The Hooping Crane (Ardea Americana) Possibly 1731 - 1743

"The Hooping Crane (Ardea Americana)" is a hand-colored engraving by English naturalist Mark Catesby from his seminal work, "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands". Created between 1731 and 1743, the print depicts a close-up view of the head and neck of the Great Blue Heron, a common bird in the southeastern United States. The detailed rendering of the bird's features and the accompanying foliage showcase Catesby's meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy, reflecting the emerging field of natural history in the 18th century. The artwork's scientific value is further enhanced by the Latin inscription "Grus Americana, Alba" which identifies the species and its characteristics.