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Arfak astrapia, Astrapia nigra
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Arfak astrapia, Astrapia nigra
Arfak astrapia, Astrapia nigra.. Copied from Jacques Barrabands illustration from Francois Levaillants Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis, 1801. Handcolored copperplate engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany 1812
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Media ID 14218942
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Francois Frederick Histoire Jacques Miscellany Naturalist Naturelle Nigra Nodder Oiseaux Paradis Polydore Shaw Astrapia Barraband Levaillant
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image showcases the enigmatic Arfak Astrapia, Astrapia nigra, a bird of paradise native to the Arfak Mountains of West New Guinea. The Arfak Astrapia is one of the rarest and most elusive birds of paradise, with a population estimated to be fewer than 2,500 individuals. This exquisite handcolored copperplate engraving is taken from Jacques Barraband's illustration in Francois Levaillant's Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis, published in 1801. The intricate details of the Arfak Astrapia's iridescent plumage, vibrant colors, and distinctive crest are beautifully captured in this historic artwork. Barraband, a renowned French natural history illustrator, created this illustration based on observations made by Francois Levaillant, a prominent French naturalist. The illustration was later reproduced in George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany in 1812. The handcoloring adds an extra layer of detail and depth to the image, making it a true masterpiece. The Arfak Astrapia is known for its elaborate courtship display, which involves the male bird inflating its bright red wattles and shaking its head from side to side. This display is designed to attract females, who are drawn to the male's vibrant colors and distinctive call. Despite their elusiveness, the Arfak Astrapia remains an iconic symbol of the unique and diverse bird life found in the Pacific region. This historic image is a testament to the beauty and intrigue of the natural world and the important role that natural history illustration plays in documenting and preserving the world's biodiversity.
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