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This plate by Prideaux John Selby depicts a Carrion Crow, showcasing its glossy black plumage and strong beak, positioned against a natural rock-like surface. Selby’s realistic rendering captures the crow’s characteristic features, including its robust stance and sharp gaze, which convey the bird’s adaptive and resilient nature. The work exemplifies Selby’s skill in bringing life to his subjects through precise etching techniques.
The Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) is a widely distributed bird found across Europe and parts of Asia. Known for its adaptability, it inhabits diverse environments, from rural farmlands and woodlands to urban areas where food sources are readily available. The Carrion Crow’s diet is highly opportunistic, including carrion, insects, small animals, and human waste. Solitary or found in pairs, this species is territorial and exhibits complex behaviors, such as tool use and problem-solving. It can be distinguished from similar crow species by its all-black plumage and lack of white patches or coloration variations. The Carrion Crow is non-migratory, remaining within its range year-round, though some populations may disperse locally in response to food availability.
Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology
Prideaux John Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology, published between 1821 and 1834, is one of the most significant works in 19th-century ornithological literature. Selby, an English naturalist and artist, produced a two-volume set that featured life-sized depictions of British birds, a departure from earlier works that used smaller formats. His background as both a scientist and an artist allowed him to render birds with remarkable accuracy and beauty.
![Plate II [Ornithological Studies of Beak and Foot Structures]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/101189.jpg)
