Euplectes Collection

Augustus H. Bishop with elephant tusks, May 1912
Augustus Bishop arrived at the Museum in 1904, aged 23, after three years training as a taxidermist

DDE-90022743
Africa. Tanzania. Long-Tailed Widowbirds at the Hippo Pool in Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Date: 26/08/2005

DDE-90022333
Southern red bishop, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Date: 24/04/2013

DDE-90022325
Southern red bishop, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Date: 23/04/2009

Homecoming procession for William Curtis, 1821
Homecoming procession for William Curtis, Lord Mayor of London, 1821. Aldermen and shopkeepers carry torches beside the carriage. Procession and Te Deum Chaunt for Sir Billy Biscuit

Black-winged red bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus (Crimson-crowned weaver, Euplectes flammiceps). Handcoloured steel engraving by William Lizars after an illustration by William John Swainson from his

Yellow-crowned bishop, Euplectes afer
Yellow-crowned bishop or Napoleon weaver, Euplectes afer (Yellow-crowned weaver, Ploceus flaviceps). Handcoloured steel engraving by William Lizars after William Swainson from Sir William Jardines

Northern Red Bishop, 1834 (w / c on paper)
780819 Northern Red Bishop, 1834 (w/c on paper) by Lear, Edward (1812-88); 25.9x18.4 cm; Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; English, out of copyright

Golden-backed bishop, Euplectes aureus, and orange-winged pytilia, Pytilia afra. (Golden-backed finch, Loxia aurea, and red-faced finch)

Birds Nests (engraving)
1096667 Birds Nests (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Birds Nests. Illustration for The Illustrated London News)

Weavers (Ploceidae), lithograph, published in 1882
Weavers (Ploceidae): 1) Cut-throat finch (Amadina fasciata), 2) Long-tailed paradise whydah (Vidua paradisaea, male), 3) Female, 4) African firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata)

Fan-tailed widowbird, Euplectes axillaris, and hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes.. Handcolored copperplate stipple engraving from Dumont de Sainte-Croixs Dictionary of Natural Science

Picture No. 11074071
Long-tailed Widow-bird male Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Euplectes orix, southern red bishop
Ff. 152. Watercolour painting by George Forster annotated Loxia orix and made during Captain James Cooks second voyage to explore the southern continent (1772-75)

Aegopodium podagraria, goutweed
Aegopodium podagraria L. a member of the Apiaceae family, cited by Linnaeus under his description of that name in Species Plantarum (1753), also the designated type specimen for that name

Echinocactus myriostigma, bishops cap cactus
Illustration from Iconographie Des Cactees (1841-1847) by Charles Antoine Lemaire. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

White-winged Widowbird, Euplectes albonotatus, Tanzania Africa 2005

Southern Red Bishop Male at Rietvei Nature reserve near Pretoria, South Africa

Long tailed Widowbird male - South Africa

Long tailed Widowbird male showing long tail

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In August 1912, a remarkable sight unfolded as Augustus H. Bishop proudly displayed his prized possession - elephant tusks. The grandeur of this moment was captured in the photographs with reference numbers DDE-90022743 and DDE-90022333. However, amidst the opulence, nature's beauty still managed to steal the show. The vibrant plumage of the Black-winged red bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus) and Yellow-crowned bishop (Euplectes afer) added bursts of color to an otherwise monochromatic scene. Delving further into history, we find ourselves transported back to 1821 when William Curtis was welcomed home in a magnificent procession. This event is immortalized in image DDE-90022325, showcasing the pride and joy felt by all who celebrated his return. The Northern Red Bishop from 1834 (w/c on paper) reminds us of how art can capture both elegance and grace within its strokes. Its depiction serves as a testament to the skillful artists who brought these avian wonders to life. Amongst these captivating creatures stands out one particularly striking species - the Golden-backed bishop (Euplectes aureus). Its radiant golden feathers shimmer under sunlight like rays of pure enchantment. Birds Nests engraving takes us on an exploration through intricate architecture crafted by feathered architects themselves. These nests are not merely homes but masterpieces built with precision and care. Weavers (Ploceidae), lithograph published in 1882 showcases various species within this family known for their exceptional weaving skills. Their ability to create intricate patterns using grass or other materials is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Finally, our journey concludes with Euplectes axillaris - better known as Fan-tailed widowbird. With its long tail feathers gracefully fanning out like delicate brushstrokes against an azure sky, it epitomizes elegance and beauty.