Charleston’s Great Ornithologist

Oct 11

2 min read

In celebration of National Bird Day on January 5, we honor Arthur Trezevant Wayne, one of Charleston’s most fascinating yet lesser-known figures. Born on New Year’s Day in 1863 in Blackville, South Carolina, Wayne grew up in Charleston after the Civil War, attending local schools where his curiosity for the natural world often pulled his attention away from the classroom.

Arthur Trezevant Wayne

Source: Findagrave.com

Arthur Wayne’s passion for natural history blossomed at The Charleston Museum, where Dr. Gabriel Manigault, the museum’s director, became his mentor. This early exposure to the museum’s collections fueled Wayne's lifelong love for ornithology. Despite brief stints in business arranged by his parents, Wayne's true calling was always birds. In 1883, after meeting famed ornithologist William Brewster, he fully committed to the study of birds.

Arthur married Maria Louisa Porcher in June 1889, and though his job as a curator at The Charleston Museum was unpaid, his wife was his greatest support, both emotionally and practically. They lived near Porcher’s Bluff plantation, where Arthur earned a modest income by collecting and selling bird specimens. Maria often had to search the surrounding woodlands for Arthur, who would become so engrossed in his work that he’d vanish until late at night.

Arthur Wayne’s contributions to ornithology were significant. He discovered two bird subspecies—Wayne’s clapper rail and Wayne’s warbler—that were named in his honor. His work, *Birds of South Carolina*, published in 1910, remains a monumental achievement. His mounted birds are featured in museums worldwide, with the largest collection displayed in Charleston.

While he rarely traveled, Wayne formed lasting friendships with scientists globally through correspondence. In fact, the 1928 American Ornithologists’ Union held their annual conference in Charleston just so Wayne could deliver the keynote address. Unfortunately, he fell ill, and his devoted wife, Maria, read the speech in his place.

Wayne passed away on May 5, 1930, at his home in Porcher’s Bluff, with Maria by his side. His funeral at Christ Church in Mt. Pleasant was accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds—a fitting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to their study.

Arthur Trezevant Wayne is remembered as a scientific pioneer in South Carolina, a man whose deep empathy for birds and unwavering dedication to their conservation earned him lasting recognition in the world of ornithology.