James Edmund Harting (29 April 1841 – 16 January 1928[1]) was an English ornithologist and naturalist who wrote numerous books and articles in journals, as well as serving as an editor of several British natural history periodicals.

He was educated at Downside School (1854–60) and the University of London and spent much of his youth travelling on the Continent, spending time at the museums in Paris and Leiden.

By 1920 he had contributed 2,326 articles as well as 124 obituary notices, as well as "Answers to Correspondents" which he wrote on Natural History, Falconry, Angling and other issues.

In 1871 he was invited to join the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) on a trip to India but declined as it required him to be away from work for too long.

His headstone reads: Pray for the Soul of Elizabeth Maria wife of James Edmund Harting of Weybridge, in the Co.[unty] of Surrey, who departed this life 25th Jan 1907.