Hoopoe Bird. De Upupa. A. Lib. III 1551 - 1587

"Hoopoe Bird. De Upupa. A. Lib. III" is a woodcut print by Conrad Gesner from 1551-1587, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The print depicts a hoopoe bird, known for its distinctive black and white striped feathers and prominent crest, in a detailed, realistic manner, showcasing Gesner's skill in natural history illustration. The artist is known for his meticulous depictions of animals and plants, often incorporating Latin and Greek descriptions, evident in the text surrounding the bird in the image. This woodcut reflects the 16th century's growing interest in scientific observation and documentation of the natural world.