Black Woodpecker – Dryocopus Martius – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £85
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1876
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 32.5cm x 25cm

Condition:

Original hand-coloured lithograph. Minor age-toning to the margins. In very good indeed, clean condition overall. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: FS: Folder JGK 001876

Black Woodpecker: A Brief Description

The Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) is the largest woodpecker species found in Europe and Asia, and it is instantly recognisable due to its all-black plumage and prominent red crown. This species is widespread across northern and central Europe and extends into parts of Asia, where it inhabits mature forests. The Black Woodpecker plays a vital ecological role as a keystone species, as its nesting cavities are used by numerous other animals, including birds and mammals.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Black Woodpecker is a large woodpecker, measuring 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 64 to 84 cm (25 to 33 inches). It is much larger than other European woodpeckers.
• Plumage: The plumage of this species is entirely black, which gives the bird a striking and distinctive appearance in the forest. The feathers have a slightly glossy sheen, especially in good light.
• Head and Markings: The male has a bright red crown that extends from the forehead to the nape, while the female has red only on the nape. This contrast between the jet-black body and the red crown is one of the bird’s most distinctive features.
• Bill and Eyes: The bill is long, strong, and ivory-coloured, adapted for chiselling into wood. The eyes are pale, often yellow or white, and stand out against the dark plumage.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Range: The Black Woodpecker has a broad distribution across northern and central Europe, as well as in parts of northern Asia. Its range includes countries such as France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and China.
• Habitat: This species prefers large, mature forests with abundant dead or decaying trees, as these provide both nesting sites and feeding opportunities. It can be found in both coniferous and deciduous woodlands, though it is especially common in old-growth forests.

Diet and Feeding:

• Insects: The Black Woodpecker feeds mainly on insects, particularly wood-boring beetles and their larvae, ants, and other invertebrates found in decaying wood. It is a skilled forager, using its strong bill to excavate deep into tree trunks and logs.
• Feeding Behaviour: This bird creates large, rectangular holes in trees when searching for food, leaving behind characteristic foraging marks. It also forages on the ground, particularly when hunting for ants. The long, sticky tongue of the Black Woodpecker allows it to extract insects from deep crevices.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding Season: The breeding season begins in late winter to early spring, with courtship often involving loud vocalisations and drumming.
• Nest Excavation: The Black Woodpecker excavates large nesting cavities in trees, typically choosing dead or decaying wood. The entrance hole is oval or round, and the nesting chamber is quite spacious.
• Eggs and Incubation: The female lays 3 to 5 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about two weeks. After hatching, both parents participate in feeding the young, which remain in the nest for around four weeks before fledging.
• Cavity Importance: The nesting cavities created by Black Woodpeckers are crucial for other species. Once abandoned, these cavities are often used by birds like owls, kestrels, and bats, making the Black Woodpecker a key species in forest ecosystems.

Vocalisations and Drumming:

• Calls: The Black Woodpecker has a distinctive, loud call, often described as a sharp “klee-ya” or “klü-kee,” which can be heard from a great distance. This call is used to establish territory and communicate with mates.
• Drumming: The bird is also known for its powerful drumming, which is slower but more resonant than that of smaller woodpeckers. Drumming serves both as a territorial signal and as a way to attract a mate during the breeding season.

Behaviour:

• Solitary or Pairs: Black Woodpeckers are usually solitary outside of the breeding season, although during the breeding period, they form monogamous pairs. They are highly territorial, especially during nesting, and will defend their home range from other woodpeckers.
• Flight: The flight of the Black Woodpecker is strong and direct, with steady wingbeats. Its large size and black plumage make it easy to identify in flight, especially when contrasted against the forest canopy.

Conservation Status:

The Black Woodpecker is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction, particularly the loss of mature forests and dead trees that provide essential nesting sites. Conservation efforts that focus on maintaining and protecting old-growth forests are crucial for the long-term survival of this species.

