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This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby, dated 1820, depicts six species of titmice, carefully rendered and perched on branches. The species illustrated are listed as:
- Great Titmouse
- Blue Titmouse
- Coal Titmouse
- Marsh Titmouse
- Long-tailed Titmouse
- Bearded Titmouse
Selby captures the characteristic plumage of each bird, showcasing the distinct coloration and markings. The lifelike quality of the birds reflects Selby’s deep study of avian anatomy and behavior. The artwork is arranged with the birds positioned on intricately rendered branches, with each bird adopting natural poses typical of their respective species. This plate is part of Selby’s larger work on British ornithology, which aimed to provide accurate, life-sized depictions of native birds.
These species of titmice are widely distributed across Europe, found in a range of habitats from woodlands to gardens. They are known for their active foraging behaviors and their vocalizations, making them familiar sights and sounds in many rural and suburban areas.
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.
![[ The First Zoological Map / 3 Volume Pioneering Work on Biogeography ] Tabula Mundi Geographico Zoologica sistens Quadrupedes hucusque notos sedibus suis adscriptos editit E. A. W. Zimmerman . . . [with] Geographische Geschichte des Menschen, und der allgemein verbreiterten vierfüßigen Thiere, nebst einer hieher gehörigen Zoologischen Weltcharte, von E.A.W. Zimmermann, Professor am Kollegio Carolino zu Braunschweig.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/104951.jpg)
