Ornithological Collection (#79)

Greater flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) in flight. The greater flamingo is a large wading bird which inhabits lakes and coastal waters in parts of Africa, Asia and South and Central America

Bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata). This bird is found in tropical areas of South America. Like other curassows, it feeds on the ground, mainly on plant matter

White tern (Gygis alba) in flight. Photographed on Cousin Island, in the Seychelles, a group of islands north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean

Crested penguin catching prey, artwork
Crested penguin diving to catch its prey, artwork. The crested penguins (Eudyptes) can be distinguished from other penguins by the tufted crests on their heads

Common fody. Male common, or red, fody (Foudia madagascariensis) on the ground. Photographed on Bird Island, Seychelles

Penguins mating, artwork. The penguins reproductive organs are shown here, with the male on top and the female on the bottom

Familiar chat (Cercomela familiaris) perching on a post. Photographed in the Richtersveld region, Northern Cape, South Africa

Grey lourie (Corythaixoides concolor). Also called the grey go-away bird, this bird predominantly eats fruit, flowers and buds. It is a well-adapted tree-climber but is not an agile flyer

Yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) in a wetland area. Yellow wagtails are insectivorous, preferring to live in open country where it is easy to spot and pursue their prey

Giant eagle owl in a tree
Giant eagle owl (Bubo lacteus) perched in a tree. Photographed in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, South Africa

Common noddy on a wooden stump. The common, or brown, noddy (Anous stolidus) is a tropical seabird and the largest of the noddies. Photographed on Bird Island, Seychelles

Malachite sunbird male
Malachite sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) male, perching on an aloe plant. This bird has a long, thin, down-curved bill which enables it to feed on flower nectar

Black-chested snake eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) in flight. This bird of prey hunts snakes, but will also take lizards and other small animals and mammals. It is found throughout southern Africa

Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) wading in water. This bird feeds on insects and small invertebrates. It is found throughout wetland areas of South America

Seychelles sunbird nest. This nest, built by the Seychelles sunbird (Cinnyris dussumieri), is usually made from grass and moss, and bound with spiders webs. Numerous feathers are also seen here

Sooty tern chick
Sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) chick perching on a rock. This seabird is found on most tropical and subtropical coasts

Jabiru storks nesting
Jabiru storks (Jabiru mycteria) nesting in a tree. This large bird inhabits the wetlands of Central and South America east of the Andes

Silhouetted kelp gull. Outline of a kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) silhouetted against the Sun on coastal rocks. Photographed at the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, Western Cape, South Africa

Seychelles magpie robin (Copsychus sechellarum). This specimen has rings on both its legs. These are used to track bird populations and learn about their movements

Male mandarin duck
Mandarin drake. Dorset UK March 2010

Sooty tern in flight
Sooty tern (Sterna fuscata) in flight. Photographed on Bird Island, Seychelles

Trac trac chat (Cercomela tractrac). Photographed in the dunes of the Namib Desert, this is an example of the pale form of this bird

Cape glossy starling Juvenile cape glossy starling (Lamprotornis nitens) in grass. This starling is found throughout most of southern Africa. It inhabits acacia savannah and riverine bushlands

Hartlaubs gulls (Larus hartlaubii) on a rock. These seabirds thrive in built-up areas, feeding on waste. They live on the coast of Namibia and western South Africa

Wooden dovecote with doves

Juvenile Male redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) perched on a pine tree branch. This bird is considered to be an Old World flycatcher and is found throughout Europe in summer

African elephant and cattle egrets
African elephant (Loxodonta africana) feeding in a swamp, with two cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) squabbling at right. Photographed in Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Corn bunting (Miliaria calandra) on a tree stump. Photographed in Andalucia, Spain, in spring

Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Gentoo penguins jumping into the sea
Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) jumping into the sea, Port Lockroy, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

White-breasted cormorant with fish
White-breasted cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus) swallowing a tilapia, a freshwater fish. Photographed in Wilderness National Park, South Africa

Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) in its breeding plumage. