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Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis viridis
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Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis viridis
Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis viridis (Sumatra bee-eater, Merops sumatranus). Handcoloured engraving after an illustration by H. Kearsley of a specimen in the Zoological Society Museum from Edward Griffiths The Animal Kingdom by the Baron Cuvier, London, Whittaker, 1828
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Media ID 23167906
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Baron Bee Eater Blue Throated Cuvier Griffith Harriet Kearsley Merops Ornithology Sumatra Viridis Sumatranus
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This exquisite hand-colored engraving depicts the Blue-throated Bee-eater, Merops viridis viridis, also known as the Sumatran Blue-throated Bee-eater. The Blue-throated Bee-eater is a small, vibrant bird native to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java. This engraving is based on a specimen in the Zoological Society Museum and was illustrated by H. Kearsley for Edward Griffiths' seminal work, "The Animal Kingdom" by the Baron Cuvier, published in London by Whittaker in 1828. The Blue-throated Bee-eater is a striking bird, with its iridescent blue throat, green back, and chestnut belly. It is a member of the bee-eater family, which is known for its distinctive long, downward-curved bills. These birds feed primarily on insects, particularly bees and wasps, which they catch in mid-air while hovering. The Blue-throated Bee-eater was first described by the naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1824. At the time, it was considered a distinct species, Merops sumatranus, but it is now considered a subspecies of the Blue-throated Bee-eater. The Blue-throated Bee-eater is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This beautiful engraving not only serves as a testament to the natural history of the Blue-throated Bee-eater but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving the world's diverse bird populations. The intricate details of the bird's plumage and the artful use of color make this a true masterpiece of natural history illustration.
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