Himantopus himantopus (Black-winged stilt) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This 18th-century watercolor by Robert Jacob Gordon depicts a Black-winged Stilt, a wading bird with distinctive long, thin legs. The detailed illustration, likely created between 1777 and 1786, showcases Gordon's meticulous attention to detail, capturing the bird's plumage and anatomy with precision. The inclusion of a scale bar and background flora further emphasizes the scientific purpose of this artwork, highlighting Gordon's role as a naturalist and explorer. The Black-winged Stilt, known for its striking black and white coloration and long, slender legs, is often found in wetlands and shallow waters. Gordon's artwork serves as a valuable record of this bird species and its natural habitat.