Jean Théodore Delacour

Jean Théodore Delacour, born on September twenty-sixth, nineteen hundred, was a distinguished French ornithologist and aviculturist who later became an American citizen. His passion for avian life led him to discover and rear some of the rarest birds in the world, showcasing his dedication to the field of ornithology.

Throughout his career, Delacour established two highly successful aviaries, each a testament to his commitment to avian conservation. The first, located in Villers-Bretonneux, was tragically destroyed during World War One. Undeterred, he established a second aviary in Clères, which also met a similar fate during World War Two, highlighting the tumultuous times he lived through.

After relocating to the United States, Delacour continued his work in avian systematics and played a pivotal role in founding the International Committee for Bird Protection, which later evolved into BirdLife International. His contributions to the field were significant, particularly with the discovery of the imperial pheasant, a remarkable hybrid between the Vietnamese pheasant and the silver pheasant.