Redcheeked Ibis – Ibis Comata – 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 001883

Redcheeked Ibis: A Brief Description

The Red-cheeked Ibis (Ibis comata), also known as the Black Ibis, is a striking bird distinguished by its unique facial markings and its presence in wetland habitats. This species is typically found in parts of Southeast Asia, where it inhabits marshes, swamps, and flooded grasslands. It is less well-known than other ibis species, but its appearance and ecological role in wetland ecosystems make it a fascinating subject.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Red-cheeked Ibis is a medium to large bird, with an average length of about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 100 to 120 cm (40 to 47 inches). It has a long, slender neck and a robust body, typical of ibises.
• Plumage: The bird’s body is primarily black or dark brown, often with an iridescent sheen, especially in good light. The feathers may appear glossy, with hints of green or purple depending on the angle of sunlight.
• Head and Facial Markings: The most distinctive feature of the Red-cheeked Ibis is the prominent red patches of bare skin on its face, particularly on the cheeks, which give the bird its name. The rest of the face, including the crown and nape, is usually dark, often black or grey.
• Bill and Legs: The ibis has a long, downward-curving bill, which is greyish or black and well-suited for probing in soft mud for food. Its legs are long and either grey or pinkish, allowing the bird to wade easily through shallow water while foraging.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Range: The Red-cheeked Ibis is primarily found in parts of Southeast Asia, with populations in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It is also occasionally seen in southern China and Myanmar. The bird tends to inhabit lowland wetlands and marshy areas but can also be found in flooded agricultural fields and along riverbanks.
• Habitat: This species favours wetland ecosystems, including swamps, marshes, and flooded grasslands. It is often seen wading in shallow water, where it searches for food. During the wet season, when water levels rise, the ibis may move to higher ground or drier areas near wetlands. It also occasionally occupies agricultural fields, particularly rice paddies.

Diet and Foraging:

• Carnivorous Diet: Like most ibises, the Red-cheeked Ibis is primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small aquatic creatures. Its diet includes insects, small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and molluscs. It may also eat worms and other invertebrates.
• Foraging Behaviour: The bird forages by walking slowly through shallow water or mudflats, using its long, curved bill to probe into the soft substrate. It hunts primarily by touch, feeling for prey beneath the surface. The ibis is often seen feeding in small groups, particularly in areas where food is abundant.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding Season: The breeding season for the Red-cheeked Ibis typically coincides with the wet season, when food is most abundant, and wetlands are at their fullest. In Southeast Asia, this generally occurs between May and October.
• Nesting: This ibis species builds its nest in trees or shrubs near water. The nest is constructed from sticks, reeds, and other plant material, forming a loose platform in which the female lays her eggs. Nests are often placed in colonies, where multiple pairs of ibises nest together in a single area.
• Clutch Size: The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are pale blue or white in colour. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs, which hatch after about three weeks.
• Chick Rearing: After hatching, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and require care from both parents. The chicks remain in the nest for several weeks, being fed regurgitated food by the adults until they are strong enough to fledge.

Vocalisations:

The Red-cheeked Ibis is not particularly vocal compared to some other bird species, but it does produce a range of low, guttural calls, especially during the breeding season. These calls are often used to communicate between mates or within a nesting colony. The bird may also produce croaking or grunting sounds while foraging or when alarmed.

Behaviour:

• Social Structure: The Red-cheeked Ibis is generally seen in small flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. It is often seen in mixed-species groups with other wading birds, such as egrets and herons, particularly in productive feeding areas. During the breeding season, it may become more territorial, particularly around nesting sites.
• Flight: In flight, the ibis displays slow, deliberate wingbeats and holds its neck extended, unlike herons, which retract their necks in flight. Its broad wings make it a powerful flier, and it is often seen soaring above wetlands or flying between feeding and roosting sites.

Conservation Status:

The conservation status of the Red-cheeked Ibis is not well-documented, as it is often confused with other ibis species, and its range overlaps with similar birds. However, habitat loss, particularly the draining of wetlands for agriculture, is likely a significant threat to this species. The ibis is dependent on healthy wetland ecosystems for foraging and breeding, making it vulnerable to environmental degradation and pollution.

Ecological Role:

As a wetland bird, the Red-cheeked Ibis plays an important role in its ecosystem. By feeding on small aquatic animals, it helps to regulate insect and invertebrate populations in wetlands. Additionally, its foraging behaviour helps to aerate soil in marshes and flooded fields, contributing to the health of these ecosystems.

Interesting Facts:

• Wetland Dependency: The Red-cheeked Ibis is highly dependent on wetlands for its survival. Its movements and breeding cycles are closely tied to the availability of water in its habitat, making it an important indicator species for the health of wetland environments.
• Cultural Importance: In parts of Southeast Asia, the ibis is considered a symbol of wetlands, and its presence is often associated with the health and productivity of rice paddies and other agricultural areas. The bird’s striking red facial markings make it a distinctive and admired species among local communities.

In summary, the Red-cheeked Ibis is a fascinating and visually striking bird that inhabits the wetlands of Southeast Asia. Its distinctive red cheeks, glossy black plumage, and graceful wading behaviour make it a key species in the ecosystems it inhabits. Despite its dependence on healthy wetlands, the ibis faces challenges due to habitat loss and environmental changes, making its conservation an important issue for the future of Southeast Asia’s wetland habitats.

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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