An Ornamental Ornithology, or Charming American Birds
An early work of natural history yields unexpectedly charming illustrations.
As a conservation communicator, I’m always interested in how early scientists and naturalists shared their love, knowledge, and passion with people. I particularly love vintage natural history illustrations and use them frequently to accompany my writing and as inspirations for my design shop. I’ve looked at thousands of such images over the years so when I find a particularly charming example, it catches my interest. I present to you the latest Fun Finds: the birds of American Ornithology!
Written by Alexander Wilson, an ornithologist and artist, and Charles Lucien Bonaparte, an ornithologist and nephew of Emperor Napoleon, the multi-volume set of American Ornithology, or The Natural History of Birds of the United States provided descriptions of 268 species of birds. The publication, originally published between 1808 and 1814, helped establish ornithology as a science in the young nation and inspired noted naturalists who followed including James Audubon. It was also the first in the US to use color plates for scientific communication.
But beyond those compelling facts, the illustrations of the work are simply charming. Check out some highlights below.
This is perhaps my favorite image, of a rail and a woodcock. I love how the colors of each bird echo each other, the action (one in the water, the other standing on one foot), and the delicate greens and blues of the natural setting.
This quartet strikes me with their upright posture, like soldiers at attention.
Shorebirds in action! I love the lines of these four and the attention to detail in the landscape.
This hawk is just a work of art. Look at the delicate and precise lines of the feathers and the beautifully subtle shades in his wings and underbelly.
What’s not love about this cool grouse?
Look at the trailing tail on the egret - just lovely!
Another work of art! The texture of the wing and leg feathers, the deep-set eyes, and shadings of the wings and breast of the snowy owl are just extraordinary.
How can you not adore this roseate spoonbill?
Cool dude and dudette ducks - that’s all I’m saying!
Resources:
American Ornithology, or The Natural History of Birds of the United States
Downloadable illustrations at Wikimedia Commons
The Biodiversity Heritage Library’s Flickr albums are a treasure trove of natural history illustration.