Walter Buller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Walter Buller
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| Born |
Walter Lawry Buller
9 October 1838 Pakanae, Hokianga, New Zealand
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| Died | 19 July 1906 (aged 67) Fleet, Hampshire, England
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| Education | Wesley College, Auckland |
| Known for | New Zealand ornithology, A History of the Birds of New Zealand |
| Spouse(s) | Charlotte Mair |
| Children | Four |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Law, ornithology |
| Author abbrev. (zoology) | Buller |
Sir Walter Lawry Buller (born October 9, 1838 – died July 19, 1906) was a famous New Zealand lawyer and a very important naturalist. A naturalist is someone who studies nature, especially plants and animals. Sir Walter was especially known for his work with birds in New Zealand. His most famous book, A History of the Birds of New Zealand, was first published in 1873 and became a classic book about New Zealand's amazing birds.
Contents
Life and Work
Sir Walter Buller was born in a place called Pakanae in Hokianga, New Zealand. His father, Rev. James Buller, was a Cornish missionary who helped teach people about Methodism in Tonga. Walter went to Wesley College, Auckland for his education.
In 1854, he moved to Wellington with his family. There, he became friends with a naturalist named William Swainson. In 1859, Walter was given a special job as a "Native Commissioner" for the southern parts of New Zealand. This role involved working with Māori communities.
Becoming a Lawyer
In 1871, Walter Buller traveled to England. He studied law there and became a lawyer. Three years later, he came back to Wellington and started his own law practice.
In 1862, he married Charlotte Mair in Whangārei. They had four children together.
Books About New Zealand Birds
Sir Walter Buller is most famous for his books about birds. His main work was A History of the Birds of New Zealand.
- The first version of this book came out between 1872 and 1873.
- A bigger, updated version was published between 1887 and 1888.
- The beautiful pictures in his books were drawn by talented artists like John Gerrard Keulemans and Henrik Grönvold.
In 1882, he also created a cheaper book called Manual of the Birds of New Zealand. This book was made so more people could learn about New Zealand's birds. Later, in 1905, he added a two-volume Supplement to his main history book, bringing it up to date.
Awards and Honours
Sir Walter Buller received many important awards for his work.
- In 1875, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
- In November 1886, he was promoted to a higher rank, becoming a Knight Commander in the same order. This is why he is called "Sir Walter."
He also helped set up a science display about New Zealand at a big event called the World's Fair in Paris. Because of this, the President of France gave him an award called the Officer of the Legion of Honour in November 1889.
Animals Named After Him
Some animals have been named after Sir Walter Buller to honor his contributions to ornithology.
- Thalassarche bulleri is a type of seabird known as the Buller's albatross.
- Puffinus bulleri is another seabird called Buller's shearwater.
Images for kids
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Book cover - A History of the Birds of New Zealand by Sir Walter Lawry Buller, Illustrated by J. G. Keulemans, 2nd edition, Published 1888.
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Illustrations of the morepork (left) and the extinct laughing owl (right) by John Gerrard Keulemans in Buller's A History of the Birds of New Zealand. 2nd edition. Published 1888.
