Alexander Wilson

Alexander Wilson, the “Father of American Ornithology,” was the first artist-naturalist to attempt to create a comprehensive visual survey of North American birds. Inspired by the abundance and variety of avian life in the New World, Wilson devoted himself to the scientific study and artistic rendering of birds. His 1808-1814 folio American Ornithology contains 76 hand-colored engravings featuring 262 species of birds. In addition to discovering 39 new species, Wilson lay the foundations for the study of North American bird life.