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This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby depicts the Grey Lapwing (Pluvialis squatarola), or Grey Plover, shown in two seasonal plumages: summer on the left and winter on the right. The birds are presented against a backdrop of a coastal landscape with distant hills, emphasizing their migratory nature and affinity for shoreline habitats. The intricate detailing of their feathers captures the transition between the bold black-and-white summer pattern and the more subdued winter tones.
Part of Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology (1821–1834), this plate provides an elegant study of the Grey Lapwing’s seasonal adaptations, highlighting the species’ role as a prominent wader and its presence across both Britain and its overwintering grounds.
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.
