William Blakiston was a British ornithologist and naturalist, known for his work in the 19th century. He was born in 1825 and made significant contributions to the study of birds, particularly in the Himalayas and Japan. His observations and collections helped expand the understanding of avian species in these regions. Blakiston is perhaps best known for discovering the Blakiston's fish owl, a rare species native to Eastern Asia. He also contributed to the field of natural history through his writings and expeditions, which provided valuable insights into the biodiversity of the areas he explored. He passed away in 1897, leaving a lasting legacy in ornithology.