Persian Jay – Garrulus Hyrcanus – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £65
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 001881

Persian Jay: A Brief Description

The Persian Jay (Garrulus hyrcanus), also known as the Caspian Jay or Hyrcanian Jay, is a distinctive bird found primarily in the forests of northern Iran and parts of the Caucasus region. It is a subspecies of the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius), but it is geographically isolated and has unique traits that distinguish it from other jays. The Persian Jay inhabits the ancient Hyrcanian forests, a unique temperate rainforest ecosystem along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Persian Jay is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring about 33 to 36 cm (13 to 14 inches) in length, similar in size to the more common Eurasian Jay.
• Plumage: The bird’s plumage is similar to that of other Eurasian Jays but with some distinctive features:
  • Head and Crest: The head is pale pinkish-brown with a slightly greyish tint. It has a small crest that can be raised or flattened depending on the bird’s mood.
  • Wings: The wings are a mix of black, white, and striking blue, with the blue wing patches being particularly vibrant. These blue feathers are finely barred with black, and they stand out in flight or when the bird is perched.
  • Body: The body is mainly brownish-pink, with a greyish tone that blends well with its forest habitat.
  • Tail: The tail is dark with black barring, typical of jays, and it contrasts with the bird’s lighter underparts.
• Bill and Eyes: The bill is strong and black, suited for cracking open nuts and seeds. The eyes are dark and expressive, contributing to the bird’s intelligent appearance.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Range: The Persian Jay is endemic to the Hyrcanian forests, a region that spans parts of northern Iran and southern Azerbaijan along the Caspian Sea. These ancient forests are known for their biodiversity and temperate climate, providing an ideal habitat for the Persian Jay. This bird is rarely found outside these forests, making it a species of particular interest in this unique ecological zone.
• Habitat: The Persian Jay inhabits dense, mature forests with a mix of deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and hornbeam. These forests provide plenty of food and cover for the bird, allowing it to thrive in a relatively small geographical area. It tends to avoid open landscapes and is usually found within the depths of these forested areas.

Diet and Foraging:

• Omnivorous Diet: Like other members of the corvid family, the Persian Jay is omnivorous. It feeds on a wide variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates such as nestlings.
• Foraging Behaviour: The Persian Jay is an opportunistic feeder, known to cache food for later use, particularly in autumn when it stores acorns and other nuts to help it survive the winter. It forages both on the ground and in trees, using its bill to crack open nuts and to dig for insects or grubs hidden in bark or leaf litter.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding Season: The breeding season typically begins in spring, from April to June, depending on local environmental conditions.
• Nesting: The Persian Jay builds its nest in the branches of tall trees, often in well-hidden locations to protect it from predators. The nest is made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, and it is lined with softer materials such as moss or feathers.
• Clutch Size: The female usually lays 4 to 6 eggs, which are pale blue with brown speckles. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs, which hatch after about 16 to 18 days.
• Parental Care: After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents. The chicks remain in the nest for about three weeks before fledging. Even after leaving the nest, the young jays may stay with their parents for some time as they learn to forage and survive independently.

Vocalisations:

The Persian Jay is a vocal bird, known for its wide range of calls and sounds. It can produce loud, harsh squawks, as well as more melodious whistles and chattering. Its calls are used to communicate with other jays, alert others to potential danger, and defend its territory. Like other jays, it is also capable of mimicking the calls of other birds, adding to its vocal repertoire.

Behaviour:

• Social Structure: Persian Jays are social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups, particularly during the breeding season. They are territorial and will defend their nesting areas from intruders, including other jays or potential predators.
• Intelligence and Problem-Solving: As a member of the corvid family, the Persian Jay is highly intelligent. It is known for its problem-solving abilities and its skill in storing and retrieving food, which demonstrates its excellent memory.
• Flight: The flight of the Persian Jay is strong and direct, with bursts of flapping followed by short glides. Its striking blue wing patches are easily visible when the bird is in flight, making it a beautiful sight as it moves through the forest.

Conservation Status:

The Persian Jay is currently not considered globally threatened and is classified as a subspecies of the Eurasian Jay. However, its range is limited to the unique Hyrcanian forests, which are increasingly threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts in these forests are critical to preserving the biodiversity of the region, including species like the Persian Jay.

Ecological Role:

The Persian Jay plays a significant role in its ecosystem as both a predator of insects and small animals and as a seed disperser. Its habit of caching acorns and other nuts helps to regenerate forests, as some of these stored seeds are forgotten and germinate, promoting forest growth. This behaviour makes the Persian Jay an important species for maintaining the health and diversity of the Hyrcanian forests.

Interesting Facts:

• Hyrcanian Forests: The Persian Jay is closely associated with the Hyrcanian forests, which are considered a living relic of the ancient temperate forests that once covered much of Europe and Asia. These forests are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their high biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
• Cacheing Behaviour: Like other jays, the Persian Jay has a remarkable ability to store food, especially during the autumn months. It hides acorns and other nuts in various places and relies on its excellent memory to retrieve them during winter when food is scarce.

In summary, the Persian Jay is a fascinating and beautiful bird, distinguished by its vibrant plumage and its restricted range within the unique Hyrcanian forests. Its role as a seed disperser and its intelligent, opportunistic behaviour make it an essential part of its ecosystem. While its population remains stable, the preservation of its forest habitat is crucial for the continued survival of this unique subspecies.

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.

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