Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) and Snowy-crowned Tern (Sterna trudeaui), Study for Havell pl. 409

1821; 1838

Place madeLondon, England, Europe

Watercolor, graphite, black ink, pastel, and gouache with selective glazing on two sheets of paper, laid on card

Mat: 23 x 29 in. (58.4 x 73.7 cm)
Sheet (paper): 14 3/4 × 21 7/16 in. (37.5 × 54.5 cm)

Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon

1863.17.409

Trudeau's tern is a South American species which has not been found in the U.S. since Audubon's time.

DescriptionForster's tern, winter plumage, above; Trudeau's tern, below; Audubon originally named one of these birds "Havell's Tern", after his engraver Robert Havell Jr.

InscribedInscribed at lower left in graphite: "Sterna Phillipsi 1."; at lower center: "Sterna Trudeaui 2. --"; above right: "[cut]… in the Eddy -- / New Orleans in the Winter of 20-21 when thousands of / the same Species were gambolling over the River - I then / Drew it - but have no Skins of it; and through fear of / Confusing myself I dare not publish it -- / I have notwithstanding named it -- "Black billed Tern" / & Sterna Ludoviciana - / J.J.A. ---"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS

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