GREY SNIPE – MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £395.00
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 Grey Snipe 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, spotting and paper-handling. With some of the usual textual off-setting. A good copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002015

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 Grey Snipe: A Brief Description

The Grey Snipe, also known as the South American Snipe (Gallinago paraguaiae), is a medium-sized wading bird from the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. It is found primarily in South America, inhabiting wetlands, grasslands, and marshes. The Grey Snipe is known for its excellent camouflage and elusive nature, making it a challenging bird to observe in the wild.

Physical Description

Size: The Grey Snipe measures between 27 and 32 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of around 43 to 50 centimetres. It typically weighs between 150 and 200 grams, with males and females being similar in size and appearance.
Plumage: The Grey Snipe has a cryptic plumage pattern that helps it blend seamlessly into its surroundings. The upperparts are mottled with shades of brown, grey, and buff, with dark streaks and barring. The underparts are pale with fine barring on the flanks, and the bird has a distinctive buffy stripe running down the centre of its back. The head is marked with bold stripes, including a dark crown stripe and a pale supercilium (eyebrow line).
Legs and Bill: The legs are relatively long and pale greenish-yellow, adapted for walking through muddy and wet environments. The bill is long, straight, and sensitive, measuring around 6 to 8 centimetres, and is used for probing the ground in search of invertebrates.
Flight: The Grey Snipe has a fast and erratic flight pattern, often zigzagging when flushed to avoid predators. In flight, the bird’s pointed wings and rapid wingbeats are characteristic, and it often gives a soft call as it takes off.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: The Grey Snipe is widely distributed across South America, from Colombia and Venezuela in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south. It is a resident species in much of its range but may move locally in response to changing water levels and seasonal food availability.
Habitat: The Grey Snipe inhabits a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, wet grasslands, flooded meadows, and the edges of lakes and rivers. It is often found in areas with dense vegetation, which provides cover and a rich source of invertebrate prey. The bird also uses open fields and agricultural land during the non-breeding season, especially where the ground remains moist.

Behaviour

Diet: The Grey Snipe feeds mainly on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. It uses its long, sensitive bill to probe the mud and soft soil for prey, often feeding in areas where water levels are shallow. The bird may also eat seeds and plant material, especially during the non-breeding season when invertebrate prey is less abundant.
Foraging: The bird is usually active at dawn and dusk, foraging in small groups or alone. It uses a methodical probing technique, inserting its bill deep into the ground to locate and extract prey. The Grey Snipe’s excellent camouflage allows it to remain undetected while feeding in open areas.
Vocalisations: The Grey Snipe is generally silent outside the breeding season, but during the breeding season, males perform a variety of calls, including a soft “chip-chip” and a drumming or whirring sound produced by the vibration of its tail feathers during display flights.

Social Structure

Breeding Behaviour: During the breeding season, the Grey Snipe becomes more territorial and displays aerial courtship flights. Males perform “drumming” displays, where they fly high into the air and make a distinctive drumming sound with their tail feathers as they descend. These displays are used to attract females and establish territories.
Nesting: The female builds a simple nest, which is a shallow depression in the ground, lined with grass and other vegetation. She typically lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs, which are olive or buff-coloured with dark markings. The female incubates the eggs for about 19 to 21 days, while the male may help defend the territory.
Chick Development: The chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching. They are well-camouflaged and able to feed themselves almost immediately, but the female provides protection and guidance until they are able to fly at around three weeks old.

Migration

Resident and Migratory Behaviour: The Grey Snipe is primarily a resident bird in South America, but some populations may undertake local movements in response to seasonal changes in water availability. During the dry season, the bird may move to wetter areas, and in some regions, it is known to migrate short distances to find suitable feeding and breeding habitats.

Conservation Status

The Grey Snipe is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, with stable populations across much of its range. However, the species is affected by habitat loss due to wetland drainage, agriculture, and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices to ensure the availability of suitable breeding and feeding sites.

Similar Species

• Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago): The Common Snipe is similar in appearance but is found primarily in Europe and Asia. It has more distinct striping on the head and back and a slightly shorter bill.
• Puna Snipe (Gallinago andina): The Puna Snipe is found in the high Andes and has a more restricted range. It is slightly larger and has a more robust build compared to the Grey Snipe.

Importance and Ecological Role

The Grey Snipe plays an important role in wetland ecosystems by helping to control insect and invertebrate populations. It is also an indicator species for the health of wetland habitats, as it is sensitive to changes in water levels and habitat quality. The bird’s presence in diverse wetland environments contributes to the overall biodiversity of these areas.

Conclusion

The Grey Snipe (Gallinago paraguaiae) is a well-camouflaged and elusive bird, admired for its unique courtship displays and exceptional ability to blend into its surroundings. Despite facing challenges from habitat loss, it remains a resilient species in many areas. Conservation of wetland habitats is crucial to ensure the continued survival of this fascinating bird, which plays a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabits. The Grey Snipe continues to captivate birdwatchers and researchers with its mysterious and secretive nature.

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