Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford

The Lord Lilford
Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford in his study at Lilford Hall
Born	18 March 1833 Lilford Hall
Died	17 June 1896 (1896-06-18) (aged 63) Lilford Hall
Nationality	British
Other names	Thomas Powys, 4th Baron Lilford
Occupation	and ornithologist
Known for	4th Baron Lilford

Thomas Littleton Powys, 4th Baron Lilford (18 March 1833 – 17 June 1896), was a British and ornithologist.

Lilford was the eldest son of Thomas Powys, 3rd Baron Lilford, and Hon. Mary Elizabeth Fox, daughter of Henry Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland. He was born in Stanhope Street, Mayfair, London, on 18 March 1833.

He succeeded his father as fourth Baron in 1861. Lilford was one of the eight founders of the British Ornithologists' Union in 1858 and its President from 1867 until his death. He was also the first President of the Northamptonshire Natural History Society.

Lilford travelled widely, especially around the Mediterranean and his extensive collection of birds was maintained in the grounds of Lilford Hall, his second residence was Bank Hall in Bretherton, Lancashire, which he inherited from his father (3rd Baron Lilford), who inherited it from George Anthony Legh Keck. He inherited the Holland Estates from his mother's family. Until 1891, his aviaries featured birds from around the globe, including rheas, kiwis, Pink-headed ducks and a pair of free-flying Lammergeiers. He was responsible for the introduction of the little owl into England in the 1880s.

He wrote about birds including Notes on the Birds of Northamptonshire and Neighbourhood (1895) and Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands, which was completed by Osbert Salvin after his death.

A species of European lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, is named in his honor.

Lord Lilford married, firstly, Emma Elizabeth Brandling, daughter of Robert William Brandling, in 1859. After her death in 1884 he married, Clementina, daughter of Ker Baillie-Hamilton, in 1885.