Piping Crow-shrike, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph, "Piping Crow-shrike," is part of the "Song Birds of the World" series produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette cards in 1890. It depicts a crow-shrike perched on a branch, with the bird's distinctive black head and white body vividly captured. The card's small size, typical of trade cards, makes it a charming example of the Victorian era's fascination with natural history, and its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection underscores its cultural significance.