Ecological Role:

As a keystone species, the Black Woodpecker’s activities have significant impacts on the forest ecosystem. Its nesting and foraging holes provide habitats for a wide variety of other animals, including birds, mammals, and even some reptiles and amphibians. Many species, such as the Eurasian Pygmy Owl and various bat species, depend on the abandoned cavities created by Black Woodpeckers.

Interesting Facts:

• Largest European Woodpecker: The Black Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species in Europe, and its deep drumming can be heard echoing through forests, especially in early spring.
• Deep Foraging Holes: The large, rectangular holes it leaves in trees while foraging are a characteristic sign of the bird’s presence in the forest.
• Lifespan: The Black Woodpecker can live for more than 10 years in the wild, particularly in well-preserved, undisturbed forests.

In summary, the Black Woodpecker is a powerful and important species in the forests of Europe and Asia, known for its distinctive black plumage, red crown, and loud calls. Its role in creating nesting cavities and foraging holes makes it a crucial contributor to the health and biodiversity of forest ecosystems.

John Gerrard Keulemans: A Short Biography

John Gerrard Keulemans (1842–1912) was a prolific and influential Dutch bird illustrator whose work remains celebrated for its accuracy and artistic detail. He was born on June 8, 1842, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed an interest in natural history, particularly in birds, and this passion guided him toward a career in scientific illustration.

Early Life and Career

Keulemans studied under Hermann Schlegel at the Natural History Museum in Leiden, where he honed his skills as a naturalist and artist. This connection led to one of his early assignments: joining an expedition to West Africa in 1864 to collect specimens. His work during this period helped him establish his reputation as both a naturalist and an illustrator. He documented various species of birds, adding greatly to the knowledge of African avifauna.

Move to London and Prolific Period

In 1869, Keulemans moved to England, where he would spend the rest of his career. London at that time was a hub of scientific research and publishing, making it an ideal base for an artist like Keulemans. He quickly became a leading illustrator for many of the major ornithological works of the 19th century.

Major Works

Keulemans illustrated more than 100 books on natural history, with his most famous contributions to:

• “The Birds of Great Britain” (1862–1873) by John Gould – Keulemans contributed to many of Gould’s other works, but this publication remains one of the most significant.
• “A History of the Birds of New Zealand” (1873, 1888, 1906) by Sir Walter Buller – Keulemans’ illustrations were essential to the understanding of New Zealand’s birdlife.
• “The Ibis” and “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London” – leading ornithological journals where Keulemans’ works regularly appeared.
• “The Avifauna of Laysan” and “The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands” by R. C. L. Perkins.

Keulemans’ distinctive style involved the meticulous depiction of birds in natural, life-like poses. His plates were highly detailed, showcasing the nuances of feathers and anatomy, and he often portrayed birds in natural habitats to highlight their behaviour and environment.

Style and Techniques

Keulemans mainly worked in lithography, a printmaking process that allowed for mass production of his artwork while maintaining high-quality detail. He was known for his ability to bring a bird’s plumage and colour to life on paper, despite the limitations of the printing techniques of the time. His method involved working with specimens, either from museums or from field collections, to create scientifically accurate and dynamic illustrations.

Personal Life

Keulemans lived in England for much of his life and married in 1871. He fathered 11 children, though only six survived into adulthood. Despite his immense output and contributions to science, Keulemans often struggled financially, a common challenge for many illustrators of his era.

Legacy

John Gerrard Keulemans passed away on March 29, 1912, in Ilford, Essex, England. His legacy is firmly cemented in the world of ornithological illustration. His works continue to be highly regarded for their scientific value and artistic beauty. Many of his original illustrations are held in museums and private collections, and his detailed depictions are still referenced by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts today.

Keulemans’ work represents an important bridge between the art of the natural world and scientific inquiry, providing invaluable insight into bird species from around the world during a period when photography was still in its infancy. His illustrations remain among the finest examples of ornithological art.

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