Ural capercaillie – Tetrao Uralensis – 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 001872

Ural Capercaillie: A Brief Description

The Ural capercaillie (Tetrao urogalloides), sometimes referred to as the Siberian capercaillie, is a large, striking woodland grouse found primarily in the Ural Mountains, Siberia, and parts of northeastern Asia.

Appearance:

• Size: The Ural capercaillie is a large bird, though slightly smaller than its close relative, the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). Males typically measure 74–85 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 90–125 cm, and can weigh between 3 and 4.5 kg. Females are smaller, measuring around 60–65 cm in length and weighing about 1.5–2 kg.
• Plumage (Male): Males are predominantly dark, with blackish or greyish-brown plumage, iridescent greenish-blue breast feathers, and a large fan-like tail that is often displayed during courtship. They also have a red wattle (skin patch) above their eyes, which becomes more prominent during the breeding season.
• Plumage (Female): Females are much more camouflaged, with mottled brown, grey, and black feathers, which help them blend into their forest habitats. This cryptic coloration provides protection when they are incubating eggs on the ground.

Habitat:

• Range: The Ural capercaillie is found across the boreal forests of Russia, including the Ural Mountains, Siberia, and northeastern parts of Asia, extending into parts of Mongolia and China.
• Preferred Habitat: This species inhabits dense, old-growth coniferous forests, especially those dominated by pine, spruce, and fir. They prefer areas with ample ground cover, which provides food and shelter. These birds are typically found in remote and undisturbed forests, often far from human habitation.

Behaviour:

• Diet: Ural capercaillies are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet that varies by season. In winter, they consume the needles of coniferous trees, particularly pine and spruce. During the warmer months, they eat a variety of plants, including berries, buds, leaves, and seeds. Chicks primarily feed on insects for the first few weeks of life to meet their protein needs.
• Breeding and Courtship: Ural capercaillies are known for their spectacular courtship displays, where males gather at traditional “lekking” sites in early spring to compete for the attention of females. During these displays, males fan their large tails, puff out their chest feathers, and produce a series of vocalizations that include clicking, popping, and wheezing sounds. The red wattles over their eyes become engorged, and they strut and posture to attract mates.
• Nesting: Females build nests on the ground, usually hidden in thick vegetation. They lay a clutch of 6–10 eggs, which are incubated for about 26–28 days. The chicks are precocial, meaning they can move and feed themselves shortly after hatching, though they remain under the mother’s care for several weeks.

Conservation Status:

The Ural capercaillie is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, as its population is relatively stable across its range. However, the species faces several threats, particularly from habitat loss due to logging and forest fragmentation. The bird’s reliance on mature coniferous forests makes it vulnerable to deforestation and human encroachment. Hunting also poses a threat in some areas, although the species is protected by law in parts of its range.

Differences from the Western Capercaillie:

• The Ural capercaillie is slightly smaller than the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), though both species share similar behaviours and habitats.
• The Ural capercaillie is more adapted to the Siberian and northeastern Asian environments, whereas the western capercaillie is found primarily in European forests.

Behaviour and Adaptations:

• Seasonal Behaviour: In winter, Ural capercaillies are known to roost in trees and even burrow into snow to stay insulated from the cold. Their diet shifts significantly during this time, as they rely heavily on conifer needles when other food sources are scarce.
• Flight: While capable of flight, these birds are not strong fliers and prefer to walk or run through the dense forest. When they do take flight, it is usually to escape predators or move short distances between feeding areas.

Cultural Significance:

The capercaillie, including the Ural species, holds cultural importance in many parts of Russia and Siberia, where it has long been a symbol of the wild, remote forests. Historically, the bird has been hunted for its meat, and it has also featured in folklore and traditional stories.

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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