The Bald Eagle (Falco leucocephalus) Possibly 1731 - 1743

Mark Catesby's "The Bald Eagle (Falco leucocephalus)" is a detailed, hand-colored engraving from his famous work "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands," believed to be produced between 1731 and 1743. The image depicts a bald eagle in flight, its wings spread wide, talons outstretched, and a fish in its beak. This stunning representation showcases the bird's powerful presence and predatory nature. Catesby's meticulous attention to detail, particularly the intricate rendering of the eagle's feathers, makes this a significant contribution to the field of natural history illustration.