Catesby, Mark. Vol.I, Tab. 85, The Oyster Catcher

Mark Catesby (1638 - 1749)Etching with hand color, paper dimensions: approximately 14 x 19 inchesFrom Volume I, Part 5 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama IslandsLondon: 1732 - 1771 Currently known as the oystercatcher, Haematopus palliiatus and black mangrove, Arvicennia germinans*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: HAEMATOPUS. The Oyster Catcher. Weighs one pound and two ounces; the Bill long, streight and of a bright red colour, contracted near the basis, and towards the end compress'd: the Irides of their Eyes are yellow, encompassed with a red Circle: the whole Head and Neck black, having a spot of white under the Eyes; all the under part of the Body, dusky white: the larger Quill-feathers are dusky black: the Tail is short, black towards the End, and towards the Rump white: the upper part of the Body and Wings, brown, except a broad white line, which runs along the middle of each Wing; the Legs are long and thick, and of a reddish colour.