Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker – Gecinus Sharpei – 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 001875

Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker: A Brief Description

The Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei), also known as the Iberian Green Woodpecker, is a striking and distinctive bird that is native to the Iberian Peninsula. It was once considered a subspecies of the European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), but is now recognised as a separate species due to differences in plumage, vocalisations, and geographical distribution.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is a medium-to-large woodpecker, measuring about 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 inches) in length, with a wingspan of around 45 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches). It has a strong, long bill, typical of woodpeckers, used for chiselling into trees and the ground.
• Plumage: Its plumage is predominantly green, with a lighter yellowish-green underbelly and a more intense green on the upperparts. The rump is a vibrant yellow, which is particularly visible in flight.
• Head Markings: The bird has a striking red crown and nape. In males, this red patch extends from the forehead to the back of the head, while females typically have less red, with the crown being blackish. Both sexes have a distinct black mask running from the base of the beak through the eyes.
• Bill and Face: Its bill is dark grey and quite robust, suited for pecking into wood and soil. The bird has a black moustachial stripe, which is bordered by red in males and black in females.
• Tail: Like other woodpeckers, Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker has a stiff, pointed tail that it uses as a support while climbing tree trunks.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Range: Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is found almost exclusively on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It occupies a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, cork oak forests, orchards, and even more arid areas with scattered trees. Unlike some other woodpeckers, it is less dependent on dense forests.
• Habitat Preference: This species prefers areas with a mixture of open ground and trees, such as parks, groves, and agricultural lands. It is frequently seen on the ground, foraging for ants, its primary food source.

Diet and Feeding:

• Ant Specialist: Like other green woodpeckers, Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is an ant-eating specialist. It spends a significant amount of time on the ground, using its long, sticky tongue to extract ants and their larvae from anthills and soil. Its bill is adapted to probing and chiselling into the ground rather than drilling into trees for insects, as some other woodpeckers do.
• Other Foods: In addition to ants, it occasionally feeds on other small invertebrates and will consume berries and fruits, especially in the autumn and winter months when insect prey is less abundant.

Behaviour:

• Foraging Habits: Unlike many other woodpecker species, which are more often seen climbing tree trunks, Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is most frequently spotted on the ground, where it digs into ant colonies. It is relatively shy and will often fly away when disturbed, showing a distinctive undulating flight pattern typical of woodpeckers.
• Vocalisations: Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker has distinctive vocalisations that differ slightly from the European Green Woodpecker. Its call is a loud, ringing “laugh,” often described as a series of “klue-klue-klue” notes. This call is used to communicate between individuals and can be heard over long distances. It also drums, although less frequently than some other woodpecker species, as it is not as reliant on tree cavities for feeding.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding Season: The breeding season typically begins in late spring, with males establishing territories and attracting mates through their loud calls and drumming behaviour.
• Nesting: Like most woodpeckers, Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker excavates a nest hole in a tree, typically in dead or decaying wood. The female lays 5 to 7 white eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks. Both parents also share the responsibility of feeding the chicks, which fledge after about three to four weeks.
• Nesting Sites: These birds prefer to nest in trees with soft, decaying wood, which is easier to excavate. They will reuse the same nesting site in subsequent years if it remains suitable.

Conservation Status:

The Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is not currently considered threatened, and its population is believed to be stable across its range. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many species, it could face future challenges due to habitat loss, particularly in areas where traditional cork oak woodlands and groves are being cleared or replaced by more intensive agricultural practices.

Interesting Facts:

• Separation from European Green Woodpecker: Although it was once considered a subspecies of the European Green Woodpecker, Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is now recognised as a distinct species, largely due to differences in its vocalisations and slight variations in plumage.
• Adaptability: Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is well adapted to life in drier areas compared to many other woodpecker species, which are typically more forest-dependent. It is frequently found in areas where trees are sparse, relying on ants as a food source rather than insects found in tree bark.

In summary, the Sharpe’s Green Woodpecker is a fascinating species, unique to the Iberian Peninsula, and easily recognisable by its bright green plumage, red crown, and distinctive laughing call. While it is well adapted to a range of habitats, its specialised diet of ants and its ground-foraging behaviour set it apart from many other woodpecker species.

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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