The Pied-billed Dobchick (Colymbus podiceps) Possibly 1731 - 1743

"The Pied-billed Dobchick (Colymbus podiceps)" is a hand-colored engraving by Mark Catesby, a renowned English naturalist and artist. This intricate depiction, likely created between 1731 and 1743, showcases the meticulous detail characteristic of Catesby's work. The artwork, part of his "Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands," aimed to document the diverse flora and fauna of the American colonies. Catesby's keen observation is evident in the precise rendering of the pied-billed dobchick, highlighting its distinctive features and natural habitat. This piece exemplifies Catesby's contributions to scientific illustration, merging artistic skill with botanical and zoological accuracy.