Salt water marsh hen
1827-1838
John James Audubon brings the noisy Clapper Rail to life in this dramatic plate from his massive 'Birds of America' project. Notice the bird on the right with its beak wide open—it's likely letting out the loud, clattering call that earned it the nickname 'marsh hen,' even though it's definitely not a chicken! Audubon was famous for wiring up freshly killed birds to create these dynamic, action-packed poses, rather than just painting stiff, stuffed specimens. This specific plate showcases the male in his spring plumage calling out while the female strolls by, set against a backdrop of tall marsh grasses.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper
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