GREEN SHANK – TOTANUS GLOTTIS – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £245.00
Publisher: Printed by Hullmandel
Publication Date: 1832-1837
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph heightened with gum arabic
Condition: Very good indeed, bright copy with good margins
Sheet Size: 54cm x 36.4cm
Series: From ‘The Birds of Europe’

This exquisite original hand-coloured lithograph from John and Elizabeth Gould’s magnificent work, ‘The Birds of Europe,’ produced between 1832 and 1837, showcases the Green Shank in stunning detail. The artwork exhibits the meticulous detail and vibrant use of colour that define the Goulds’ lithographs, making it a desirable piece for both art collectors and ornithological enthusiasts. Drawn from life, it reflects the Goulds’ commitment to scientific accuracy combined with artistic elegance. Minor age toning. Minor textual off-setting as usual. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002024

The Story:

John Gould was an English ornithologist and bird artist. He and his wife, Elizabeth Gould, worked closely together to produce some of the most comprehensive and stunning ornithological works of the 19th century. Elizabeth, an accomplished artist, transferred many of John’s sketches into the lithographic prints that were then hand-coloured under her supervision. This piece not only captures the essence of the birds’ characteristics but also stands as a testament to the Goulds’ significant contributions to both art and science.

Condition Details:

• Overall Condition: Shows slight age toning and handling marks.
• Visual Appeal: Bright and vibrant colours, enhanced with gum arabic.
• Margins: Well-preserved with good margins, indicating careful handling over the years.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Part of John and Elizabeth Gould’s ‘The Birds of Europe,’ known for its scientific and artistic merit.
• Collector’s Item: Rare especially in such good condition.
• Artistic Detail: Demonstrates high-quality lithographic work and hand-colouring skills synonymous with John and Elizabeth Gould.

The Greenshank: A Brief Description:

The Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), formerly known as Totanus glottis, is a large, elegant wading bird from the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. It is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and is renowned for its distinctive calls and graceful behaviour. The species favours wetland habitats, including estuaries, coastal mudflats, and freshwater lakes, and is a migratory bird known for its long-distance seasonal journeys.

Physical Description

Size: The Greenshank is a large wader, measuring between 30 and 35 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 68 to 70 centimetres. It typically weighs around 180 to 300 grams, with little size difference between males and females. Plumage:

• Breeding Plumage: During the breeding season, the Greenshank has mottled grey-brown upperparts with dark streaks and pale underparts. The breast is streaked, blending into the clean white belly, and the bird’s flanks often have subtle barring.
• Non-breeding Plumage: In the non-breeding season, the upperparts become a more uniform pale grey, and the streaking on the chest fades, giving the bird a cleaner, more subdued appearance. Legs and Bill: The legs are long and yellowish-green, well-suited for wading in shallow waters, while the bill is long, slightly upturned, and dark grey to black. The bill is slender and adapted for probing mud and sand in search of food. Flight: In flight, the Greenshank is easily recognised by its white rump and back, which contrast sharply with its darker wings. It has a strong and direct flight pattern, often accompanied by its distinctive, ringing call.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: The Greenshank has a broad range, breeding in northern Europe and Asia, from Scotland and Scandinavia to Siberia. It migrates south during the winter, reaching coastal regions of Africa, southern Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean. Key wintering sites include estuaries, lagoons, and mangroves. Habitat: During the breeding season, the Greenshank prefers open moorlands, bogs, and forested wetlands, often nesting near freshwater bodies. In the non-breeding season, it frequents a variety of wetlands, including tidal mudflats, salt marshes, and the edges of lakes and rivers. It requires shallow water for foraging and areas with low vegetation for shelter.

Behaviour

Diet: The Greenshank is an opportunistic feeder, with a diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, worms, and aquatic insects. It also eats amphibians and molluscs. The bird’s feeding habits change seasonally, depending on the availability of food in its habitat. Foraging: It forages by walking or wading briskly through shallow water, using its bill to probe the mud or snatch prey from the surface. It may also chase small fish in short bursts, exhibiting a dynamic and adaptable foraging strategy. Vocalisations: The Greenshank is highly vocal, often giving a loud, clear “teu-teu-teu” call, particularly when in flight or alarmed. During the breeding season, it uses a more varied and melodic series of calls, which are part of its courtship display.

Social Structure

Breeding Behaviour: Greenshanks are solitary nesters, and during the breeding season, they establish territories in suitable wetlands. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial dives and vocal calls, to attract females. Nesting: The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, usually well concealed among vegetation. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs, which are buff-coloured with dark speckles. Both parents share incubation duties, which last for about 23 to 25 days. Chick Development: The chicks are precocial, meaning they hatch with their eyes open and are covered in down. They leave the nest soon after hatching and are able to feed themselves, though the parents remain nearby to protect them from predators until they are fledged.

Migration

Resident and Migratory Behaviour: The Greenshank is a long-distance migrant. Populations from northern Europe and Asia undertake significant journeys to reach their wintering grounds in Africa, southern Asia, and the Mediterranean. During migration, Greenshanks travel in small flocks and are often seen resting in wetlands along their route.

Conservation Status

The Greenshank is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, with a stable global population. However, certain regional populations are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Wetland drainage, pollution, and human disturbance are the main threats to this species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats and ensuring sustainable water management practices.

Similar Species

• Common Redshank (Tringa totanus): The Common Redshank is smaller and has bright red legs, distinguishing it from the Greenshank. It also has a more uniformly streaked plumage.
• Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus): The Spotted Redshank is slightly larger and has a more slender appearance, with an entirely black plumage during the breeding season.

Importance and Ecological Role

The Greenshank plays a vital role in wetland ecosystems, helping to control invertebrate populations and serving as an indicator of wetland health. Its presence in diverse habitats reflects the biodiversity and quality of the ecosystem, making it an important species for monitoring environmental changes.

Conclusion

The Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) is a striking and adaptable wading bird, known for its distinctive calls, elegant appearance, and long migratory journeys. Despite being widespread, the species depends heavily on the preservation of healthy wetlands, both for breeding and wintering. Conservation of these habitats is essential for maintaining the Greenshank’s population and the overall health of wetland ecosystems.

Why Collect This Lithograph?

Owning this lithograph means possessing a piece of ornithological and art history. Its blend of scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty makes it a worthy addition to any collection of fine art or historical prints.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare lithographs is meticulously curated to ensure that each piece is both a valuable and authentic addition to your collection. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every lithograph is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We select each piece with an eye for historical significance, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of original hand-coloured lithographs by John and Elizabeth Gould. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.