Caprimulgus Enarratus – Abysinnian Nightjar – 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 001814

Abysinnian Nightjar: A Brief Description

Caprimulgus enarratus, commonly known as the Abyssinian Nightjar, is a species of nightjar found in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Nightjars are nocturnal birds known for their cryptic plumage, which helps them blend into their surroundings, and their soft, fluttering flight. Here’s more information about the Abyssinian Nightjar:

Physical Characteristics:

• The Abyssinian Nightjar is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 21-23 cm in length.
• It has mottled brown, grey, and black plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural environment, especially when it rests on the ground during the day.
• Like other nightjars, it has a large head, short neck, and long wings, with a slightly rounded tail.
• The bird’s beak is small, but its mouth opens wide, which is advantageous for catching insects in flight.

Habitat and Distribution:

• This species is found in Ethiopia, Eritrea, parts of Kenya, and stretches into Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
• Its preferred habitat includes savannas, open woodlands, and dry scrublands, where its camouflage allows it to remain hidden during the day.
• The Abyssinian Nightjar is typically more active at dusk and throughout the night.

Behaviour and Diet:

• The Abyssinian Nightjar is insectivorous, feeding primarily on flying insects like moths, beetles, and other small nocturnal bugs.
• It hunts by flying low over the ground, often in a fluttery, moth-like flight, using its large mouth to scoop insects from the air.
• Nightjars are known for their elusive nature and can often be detected only by their characteristic calls, which are soft and repetitive trills or whistles, often heard at dusk or dawn.

Breeding:

• Nightjars typically lay their eggs directly on the ground, without building a formal nest. The eggs are usually well-camouflaged, blending into the surrounding environment.
• The Abyssinian Nightjar’s breeding season varies depending on its range, but generally, it coincides with the rainy season when insect prey is abundant.
• Both the male and female share in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Conservation Status:

• The Abyssinian Nightjar is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It has a wide range and does not face any significant population threats at present.
• However, like many species, habitat destruction and changes due to agricultural expansion and deforestation could pose risks in the future.

Cultural Significance:

• Nightjars, including the Abyssinian Nightjar, are sometimes associated with folklore and myths due to their nocturnal habits and eerie, cryptic calls. The name “nightjar” itself comes from the bird’s jarring or churring sound made at night.

The Caprimulgus enarratus is a fascinating bird, representative of the secretive and cryptic nature of nightjars. Its quiet, nocturnal life and excellent camouflage make it an elusive species, but a rewarding find for birdwatchers.

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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