Charles Bonaparte was a French nobleman and politician, born on March 9, 1802. He was the son of Lucien Bonaparte, a prominent figure during the French Revolution and a brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Charles played a significant role in the political landscape of France during the 19th century, particularly in the context of the Second French Empire. In addition to his political career, Charles Bonaparte was also known for his contributions to natural history. He was an avid ornithologist and is credited with founding the American Ornithologists' Union in 1883. His work helped advance the study of birds in North America, leaving a lasting impact on the field.