How the "Birdman of Alcatraz" Got His Name

TL;DR

Robert Franklin Stroud, also known as the Birdman, was a violent criminal with a passion for birds who spent most of his life in prison, including 42 years in solitary confinement.

Transcript

The real name of the “Birdman” was Robert Franklin Stroud. Seattle born Stroud ran away from home at the age of 13 and was first arrested in 1909 at the age of 19 after turning himself in for murder. He shot and killed a bartender, F. K. Von Dahmer, who had allegedly failed to pay a prostitute for whom Stroud was pimping for in Alaska. He was then... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Robert Franklin Stroud was a violent criminal who spent most of his life in prison, including 42 years in solitary confinement.
• 🐦 Stroud developed a deep fascination with birds during his incarceration and became a renowned expert in ornithology.
• 🐦 His passion for birds led him to author books on bird diseases and establish a successful bird business in prison, which gained public attention and support.
• 👮 Stroud's efforts to secure his release included studying law and challenging his prolonged solitary confinement as cruel and unusual punishment.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Robert Franklin Stroud earn the nickname "Birdman"?

Stroud earned the nickname "Birdman" during his time in Leavenworth prison, where he became known for his intense interest in canaries and other birds after nursing an injured bird back to health.

Q: How did Stroud manage to write books about birds while in prison?

Stroud's extensive knowledge and study of birds led him to author two books on the subject, Diseases of Canaries and Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds, where he outlined cures for certain diseases. He was also in correspondence with leading ornithologists.

Q: Why did the prison administration try to shut down Stroud's bird business?

The prison administration attempted to shut down Stroud's bird business due to the overwhelming number of letters he wrote and received, which needed to be screened and copied. Additionally, the filth from the birds in his cell became a concern.

Q: How did Stroud end up in Alcatraz and why was he called the Birdman of Alcatraz?

Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz after getting married to Della Mae Jones, which prevented his transfer under Kansas state law. Despite not being allowed to keep any birds at Alcatraz, he was given the nickname "The Birdman of Alcatraz."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robert Franklin Stroud, aka the Birdman, was first arrested at 19 for murder and sentenced to 12 years in a federal prison.

• After committing another murder in prison, Stroud was sentenced to death by hanging but later had his sentence commuted to life in solitary confinement.

• During his time in prison, Stroud developed a deep interest in birds, becoming an expert on the subject and authoring two books on bird diseases.