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This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby portrays the Rail (Rallus aquaticus), commonly known as the Water Rail. The bird is shown in a lateral view, walking through dense marsh vegetation. Its vibrant plumage features a blue-grey breast contrasting with the rich browns and intricate black-and-white barring on the flanks, while its long red bill and legs add striking detail to the composition.
Featured in Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology (1821–1834), this plate emphasizes the Rail's association with wetland habitats and its elusive nature. The species is known for its secretive behavior and distinctive pig-like squeals, making it a challenge for naturalists to observe in the wild.
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.
