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AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851)
Columbia Jay, Male 1, F. 2 / Garrulus Ultramarinus [Black-throated Magpie-jay] [Pl. 96]
[Pl. 96]. London: R. Havell. Hand-coloured engraving with aquatint and etching by R. Havell. First variant. Condition good, apart from small area of expert restoration to upper left corner, just touching plate area but not affecting image, expertly repaired 3 inch tear from left margin into plate area, not affecting image. Sheet size: 38 1/2 x 25 5/8 inches.
From the first edition of "The Birds of America."
A beautifully composed image with the twist of the tree branch entwined with poison ivy offering a counter-balance to the strong diagonals of the two birds. The birds, full of the quick intelligent curiosity that is such a feature of their family explore their surroundings. The upper bird clasps a nut in one claw while trying to break open the shell with its strong beak. The lower bird's attention has just been caught by something below and it cranes its neck for a better look. Low lists two variants of this plate: 1. with the plate number in Arabic numerals and the scientific name given as "Garrulus ultramarinus." 2. the plate number in Roman numerals and the scientific name "Corvus bullockii."
"Were I to relate to you, good reader, the various accounts which I have heard respecting this splendid bird, I should have enough to say; but as I have resolved to confine myself entirely to the results of my own observation, I must for the present remain silent on the subject" (J. J. Audubon, The Birds of America, New York & Philadelphia: 1840-1844, vol.IV, p.105).
"The spectacular magpie jay is one of several neotropical birds that Audubon attributed to North America on the basis of specimens that purportedly came from the Columbia River. Actually this bird must have come by ship from the west coast of Mexico. The only definite sighting of this species in the U.S. was of an individual that came daily to a feeding shelf in an Arizona border town. Although it could have strayed from its Mexican home, it is thought to be an escapee from captivity" (R. T. & V. M. Peterson, Audubon's Birds of America, London: 1981, no. 284).
Susanne M. Low, A Guide to Audubon's Birds of America, New Haven & New York: 2002, p.84 (two variants).
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#12474 $29,500.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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