Pied Kingfisher – Ceryle Rudis – 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 001877

Pied Kingfisher: A Brief Description

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking, medium-sized water bird known for its bold black-and-white plumage and its expert fishing skills. It is one of the most widespread kingfisher species in the world, commonly found near freshwater habitats across Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Middle East and southern Asia. Unlike many other kingfishers, it is highly social and often seen in small groups.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Pied Kingfisher measures about 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 inches). It has a slender body and a long, straight, sharp bill, which is perfectly adapted for catching fish.
• Plumage: The Pied Kingfisher is easily recognised by its striking black-and-white plumage. The head is adorned with a black crest, and the bird has a distinct black mask across its eyes, giving it a bold appearance. The upperparts are black, heavily streaked with white, while the underparts are white with a variable black band across the chest.
  • Males: Males typically have two black bands across the chest.
  • Females: Females have a single broken black band across the chest, making them distinguishable from males.
• Bill and Feet: The bird’s bill is long, straight, and sharp, ideal for spearing fish. Its feet are small and weak, as they are not used for hunting but for perching.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Range: The Pied Kingfisher has a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Middle East. It can also be found in parts of southern Asia, including Sri Lanka. It is highly adaptable and found in a range of habitats, though it prefers freshwater ecosystems.
• Habitat: This species is commonly found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. It favours areas with clear water where it can easily spot fish. Unlike many other kingfisher species, which are more solitary and territorial, the Pied Kingfisher is more gregarious and often seen in small groups.

Diet and Hunting:

• Diet: The Pied Kingfisher feeds primarily on fish, but it may also eat crustaceans, insects, and small amphibians. It is a highly efficient hunter and is known for its ability to catch prey with precision.
• Hunting Technique: One of the most remarkable behaviours of the Pied Kingfisher is its ability to hover over water before diving headfirst to catch fish. It hovers by rapidly beating its wings while keeping its head perfectly still, allowing it to spot prey beneath the surface. Once it locks onto a target, it dives sharply into the water, using its bill to spear the fish. After catching its prey, it returns to a perch to eat, often beating the fish against a branch to kill and soften it before swallowing it headfirst.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding Season: Breeding season varies by region but generally occurs during the wetter months when food is abundant. In Africa, for instance, breeding often takes place during or just after the rainy season.
• Nesting: Pied Kingfishers are burrow-nesters, digging tunnels into sandy or earthen banks near water. The burrows can be up to 1 metre (3 feet) long and end in a small chamber where the female lays her eggs.
• Clutch Size: The female typically lays 3 to 6 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 18 to 21 days. The chicks are born altricial (helpless) and remain in the nest for about 3 to 4 weeks before fledging.
• Cooperative Breeding: Unlike many kingfisher species, the Pied Kingfisher sometimes engages in cooperative breeding. This means that non-breeding individuals, usually previous offspring or close relatives, may help the breeding pair feed and care for the young.

Vocalisations:

• The Pied Kingfisher is a vocal species, often heard before it is seen. It has a loud, harsh, chattering call, typically a repeated “chirrik-chirrik-chirrik” sound. These calls are often heard during flight or when the bird is defending its territory.

Behaviour:

• Social Structure: While many kingfisher species are solitary, the Pied Kingfisher is more social and often seen in pairs or small family groups. They can be observed perched together along the edges of rivers or lakes, or fishing cooperatively.
• Flight: Pied Kingfishers have a strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats. They can often be seen flying low over the water, scanning for prey. Their hovering ability sets them apart from other kingfishers, as most species prefer perches from which to dive for fish.

Conservation Status:

The Pied Kingfisher is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and stable population. It is common and widespread across its range, and its adaptable nature allows it to thrive in a variety of freshwater habitats. However, local populations may be affected by habitat destruction, pollution, and the degradation of freshwater ecosystems.

Interesting Facts:

• Hovering Ability: The Pied Kingfisher is one of the few bird species that can hover in place for extended periods, a behaviour that aids in its fishing prowess. It is one of the largest birds capable of hovering without the use of wind currents.
• Cooperative Fishing: In some areas, Pied Kingfishers have been observed fishing in groups, with multiple individuals diving into the water simultaneously to increase their chances of catching prey.
• Cultural Significance: In parts of Africa and India, the Pied Kingfisher is revered for its beauty and fishing skills, often featuring in local folklore and art.

In summary, the Pied Kingfisher is a remarkable bird known for its bold appearance, social behaviour, and expert fishing skills. Its ability to hover and dive for fish with great accuracy makes it a standout species in the diverse world of kingfishers. Thriving in a variety of freshwater habitats, it is both a highly adaptable and charismatic bird, often seen near rivers and lakes across its broad range.

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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