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Giant kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima gigantea
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Giant kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima gigantea
Giant kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima gigantea (Great African kingfisher, Ispida gigantea). Handcoloured steel engraving by William Lizars after William Swainson from Sir William Jardines Naturalists Library: Ornithology: Birds of Western Africa, Edinburgh, W.H. Lizars, 1837
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Media ID 23184158
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Giant Gigantea Jardine Kingfisher Lizars Maxima Naturalists Ornithology Swainson Megaceryle
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This stunning handcoloured steel engraving depicts the Giant Kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima gigantea, also known as the Great African Kingfisher or Ispida gigantea. The image is taken from Sir William Jardine's Naturalists Library: Ornithology, volume on Birds of Western Africa, published in Edinburgh by W.H. Lizars in 1837. The illustration is the work of the skilled hand of William Swainson, who meticulously observed and documented the natural world. The Giant Kingfisher is a large and impressive bird, with vibrant blue-green plumage, a long, powerful bill, and a distinctive crest. Native to the African continent, it can be found near large rivers and lakes, where it perches on branches or dead trees, waiting patiently for prey to swim by. With a swift and powerful strike, the kingfisher plunges into the water to catch fish, which it then dispatches with a powerful beak strike before consuming. This beautiful engraving captures the essence of the Giant Kingfisher's striking appearance and regal demeanor. The intricate details of the feathers, the sharp lines of the beak and crest, and the lifelike quality of the bird's eyes all contribute to a captivating and accurate representation of this magnificent bird. The handcolouring adds depth and vibrancy to the image, bringing the Giant Kingfisher to life and making it a true work of art. This engraving is a testament to the skill and dedication of the naturalists, illustrators, and engravers of the 19th century, who worked tirelessly to document and preserve the natural world for future generations. It remains an important historical record and a source of inspiration for those who appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
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