10 Facts About Howard Irby

Leonard Howard Loyd Irby was a British ornithologist and army officer.

Howard Irby specialised in the study of birds in southern Iberia.

Howard Irby was educated at Rugby and joined the 90th Light Infantry on May 5th, 1854 and he left as an Ensign to be part of the Siege of Sevastopol.

Howard Irby was present at both the relief, siege and fall of Lucknow serving with Sir James Outram, 1st Baronet.

Howard Irby was known as a very good shot and for his ability to find birds to shoot and eat.

Howard Irby moved regiments to the 74th Highlanders and was sent to Gibraltar in 1868 where his enthusiasm for ornithology matured under the guidance of Lord Lilford.

Howard Irby was obsessive about only reporting findings he had seen with his own eyes and this did lead to him not recording some species that were known to be there.

Howard Irby retired in 1874 after spending three years on half pay.

Howard Irby died in the Regent's Park area of London in 1905.

Howard Irby married Geraldine Alicia Mary Magenis on 31 August 1864 and they had two sons.