Little screech owl
1827-1838
Audubon was famous for his dramatic, almost theatrical poses, often achieved by wiring up freshly killed birds to look alive. In this plate from his monumental 'Birds of America,' three Eastern Screech-Owls (then called Little Screech Owls) cling to a pine branch. You can see the species' two common color variations—the reddish-brown 'red morph' and the greyish 'grey morph'—displayed side-by-side. The owl at the bottom spreads its wings in a dynamic landing pose, showing off the detailed barring on its feathers, a hallmark of Audubon's desire to show birds in action rather than just as stiff specimens.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving