Thalassidroma Leachii. Forked-tailed Storm-Petrel.
1862-1873
John Gould and his collaborator H.C. Richter (whose name is tucked in the fine print) brought these sleek, dark seabirds to life in the 1860s. Notice how the two 'Forked-tailed Storm-Petrels' bob on the water with their distinctive forked tails raised high—a classic pose for these little ocean wanderers. The background shows a rocky coast and other birds in flight, setting the scene for their natural habitat. Gould was a Victorian bird enthusiast who published massive, beautiful books like 'The Birds of Great Britain' to document every feathered friend he could find, often employing teams of artists to color these prints by hand.
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