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Majestic Hunter: The American Belted Kingfisher in Its Natural Habitat, 1749
About the Item
Original hand-colored antique bird print showing an American Kingfisher from the book "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751) by George Edwards.
This hand-colored engraving showcases the bird perched on a branch, holding a fish in its beak.
The kingfisher is characterized by its distinctive plumage, with a slate-blue back and wings, a speckled tail, and a prominent crest on its head. Its body is white underneath with some pinkish hues near the breast. The bird's sharp beak is shown spearing a fish, emphasizing its hunting prowess. The surrounding environment includes a simple background with water and vegetation, highlighting the bird's natural habitat. This illustration is part of an increasingly rare and treasured collection of natural history artwork from the 18th century.
George Edwards (1694–1773) was an English naturalist and ornithologist who is often referred to as the "father of British ornithology." His most famous work, "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751), and its continuation "Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764), contain detailed illustrations and descriptions of many bird species, many of which were little known or newly discovered at the time. Edwards' work is highly regarded for its accuracy, artistry, and contribution to the field of ornithology.
About George Edwards:
1. **Early Life and Career**:
- Born in Stratford, Essex, Edwards was apprenticed to a tradesman in London. However, he developed an interest in natural history and began studying birds, insects, and other animals.
- He spent some time traveling in Europe, studying various collections of natural history specimens.
2. **Publications**:
- **"A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751)**: This work is a collection of 210 hand-colored engravings of birds. It is known for its meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in depicting bird species.
- **"Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764)**: This series continued the work started in "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and included additional birds as well as other animals.
- His publications also included detailed observations and descriptions, making them valuable not only for their artistic merit but also for their scientific content.
3. **Artistic and Scientific Contributions**:
- Edwards was known for his ability to combine artistic skill with scientific precision. His illustrations often depicted birds in lifelike poses and settings, showing their natural behaviors.
- He collaborated with and was influenced by other naturalists and illustrators of his time, such as Carl Linnaeus and Mark Catesby.
- Edwards' works were used by Linnaeus in the development of his system of taxonomy.
4. **Legacy**:
- George Edwards' contributions to ornithology and natural history have had a lasting impact. His detailed and accurate illustrations helped to advance the study of birds and influenced subsequent generations of naturalists and artists.
- His books remain highly prized by collectors and are considered important historical documents in the field of natural history.
### "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and Its Importance:
- **Illustrations**: Each illustration in Edwards' work was carefully hand-colored, and the engravings were often accompanied by descriptive text that included observations about the birds' habitats, behaviors, and physical characteristics.
- **Scientific Accuracy**: Edwards took great care to ensure the accuracy of his depictions, often working from specimens he had observed firsthand.
- **Influence**: The work was well-received in its time and remains a significant reference for ornithologists and historians. It contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of bird species from around the world.
Overall, George Edwards' work represents a critical intersection of art and science during the Enlightenment period, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world while contributing to the scientific knowledge of his time.
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The bird depicted is a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), a species commonly found in North America. Here are details about its habitat, as well as some remarkable facts about the bird:
### Habitat:
1. **Geographic Range**:
- Belted Kingfishers are widespread across North America. They are found from Alaska and Canada down through the United States, and into Mexico and Central America during the winter.
2. **Preferred Environment**:
- These birds are typically found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and coastal areas. They prefer clear waters where they can easily spot and catch fish.
### Remarkable Facts:
1. **Hunting and Diet**:
- **Diet**: The Belted Kingfisher primarily feeds on fish. It dives into the water to catch its prey, using its sharp beak. Besides fish, it may also eat amphibians, crustaceans, insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
- **Hunting Technique**: Kingfishers are known for their remarkable hunting skills. They hover above the water before diving headfirst to capture fish. They can also spot prey from a perch above the water.
2. **Nesting**:
- **Burrow Nesting**: Unlike many other birds, Belted Kingfishers nest in burrows that they dig into sandbanks or earthen embankments near water. These burrows can be up to 8 feet long and provide a safe and secure place for their eggs.
- **Breeding**: Both male and female kingfishers take part in excavating the burrow. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs, and both parents help incubate them and feed the chicks.
3. **Appearance and Sexual Dimorphism**:
- **Plumage**: Belted Kingfishers have a distinctive blue-gray plumage with a white collar and belly. They also have a shaggy crest on their head.
- **Sexual Dimorphism**: Females are unique in that they have an additional rusty band across their chest, which males lack. This makes the females more colorful than the males, which is unusual among birds.
4. **Behavior**:
- **Vocalization**: They are known for their loud, rattling call, which they use frequently, especially when disturbed or during flight.
- **Territorial**: Belted Kingfishers are highly territorial and can often be seen chasing away intruders from their hunting and nesting areas.
5. **Migration**:
- **Partial Migrants**: While some populations of Belted Kingfishers are migratory, moving south during the winter, others are resident year-round, particularly in warmer regions where water bodies remain unfrozen.
6. **Conservation Status**:
- **Adaptability**: The Belted Kingfisher is listed as a species of least concern due to its wide range and stable population. It has adapted well to a variety of aquatic environments and is a common sight in its preferred habitats.
These facts highlight the Belted Kingfisher's adaptability, unique nesting habits, and specialized hunting skills, making it a fascinating subject for both ornithologists and bird watchers alike.
- Dimensions:Height: 11.15 in (28.3 cm)Width: 8.94 in (22.7 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.1 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:1740-1749
- Date of Manufacture:1749
- Condition:Condition: Good. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Has been framed before, hence a darker tone on the outer borders, not affecting the image. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13535-221stDibs: LU3054340098972
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