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Though having no formal biological education, G.P.
Dementiev became leading Russian ornithologist of the middle of
XX century. He began his research career under M.A. Menzbier patronage
and entered the Museum in 1927 to joint S.A. Buturlin in preparing
"Complete guide to birds of the USSR" (published in 1934-1940).
Curator of bird collections since 1932, retained in this position
up to 1947, when he moved to Department of Embryology of Biological
Faculty. Subsequently, organized Ornithological Laboratory at Department
of Vertebrate Zoology and continued curating ornithology in the
Museum till his last days.
His research interest were in bird taxonomy and
fauna. Unlike most of his colleagues, he was mainly "armchair scientist"
and was disposed to theoretical generalizations. He headed and contributed
much to fundamental "Birds of Soviet Union" (1951-1954).
Dementiev's favorite birds were falcons. He gathered
an unique collection of their mounted skins together with attributes
of falconry and books on that subjects. Also, he published a book
of his own about merlin falcons. His collection is now in the Museum,
and part of it is in permanent exhibition.
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