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This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby depicts two woodland birds: the Nuthatch (1) and the Treecreeper (2). Perched on a gnarled oak branch adorned with foliage and acorns, the Nuthatch is shown in its characteristic downward-climbing position, showcasing its slate-blue back, buff-orange underparts, and bold black eye stripe. The Treecreeper, clinging to the bark with its curved bill poised for foraging, is illustrated with its brown mottled plumage and white underparts, blending seamlessly into its arboreal environment.
Part of Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology (1821–1834), this plate captures the behavioral nuances of these species, emphasizing their specialized adaptations for navigating tree trunks. The pairing of the two birds highlights their shared habitat while underscoring their contrasting foraging techniques, a subject of great interest to 19th-century ornithologists.
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.
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