|
||
|
|
|
|
This illustration by Prideaux John Selby features the Common Cinereous Crane (now commonly referred to as the Common Crane, Grus grus). Depicted in profile, the bird stands tall, highlighting its elegant form and distinctive plumage. Selby's attention to detail captures the subtle gradients in the crane’s gray feathers, along with the contrasting black-and-white markings on its face and neck, and a hint of red on the crown, characteristic of the species. The crane stands against a minimal, naturalistic background of grasses and foliage, adding to the sense of realism in the illustration.
The Common Crane (Grus grus) is a migratory species native to parts of Europe and Asia, typically found in wetlands, marshes, and river valleys during the breeding season. This crane is known for its impressive migration, traveling thousands of kilometers between its breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia to wintering sites in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Grus grus prefers shallow wetlands with abundant vegetation, which provide both nesting sites and protection from predators. Its diet is omnivorous, including plant material, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally agricultural grains, allowing it to adapt to a variety of habitats. The Common Crane is also known for its elaborate courtship dances, where pairs perform synchronized jumps and calls, strengthening their pair bond and communicating within flocks. This species’ ecological role as both a seed disperser and a predator of small animals contributes to the health of wetland ecosystems, making it an important species within its native habitats.
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.
