LITTLE BUSTARD – OTIS TETRAX – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £295.00
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: 55.4cm x 37.3cm
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 Little Bustard 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 and paper-handling. With none of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002153

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 Little Bustard: A Brief Description:

The Little Bustard (Otis tetrax) is a medium-sized bird from the bustard family, Otididae, and is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of western and central Asia. It is known for its striking appearance, especially during the breeding season, and for its preference for open, dry grasslands and steppe habitats. Despite its widespread range, the species has faced population declines in many parts of its range due to habitat loss and agricultural changes.

Physical Description

• Size: The Little Bustard is a medium-sized bird, smaller than its relative, the Great Bustard. It measures around 40 to 45 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of about 90 to 110 centimetres. It typically weighs between 700 grams and 1 kilogram, with males being slightly larger than females.
• Plumage:
  • Males: During the breeding season, the male has striking plumage with a black neck and throat, adorned with two distinctive white bands. The rest of the plumage is mainly buff brown with dark streaks, and the underparts are white. Outside the breeding season, males lose the black and white markings on their necks and appear more similar to females.
  • Females and Non-breeding Males: Both have more subdued, mottled brown and buff plumage with streaking, which provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. Their plumage is cryptic, helping them blend into the dry grasslands and steppes where they live.
• Legs and Bill: The legs are relatively long and pale yellow, well-suited for walking through grasslands, and the bill is short and greyish, adapted for pecking at seeds and insects.
• Flight: In flight, the Little Bustard is easily recognisable by the white markings on its wings, contrasting with the black primary feathers. Its flight is often described as rapid and direct, with short, fast wingbeats.

Habitat and Distribution

• Geographical Range: The Little Bustard is found across a wide range, primarily in parts of southern and central Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It is a resident species in some areas, but populations in northern regions migrate southward during the winter. The bird can be found in countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and parts of Italy, as well as in Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Morocco.
• Habitat: The species prefers open, dry habitats, particularly steppe-like grasslands, agricultural fields, and dry meadows. It favours areas with low vegetation, where it can forage for food and avoid predators. Historically, Little Bustards thrived in natural grasslands, but in modern times, they have adapted to some agricultural landscapes, particularly cereal fields.

Behaviour

• Diet: The Little Bustard is an omnivore, with a diet that varies depending on the season. It primarily feeds on seeds, grains, and leaves, especially in winter. During the breeding season and in warmer months, it supplements its diet with insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and other invertebrates, which are an important source of protein.
• Foraging: The bird forages by walking slowly through grasslands, pecking at food on the ground. Its cryptic plumage helps it stay hidden from predators while foraging in open areas.
• Social Structure: Outside the breeding season, Little Bustards are often seen in small flocks, particularly during migration or in wintering areas. During the breeding season, however, males tend to be solitary and highly territorial.

Breeding

• Breeding Season: The breeding season typically occurs in spring, with males establishing territories and engaging in courtship displays to attract females.
• Courtship Display: The male Little Bustard performs a distinctive and elaborate display to attract females. This includes puffing out the neck to show off the black and white markings and producing a short, sharp call that sounds like a “prrt.” The male also makes sudden leaps into the air, flapping his wings and making clicking noises, all designed to impress potential mates.
• Nesting: The female builds a simple scrape on the ground in a concealed location within the grassland or fields. The nest is usually well hidden to protect it from predators.
• Eggs and Incubation: The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which are olive or buff-coloured with dark speckles. She alone incubates the eggs, which hatch after about 20 to 25 days.
• Chick Development: The chicks are precocial, meaning they are born with their eyes open and covered in down, and are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. They are able to forage for food almost immediately, though the mother provides some care and protection until they are fully independent.

Migration

• Resident and Migratory Behaviour: The Little Bustard’s migratory behaviour varies by region. In the warmer parts of its range, such as in Spain and North Africa, the birds are largely resident. In more northern areas, such as in France or central Asia, they are migratory, moving south to avoid the harsh winter conditions. During migration, Little Bustards travel in small flocks, sometimes covering significant distances to reach their wintering grounds.

Conservation Status

The Little Bustard is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with populations declining in many parts of its range. The primary reasons for the decline include:

• Habitat Loss: The conversion of natural grasslands into intensive agriculture, especially monoculture farming, has drastically reduced the amount of suitable habitat available for the species. The bird’s preference for open grasslands and low-intensity farming means that it is vulnerable to changes in land use.
• Pesticides: The use of pesticides in farming has reduced the availability of insects, which are an important food source for Little Bustards, particularly during the breeding season when chicks require a protein-rich diet.
• Hunting: In some parts of its range, the Little Bustard is hunted for sport, although this is becoming less common due to legal protections in many countries.

Conservation efforts include habitat management, such as promoting low-intensity, traditional farming practices and protecting key breeding and wintering areas. In some countries, agri-environment schemes have been introduced to encourage farming practices that are more compatible with the needs of species like the Little Bustard.

Similar Species

• Great Bustard (Otis tarda): The Great Bustard is much larger than the Little Bustard and is also found in Europe and Asia. It shares similar open habitat preferences but has a more imposing appearance and different display behaviours.
• Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata): Another member of the bustard family, the Houbara Bustard, is found in North Africa and parts of Asia. It is smaller and lighter than the Great Bustard but shares some habitat preferences with the Little Bustard, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Importance and Ecological Role

The Little Bustard plays an important role in its ecosystem, particularly in controlling insect populations. Its presence in agricultural landscapes also makes it an indicator of biodiversity-friendly farming practices, as it thrives best in low-intensity farming systems with traditional crop rotation and minimal use of chemicals.

Conclusion

The Little Bustard (Otis tetrax) is a fascinating bird, known for its elegant appearance, distinctive breeding display, and preference for open grasslands and agricultural fields. Despite being widespread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, the species faces significant challenges due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts to protect and restore suitable habitats are crucial for ensuring the future survival of this beautiful bird.

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.