Leon Jacob Cole

Leon Jacob Cole (June 1, 1877 – February 17, 1948) was an American geneticist and ornithologist. He was a professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin. Apart from work on applications of genetics to agriculture and livestock, he examined the genetics of wild birds. He was among the early proponents of bird ringing in the United States of America.

Biography Cole was born on June 1, 1877, in Allegany, New York.

He died in Madison, Wisconsin on February 17, 1948. Among birds, Cole and his students focused on the genetics and hybridization of Columbidae, particularly domestic pigeons and ring doves. Along with papers considering plumage color, the team published work on the genetics of the birds' immunology, fertility, and physical defects. In the winter of 1907–1908, a small number of birds were banded by Cole and members of the New Haven Bird Club. Shortly thereafter, at a meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union, the American Bird Banding Association was established, with Cole as president.

Legacy and recognition

Cole received an honorary doctorate from Michigan State College in 1945.

Selected publications