Lanius collaris (Southern fiscal or Fiscal shrike) Possibly 1777 - 1786

"Lanius collaris (Southern fiscal or Fiscal shrike)" is a watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, a renowned artist and explorer. Created between 1777 and 1786, the artwork showcases a detailed depiction of the Southern Fiscal shrike, a bird species found in southern Africa. Gordon's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic portrayal of the bird's plumage, posture, and the surrounding foliage. The painting exemplifies the artist's contribution to natural history illustration during the 18th century.