PARASITIC GULL – LESTRIS PARASITICUS – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £145.00
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 34.5cm
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 Gull 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 a some of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002002

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.

Parasitic Gull: A Short Description

The Parasitic Gull is more commonly known as the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), not a “gull,” but it is closely related to gulls and other seabirds in the family Stercorariidae. The name “Parasitic Jaeger” reflects its klepto-parasitic behaviour, meaning it often steals food from other birds.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Parasitic Jaeger is medium-sized, typically measuring 41-46 cm (16-18 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 110-125 cm (43-49 inches). It weighs around 300-650 grams (10.5-23 ounces).
• Plumage: The Parasitic Jaeger exhibits two main morphs: light and dark.
  • Light Morph: Birds of the light morph have a brown back, pale underparts, and a dark cap on the head. The neck is usually white or yellowish.
  • Dark Morph: Dark morph birds are uniformly dark brown or blackish, with no significant contrast between the back and underparts.
  • Intermediate Morph: Some individuals display a combination of light and dark features.
• Tail: A key identifying feature is the pair of long, pointed central tail feathers that extend beyond the rest of the tail. These feathers are more pronounced in adults.
• Bill and Legs: The bill is dark, relatively strong, and hooked, ideal for their diet. The legs and feet are black.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: The Parasitic Jaeger is well-known for its klepto-parasitic feeding strategy, where it harasses other seabirds, such as gulls and terns, forcing them to drop or regurgitate their food, which the jaeger then snatches. However, Parasitic Jaegers are also capable hunters in their own right, preying on small birds, insects, and rodents, particularly during the breeding season.
• Flight: These birds are agile and powerful fliers, capable of rapid pursuits and impressive aerial manoeuvres when chasing other birds or hunting.

Habitat:

• Breeding: Parasitic Jaegers breed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, particularly in tundra environments. They are ground nesters, often placing their nests in areas with sparse vegetation.
• Wintering: Outside the breeding season, Parasitic Jaegers migrate to more temperate and tropical regions, spending much of their time at sea. They are often seen off coastlines and over open oceans, where they continue their kleptoparasitic behavior.

Migration:

• Parasitic Jaegers are long-distance migrants, traveling from their Arctic breeding grounds to wintering areas in the southern hemisphere. Their migration routes can take them over vast expanses of open ocean, and they are known to cover thousands of kilometers during these journeys.

Conservation Status:

• The Parasitic Jaeger is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although they have a widespread range and a relatively stable population, their dependence on specific breeding and feeding habitats means that changes to these environments, particularly due to climate change, could impact them.

Interesting Facts:

• Klepto-parasitism: The Parasitic Jaeger is named for its klepto-parasitic behavior, a feeding strategy where it aggressively pursues other birds to steal their food. This behaviour is most commonly observed at sea, where they target birds like gulls and terns.
• Aggressiveness: During the breeding season, Parasitic Jaegers are highly territorial and aggressive. They will fiercely defend their nests and territories from intruders, including much larger animals.
• Colour Morphs: The existence of different colour morphs within the species (light, dark, and intermediate) is a fascinating aspect of their biology, though the reasons for these variations are not entirely understood.

The Parasitic Jaeger is a fascinating bird due to its distinctive behaviour and adaptations for life in both the harsh Arctic breeding grounds and the vast open oceans where it winters. Its role as a predator and a klepto-parasite makes it an important part of the ecosystems it inhabits.

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.