Curlew Sandpiper (Tringa ferruginea)
~ 1828
About this artwork
This finely detailed lithograph features a Curlew Sandpiper, scientifically known as Tringa ferruginea, standing in profile on a patch of ground at the edge of water with sparse vegetation. The bird's plumage is meticulously rendered in shades of brown, white, and black, highlighting its characteristic long, slender, slightly down-curved bill and long legs.
Did you know?
The Curlew Sandpiper, depicted here with remarkable detail, is a fascinating migratory bird known for its epic journeys from the Arctic tundra to distant southern continents. This particular illustration likely captures the bird in its non-breeding plumage, as its rusty namesake feathers would typically appear during the summer breeding season. Such meticulous scientific illustrations were vital for ornithologists in the 19th century, serving as primary visual records for species identification and study before the advent of widespread photography.
On your wall. Unlock the HD download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Curlew Sandpiper (Tringa ferruginea)
Wihelm Wright, ~ 1828
