Chapman, Frank (Michler) (1864-1945)

US ornithologist. Under his leadership, the American Museum of Natural History's ornithology department became the finest in the world. He discovered many new species, and was a pioneer in researching the geography and climatology of different bird groups.

He was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He completed his formal education in 1880, chose not to go to college, and began working in a New York City bank (1880-86). In his spare time, he continued his childhood interest in birds by doing ornithological field studies and surveys, collecting specimens and notes dealing with birds of Florida. The first museum official to build exhibits of bird species in their natural habitats, he helped educate the public in avian behaviour and conservation. He wrote numerous scientific papers and popular books and he was also an accomplished nature photographer. He retired in 1942.