Ralph J. Raitt

Ralph J. Raitt (February 9, 1929 – December 12, 2000) was an American ornithologist and ecologist whose career spanned over three decades at New Mexico State University (NMSU).

Life Born in Santa Ana, California, Raitt developed an early love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, which later led him to biology. He earned his BA in zoology from Stanford University in 1950 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley in 1959, focusing on California Quail under the mentorship of A. Starker Leopold. Westhafer Award, New Mexico State University (1970)

Professional and public service

Editor of The Condor (1969–1971) Editor of Studies in Avian Biology (1974–1985)