Pallid Scops Owl – Otus brucei – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £95
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 001871

Pallid Scops Owl: A Brief Description

The Pallid Scops Owl (Otus brucei), also known as Bruce’s Scops Owl, is a small owl species that inhabits parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Appearance:

• Size: The Pallid Scops Owl is a small owl, measuring about 19–21 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 50–55 cm. It typically weighs between 70 and 90 grams.
• Plumage: As its name suggests, the Pallid Scops Owl has pale, greyish-brown plumage, which is lighter than that of other scops owls. Its feathers are mottled with fine streaks and spots, providing excellent camouflage in its arid, desert-like habitats. The owl’s facial disc is pale with darker streaks, and it has short ear tufts, which it can raise or lower depending on its mood or threat level.
• Eyes: Its eyes are yellow and relatively large, giving it excellent vision for nocturnal hunting.
• Sexual Dimorphism: There is little visible difference between males and females, though females tend to be slightly larger.

Habitat:

• Range: The Pallid Scops Owl is found in arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of southern Asia. Its range extends from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and into Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Preferred Habitat: This owl prefers dry, open habitats such as scrublands, deserts, semi-deserts, and rocky areas with sparse vegetation. It is often found near oases or in areas with scattered trees, such as tamarisk, acacia, and other shrubs. The species also frequents agricultural areas and plantations.

Behaviour:

• Diet: Like other scops owls, the Pallid Scops Owl is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and crickets. It may also catch small vertebrates like lizards, small rodents, and birds on occasion. It hunts by perching on a lookout post at dusk and then swooping down to catch its prey, either in the air or on the ground.
• Nocturnal Habits: The Pallid Scops Owl is strictly nocturnal, remaining hidden during the day and becoming active at dusk. It roosts in trees or sheltered areas to avoid detection during the day.
• Vocalisation: The owl has a distinctive call that is a soft, monotonous, repetitive “hoo” sound, often given at regular intervals. Males call more frequently during the breeding season to attract females and defend their territory.

Breeding:

• Nesting: The Pallid Scops Owl typically nests in natural tree cavities, holes in cliffs, or sometimes in old woodpecker holes or abandoned nests of other birds. It may also nest in man-made structures such as buildings or nest boxes. The female lays 3–4 eggs, which are incubated for about 24–25 days.
• Parental Care: The female performs most of the incubation, while the male provides food. After hatching, both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 4–5 weeks.

Migration:

The Pallid Scops Owl is a partial migrant. Some populations, particularly those in the northern parts of its range, migrate southwards in winter to warmer regions. Other populations, especially in the Middle East, are more sedentary and may remain in the same area year-round.

Conservation Status:

The Pallid Scops Owl is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, as its population appears stable and it has a wide range. However, the species may be locally affected by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human development. In many parts of its range, it benefits from its adaptability to a variety of habitats, including human-modified environments like plantations and gardens.

Comparison with Eurasian Scops Owl:

• The Pallid Scops Owl is similar to the more widespread Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops), but it is paler in colour and generally prefers drier, more open habitats. The two species also have slightly different calls, with the Pallid Scops Owl having a softer, more monotonous call compared to the Eurasian Scops Owl’s more rhythmic “kew-kew” call.

Interesting Facts:

• Camouflage: The Pallid Scops Owl’s pale, streaked plumage allows it to blend seamlessly with the bark of trees or desert surroundings, making it difficult for predators and humans to spot.
• Adaptability: Despite living in harsh, arid environments, the Pallid Scops Owl is well adapted to life in the desert, often relying on insects that thrive in these regions.

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.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each lithograph is researched and verified for authenticity, guaranteeing that you receive a genuine item.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of maps and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located sine 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognized as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, rare maps, design, and fine books.