Coua Coquerelii – Coquerel’s Coua – 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 001816

Coquerel’s Coua: A Brief Description

Coua coquereli, commonly known as Coquerel’s Coua, is a species of bird in the Cuculidae family, which includes cuckoos. This species is endemic to Madagascar, meaning it is found only on this island. The Coua genus is unique to Madagascar, and Coquerel’s Coua is one of several coua species that thrive in the island’s diverse habitats.

Physical Characteristics:

• Coquerel’s Coua is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring about 36-40 cm in length.
• It has a striking appearance, with a combination of vibrant colours. The bird’s back and wings are olive-green, while the underparts are a soft, pale grey.
• One of its most distinguishing features is its bare, bright blue facial skin around the eyes, which contrasts with its dark beak and pale grey face.
• Its legs are long, and it has strong feet, which allow it to be a skilled runner, spending much of its time on the ground.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Coquerel’s Coua inhabits the dry deciduous forests and scrublands of north-western Madagascar. This region is characterised by a seasonal climate, with a dry season lasting several months.
• The bird is most commonly found in forests with dense undergrowth, where it forages for food, but it may also venture into more open areas at the forest’s edge.

Behaviour and Diet:

• Coquerel’s Coua is primarily terrestrial, meaning it spends much of its time on the ground, searching for food. While it is capable of flying, it generally prefers to walk or run through the forest floor, where its long legs and strong feet make it highly agile.
• The bird is an omnivore, feeding on a diet that includes insects, small reptiles, fruits, and seeds. It is particularly skilled at catching small prey such as lizards and large insects, which it hunts with precision.
• Like other couas, Coquerel’s Coua forages alone or in pairs, moving slowly and quietly through its habitat.

Breeding:

• Coquerel’s Coua builds its nest in trees or dense shrubs, usually no more than a few metres off the ground. The nest is often a platform of twigs and leaves.
• The female typically lays a single egg, and both parents take part in incubating the egg and raising the chick.
• The breeding season for Coquerel’s Coua generally aligns with the rainy season, when food is more plentiful.

Vocalisation:

• Coquerel’s Coua is known for its distinctive vocalisations, which are often heard during the early morning or late afternoon. The bird’s call is a series of low-pitched, repetitive notes that can carry over long distances.
• Its vocalisations help it to communicate with other couas and establish territory within the forest.

Conservation Status:

• Coquerel’s Coua is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, largely because it has a relatively large range within Madagascar and is common in its preferred habitats.
• However, like many species in Madagascar, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. The loss of dry deciduous forests, in particular, could threaten its population in the long term.

Unique Characteristics:

• Couas are part of the cuckoo family but do not exhibit brood parasitism, unlike many other cuckoo species. Instead, they build their own nests and raise their young.
• Coquerel’s Coua, like other couas, is noted for its terrestrial lifestyle, a behaviour that sets it apart from many other birds in its family.

In summary, Coua coquereli, or Coquerel’s Coua, is a fascinating bird endemic to Madagascar, known for its striking blue facial skin, terrestrial habits, and unique foraging behaviours. It plays an important role in the ecology of Madagascar’s dry forests, and its conservation relies on the protection of these habitats.

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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