Plate 67
Havell CXLVI
Fish Crow
(Corvus ossifragus)
“This may be said to be the only species of Black Bird found in the United States, that is not constantly subjected to persecution,” wrote Audubon. “You would suppose it fully aware of its privileges, were you to witness the liveliness of its motions, and to listen to its continued chatter… Like the other crows, they are fond of replacing their wings, as it were, in their proper situations, frequently opening them out a little, and instantly closing them again.” This painting was done in 1829. Audubon shows the crow at top preening its wing; the other bird is eating a salt-water crab. They are standing on the branches of a honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) heavy with ripe seed pods.
Source: The Original Water-Color Paintings by John James Audubon. Copyright 1966 by American Heritage Publishing Co., Inc.
Learn more about this print on the National Audubon Society's website.