Wilson, Alexander, 1766–1813, American ornithologist, b. Scotland. He came to the United States c.1794 and taught in rural New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Encouraged by William Bartram Bartram, William, 1739–1823, American naturalist, b. Philadelphia; son of John Bartram. He is known chiefly for his Travels (1791), in which he describes his journey (1773–77) through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida and areas to the west.
..... Click the link for more information. , he studied the birds of his adopted country, learned to portray them, and began his American Ornithology (9 vol., 1808–14), a work that is noted for its accuracy and sensitive draftsmanship. The last two volumes of this series of books were completed by his friend and biographer (1829), George Ord, after Wilson's death. Wilson is also known for his poems and essays on nature.

Wilson, Alexander

(born July 6, 1766, Paisley, Renfrew, Scot.—died Aug. 23, 1813, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.) Scottish-born U.S. ornithologist. In Scotland he wrote poetry while working as a weaver and peddler; in 1792 his satiric works led to a fine and imprisonment. Impoverished, in 1794 he immigrated to the U.S., where he became a teacher. Influenced by William Bartram, he decided c. 1804 to write on North American birds, and he began studying art and ornithology in his leisure time. His pioneering work American Ornithology (9 vol., 1808–14) established him as a founder of the field. After publication of its first volume, he spent much of his time selling subscriptions for the expensive work and collecting specimens for the remaining volumes.

Wilson, Alexander (1766–1813) ornithologist; born in Paisley, Scotland. Raised in poverty, he supported himself as a weaver and peddler before emigrating to the U.S.A. in 1794. Settling in Philadelphia, he taught school and took up the study of birds. In 1808 he published the first volume of his American Ornithology, completing six more volumes over the next five years. His assistant completed the project after his death. Wilson also published two volumes of poetry, including a collection in the Scots dialect.