Robert Gray (ornithologist)

Robert Gray (1825 – 1887) was a Scottish ornithologist and businessman. He is best known for his extensive studies of the birds of the west of Scotland, particularly around Glasgow, and for his book The Birds of the West of Scotland: Including the Outer Hebrides; with occasional records of the occurrence of the rarer species throughout Scotland.

Gray was a self-taught naturalist. While primarily engaged in business, he devoted much of his free time to ornithological pursuits. He became a prominent member of the natural history community in Glasgow and maintained a large network of contacts who provided him with observations and specimens.

The Birds of the West of Scotland, published in 1869, was a significant contribution to the ornithology of the region. It provided detailed accounts of the distribution, behavior, and ecology of the birds found there. The book included original observations and incorporated information from a wide range of sources. Gray's meticulous research and detailed descriptions made it a valuable resource for both amateur and professional ornithologists.

Beyond his book, Gray contributed numerous articles to scientific journals and actively participated in the activities of natural history societies. He was recognized as an authority on Scottish birds and played an important role in advancing ornithological knowledge in the region. His collections and notes are valuable resources for understanding the history of bird distribution in western Scotland.