The Red Legged Thrush (Turdus plumbeus) Possibly 1731 - 1743

"The Red Legged Thrush" is an illustration by the English naturalist Mark Catesby, produced between 1731 and 1743 as part of his groundbreaking work "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands." The image, rendered with precise detail, depicts a bird perched on a branch, its red legs highlighted against the background of green foliage and blue berries. Catesby's meticulous approach to scientific illustration was revolutionary for the time and helped to popularize natural history studies in the 18th century. This detailed engraving and hand-coloring exemplify the aesthetic and scientific value of Catesby’s work.