Constantine Walter Benson

Constantine Walter Benson OBE (1909–1982) was a British ornithologist. He is considered the last of a line of British Colonial officials who made significant contributions to ornithology.

Education and career

Constantine attended Cambridge University where he was a track star. He became a colonial officer and spent many years in the African shrubs, in order to investigate the birds there. With time he became one of the best experts of East African birds, particularly in the Comoros. He made many scientific discoveries including:

• Ploceus ruweti
• Hirundo megaensis (White Tail Swallow or Benson swallow)
• Oreophilais robertsi
• Nesillas aldabrana
• Otus pauliani (Comoros owl)

In 1965, he became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

He wrote many books and articles during and after his service in the Officer Corps. His works include:

• “Birds of the Comoro Islands” (1960)
• “A Contribution to the Ornithology of Zambia” (1967)
• “Birds of Zambia” (1971)
• “The Birds of Malawi” (1977).

External links

• In Memoriam, bio