Dean Amadon, born on June fifth, nineteen twelve, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a distinguished American ornithologist and a leading authority on birds of prey. He was the son of Arthur and Mary Amadon and pursued his education with vigor, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Hobart College in nineteen thirty-four, followed by a Ph.D. from Cornell University in nineteen forty-seven.
In nineteen thirty-seven, Amadon began his illustrious career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where he would later serve as the Chairman of the Department of Ornithology from nineteen fifty-seven until nineteen seventy-three. His contributions to the field of ornithology were significant, and he was recognized as a prominent figure in the scientific community.
Amadon was not only a dedicated scientist but also a family man. In nineteen forty-two, he married Octavia Gardella, and together they raised two daughters, Susan Avis and Emily Yvonne. His professional affiliations included membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he served as president of the American Ornithologists' Union from nineteen sixty-four to nineteen sixty-six, as well as the Linnaean Society of New York. He joined The Explorers Club in nineteen fifty-nine, further showcasing his adventurous spirit.
Throughout his career, Amadon authored several influential books, including 'Birds Around the World: A Geographical Look at Evolution and Birds' in nineteen sixty-six, 'Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World' in nineteen sixty-eight, co-authored with Leslie H. Brown, and 'Curassows and Related Birds' in nineteen seventy-three, with a second edition released in two thousand four. His legacy in ornithology is profound and enduring.
Dean Amadon passed away on January twelfth, two thousand three, in his home at twenty-five Kenwood Road, Tenafly, New Jersey, leaving behind a rich legacy in the study of birds and a lasting impact on future generations of naturalists.