided in 1804 to dedicate himself to documenting North American avian life. He meticulously studied art and ornithology in his free time before publishing the first volume of his ambitious work. Much of his remaining life was spent traveling to sell subscriptions for American Ornithology and to gather specimens for subsequent volumes. His pioneering efforts influenced later naturalists, including John J. Audubon. A species of petrel, Oceanites oceanicus, is named Wilson's petrel in his honor.12