Steller's Eider (Polysticta stelleri), Havell plate no. 429

ca. 1836-1838

Watercolor, graphite, pastel, and black ink with scratching out on paper, laid on card

Sheet (paper): 14 3/4 × 21 5/8 in. (37.5 × 54.9 cm)
Mat: 23 x 29 in. (58.4 x 73.7 cm)

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

1863.18.37

DescriptionIncludes a very faint detail sketch of tail.

InscribedInscribed at left vertically in graphite over erased inscriptions[erased and partially illegible]: "[next to a 2 inch line] Limit[Lingth?] of smaller tail feather, -- / total lingth[sic] of the wing -- the entire but of / the wing as far as [minor?]…pure white -- and I think the black / Spot in front of it in very firm[?] birds may mark a... / collar -- --, this specimen is a very beautiful one -- / I think the whole under parts has faded greatly -- / since shot ---"; at right [partially erased]: "... / 14 tail feathers --- / [line 1/4 inch] length of tarsus / [short line]...outer toe nail... / [short line]...inner -- -- / First primary longest --- / and wing feathers broader / [curved line diagram] with as much and base --- . / Secondaries blue and terminating / in a band of white --- / Scapulius -- long … / the upper Vail white the lower of / each feather tip blue or black / in different lights -- / the neck shorter -- / the general form that of the / Harlequin duck -- / bills and feet also -- -- / beneath dark but not… / black, under tail coverts / indian ink black. -- / upper tail coverts Del[?]... / whole back Del[?]…er green[cut] / in the bright light -- / see colours of any / Known --Kill'd at... / near -- Yarmouth 1830 -- / in Yarrell --"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS

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