Red-tailed Hawk (Falco borealis) and Prey
1829
About this artwork
This dramatic illustration, Plate 51 from John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America', depicts a powerful Red-tailed Hawk capturing a rabbit, with another bird caught in the intense struggle. It was drawn from nature by Audubon and engraved by R. Havell, Junr.
Did you know?
John James Audubon's 'Birds of America' is an monumental work, celebrated for its ambitious scale and lifelike depictions. This particular plate, showcasing the Red-tailed Hawk, exemplifies Audubon's groundbreaking approach to ornithological illustration, moving beyond static scientific renderings to capture the raw drama and dynamism of nature. His commitment to depicting birds in their natural, often intense, interactions, like this scene of predation, revolutionized how bird life was presented to the public.
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Red-tailed Hawk (Falco borealis) and Prey
John James Audubon, 1829
