Salim Ali (ornithologist)

Dr. Sálim Ali (full name Dr. Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali), November 12, 1896 - July 27, 1987 was the pre-eminent ornithologist of India.

Writing

Besides the rediscovery of rare species of Finn Baya in the Kumaon Terai, Dr. Ali wrote numerous books, including the Book of Indian Birds, a bible for budding ornithologists, and books on the birds of Kutch, Kerala, Sikkim, and the Indian Hill Birds. He co-authored the 10-volume Birds of India and Pakistan with S. Dillon Ripley, a young with the U.S. Army in Sri Lanka. He also took a great interest in the photography of birds along with his friend Loke Wan Tho.

Related Topics:
Kumaon - Terai - Kutch - Kerala - Sikkim - S. Dillon Ripley

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Dr. Salim Ali died in 1987 at the age of 91 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. Despite all the fame and adulation showered upon him, Dr. Ali remained what he was as a nine year old: an ever curious person with a passion for birds. The legendary "Birdman" opened up ornithology for the masses that might otherwise have gone through life seeing only fluttering shapes and colours.

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He was the author of:

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• The Book of Indian Birds (Salim Ali, et. al.)
• Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Salim Ali, et. al.)
• Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan (8 volumes) (Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley)