European Roller (Coracias Garrulus)
~ 1828
About this artwork
This is a detailed scientific illustration of a European Roller (Coracias Garrulus) perched on a branch, rendered with precise lines and vibrant watercolor hues against a plain background. The illustration includes its scientific name and the Swedish common name "Blåkråka" at the bottom, indicative of its origin as a plate from an ornithological publication.
Did you know?
The European Roller is celebrated for its stunning iridescent plumage, a vibrant mix of turquoise, brown, and blue, making it one of Europe's most colorful birds. These striking colors are not due to pigments, but rather the structural properties of their feathers which scatter light, a phenomenon known as structural coloration. This exquisite illustration perfectly captures the bird's brilliant hues, which unfortunately are becoming rarer in parts of Europe due to habitat loss, making records like this even more valuable for conservation efforts.
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European Roller (Coracias Garrulus)
Wihelm Wright, ~ 1828
