James William Abert (November 18, 1820 – August 10, 1897) was an American soldier, explorer, bird collector and topographical artist.

In 1846 he was sent west to join the army of General Kearney in the war against Mexico, returning to Fort Leavenworth in the following year.

It was during this time that he acquired a new species of bird, which was named the Abert's towhee in his honour.

During the American Civil War, he served on the staffs of Robert Patterson, Nathaniel P. Banks and Quincy A. Gillmore.

After the Civil War, he became a professor of English literature, mathematics and drawing at the University of Missouri.