Elanus caeruleus (Black-winged kite) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor by Robert Jacob Gordon, possibly dated between 1777 and 1786, depicts a Black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) perched on a branch. The bird, with its distinctive gray and blue plumage, is rendered with striking realism, capturing the detail of its piercing red eyes and yellow talons. This piece exemplifies Gordon's meticulous approach to natural history illustration, which contributed significantly to scientific understanding of the avian world.