George Edwards, Grey Peacock-Pheasant Hen, 1746, Engraving on Paper

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Original Hand-Colored engraving from George Edwards' "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds," which was published in multiple volumes between 1743 … Read more Original Hand-Colored engraving from George Edwards' "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds," which was published in multiple volumes between 1743 and 1751. Specifically, the engraving is labeled with the year 1746. Therefore, this particular engraving was made in 1746, as indicated by the date inscribed on it. George Edwards was meticulous in documenting the creation and publication dates of his work, making it easier to identify the exact year of individual engravings within his series. The birds depicted in the engraving are referred to as the Hen of the Pheasant-Peacock from China, which likely corresponds to the female of the species known as the Grey Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum). : 1. Upper Bird (Hen of the Pheasant-Peacock) - Species: Likely the Grey Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) - Color and Pattern: The bird has a predominantly dark, brownish-gray plumage with distinctive blue eye-spots on its wings and tail. The intricate pattern resembles peacock feathers, which is characteristic of this species. - Shape and Size: It has a slender body, long tail feathers adorned with eye-spots, and a small, pointed beak. - Habitat: Native to the forests of Southeast Asia, including regions of China, these birds are known for their secretive nature and preference for dense undergrowth. 2. Lower Bird (Possibly a Female Pheasant) - Species: Could be another view or another individual of the same species or a closely related species. - Color and Pattern: The bird exhibits a yellowish body with reddish-brown wings and speckled patterns on its body. The coloration is more muted compared to the upper bird. - Shape and Size: Smaller in appearance, with a stout body and shorter tail feathers. - Habitat: Also likely to inhabit similar environments as the upper bird, preferring forested areas with ample cover. General Characteristics of Grey Peacock-Pheasant: - **Behavior**: These birds are ground-dwellers, often foraging on the forest floor for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where the male fans out his tail feathers to showcase the eye-spots to attract females. - **Distribution**: Found in Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, and Southern China. - **Conservation Status**: The species is not currently considered endangered, but habitat destruction poses a threat to its population. The illustrations capture the unique beauty and elaborate feather patterns of these birds, highlighting their distinctive appearance that combines elements of both pheasants and peacocks. See less