Garrulus Glandarius – Common Jay – 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 001884

Common Jay: A Brief Description

The Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius), commonly referred to simply as the Jay, is a striking bird from the crow family Corvidae. Known for its vivid plumage and intelligent behaviour, it is widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and parts of northern Africa. The Jay is particularly noted for its ability to mimic sounds and its role in spreading oak trees by burying acorns.

Key Features of the Eurasian Jay:

1. Appearance:

• Size: The Jay is a medium-sized bird, typically around 34 cm (13 in) in length with a wingspan of about 52–58 cm (20–23 in).
• Colouration: It is easily recognisable by its colourful plumage:
  • The body is predominantly pale brown or pinkish-tan.
  • Wings: The wings feature bright blue and black stripes on the secondary feathers, with a white patch and some black-tipped primary feathers.
  • Tail: The tail is black.
  • Crest: It has a small crest on its head, which can be raised when the bird is excited or alarmed.
  • Face: The face has a white or light-coloured forehead, black whisker markings, and a distinctive black “moustache” stripe.

2. Habitat:

• The Eurasian Jay is a woodland bird, favouring deciduous and mixed forests, especially those with plenty of oak trees, as it feeds extensively on acorns.
• It is also commonly seen in parks, gardens, and hedgerows in rural and suburban areas.

3. Diet:

• Jays have an omnivorous diet, although they are most famous for their habit of collecting and burying acorns in the ground, which they later retrieve during the winter. This behaviour inadvertently helps with oak tree propagation, as not all acorns are recovered.
• Their diet also includes:
  • Insects and larvae.
  • Fruits and seeds.
  • Small vertebrates like young birds or eggs.
  • Occasionally, they may scavenge.

4. Behaviour:

• Intelligence: Like many other members of the corvid family, Jays are highly intelligent and exhibit problem-solving skills. They can mimic the calls of other birds and even human-made sounds, a trait used to deceive predators or communicate within the species.
• Vocalizations: The Jay’s typical call is a loud, harsh “screech” that can be heard across the forest. However, it also produces a variety of other calls, including softer chattering and mimicry.
• Caching Behaviour: One of its most notable behaviours is caching food. Jays bury acorns and other food items in various locations, using their excellent spatial memory to recover them later. This helps them survive during the lean winter months.

5. Breeding:

• Jays typically breed in the spring, forming monogamous pairs that remain together for several years.
• The female lays about 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated for around 16 to 19 days. Both parents participate in raising the chicks, which fledge after around 20 to 23 days.
• They build nests in trees or dense bushes, often using twigs, roots, and leaves to construct a sturdy platform.

6. Distribution:

• The Eurasian Jay has a broad range and can be found throughout Europe, Northwest Africa, and parts of Asia, extending as far east as Japan and Southeast Asia. Different subspecies are found across its range, showing variations in plumage and size.

7. Conservation Status:

• The Eurasian Jay is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, as it is widespread and common across its range. Its ability to adapt to various habitats, including human-modified environments, has helped maintain stable populations.

Cultural and Ecological Importance:

• Ecological Role: The Jay plays a crucial role in forest ecology by dispersing the seeds of oak trees. By burying acorns, they inadvertently promote tree regeneration, helping maintain the health of woodland ecosystems.
• In Folklore: In some cultures, the Jay is seen as a symbol of curiosity and adaptability, partly due to its inquisitive nature and varied vocalisations.

Summary:

The Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a beautiful, intelligent bird that is well known for its role in dispersing acorns and mimicking sounds. With its striking blue and black wing feathers, distinctive calls, and impressive caching behaviour, the Jay is a common but fascinating sight in woodlands across its range.

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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