Passer melanurus (Cape sparrow or mossie) Possibly 1778

This watercolor painting, titled "Passer melanurus (Cape sparrow or mossie)" by Robert Jacob Gordon, depicts a pair of Cape Sparrows perched on a branch. Created possibly in 1778, the artwork displays Gordon's keen attention to detail in capturing the birds' plumage, from the grey and brown tones of the female to the distinctive black and white markings of the male. The inscription in the bottom right corner, "Caaple mitte. verkeerde veley the 19 des. 1978," suggests the date and location of the observation, adding a layer of historical context to the scientific illustration. The inscription also notes "Moiman Semelles. 6. le male", which indicates the male bird and suggests a possible scientific study about the bird. This artwork provides a glimpse into Gordon's contribution to ornithological studies and the beauty of Cape Sparrows.