# William Swainson

> English naturalist and artist (1789–1855)

**Wikidata**: [Q444164](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q444164)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Swainson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-swainson

## Summary
William Swainson was an English naturalist and artist (1789–1855) who specialized in ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and malacology. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and contributed to scientific collections and illustrations, naming several bird species.

## Biography
- Born: October 8, 1789
- Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Known for: Scientific illustrations and collections of birds, insects, and molluscs
- Employer(s): Royal Society, Royal Entomological Society
- Field(s): Ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, malacology

## Contributions
- Named and described several bird species, including *Francolinus swainsonii* (1830) and *Swainson's Thrush* (1830).
- Published scientific illustrations and contributed to the *Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle* (1839–1843).
- Served as a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Entomological Society.
- Collected and documented specimens of molluscs and insects.

## FAQs
**What was William Swainson known for?**
William Swainson was known for his contributions to ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and malacology. He named several bird species and published scientific illustrations.

**Where did William Swainson work?**
William Swainson was affiliated with the Royal Society and the Royal Entomological Society.

**What species did William Swainson name?**
William Swainson named *Francolinus swainsonii* and *Swainson's Thrush*.

**What was William Swainson's role in the Royal Society?**
William Swainson was a Fellow of the Royal Society.

**What was William Swainson's field of study?**
William Swainson specialized in ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and malacology.

## Why They Matter
William Swainson's work in natural history and scientific illustration contributed to the systematic study of birds, insects, and molluscs. His collections and descriptions helped establish foundational knowledge in these fields. As a Fellow of the Royal Society, he played a role in advancing scientific research and documentation. His contributions laid the groundwork for future ornithologists and naturalists.

## Notable For
- Named *Francolinus swainsonii* (1830)
- Described *Swainson's Thrush* (1830)
- Fellow of the Royal Society
- Contributor to *Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle*
- Specialist in ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and malacology

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Swainson was born on October 8, 1789. He was educated in England, where he developed an early interest in natural history.

### Scientific Career
Swainson began his scientific career by collecting and studying birds, insects, and molluscs. He named several species, including *Francolinus swainsonii* in 1830 and *Swainson's Thrush* in the same year.

### Contributions to Ornithology
Swainson's work in ornithology included the publication of scientific illustrations and descriptions of bird species. His contributions helped establish the systematic study of birds.

### Memberships and Affiliations
Swainson was a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Entomological Society. His memberships provided access to scientific networks and resources.

### Publications and Collections
Swainson contributed to the *Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle* (1839–1843), documenting his findings from the expedition. He also collected and documented specimens of molluscs and insects.

### Legacy
William Swainson's work in natural history and scientific illustration has influenced subsequent generations of naturalists. His collections and descriptions remain valuable resources for ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and malacology.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. LIBRIS. 2002
4. datos.bne.es
5. Nineteenth century New Zealand artists: a guide and handbook
6. [Source](https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2h3/halcombe-edith-stanway)
7. The Fine Art Archive
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. International Plant Names Index
12. Biodiversity Heritage Library
13. SNAC
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CERL Thesaurus
16. [Source](https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections/person/97245)
17. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
18. Source