Plate 104
Havell VII
Purple Grakle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
Audubon was obviously proud of the striking characterization he achieved in this painting, which was probably made in Louisiana about 1825. “Look at them,” he wrote. “The male, as if full of delight at the sight of the havoc which he has already committed on the tender, juicy, unripe corn on which he stands, has swelled his throat, and is calling in exultation to his companions to come and assist him in demolishing it. The female has fed herself, and is about to fly off with a well-loaded bill to her hungry and expectant brood… See how the husk is torn from the ear, and how nearly devoured are the grains of corn [Zea mays]!”
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.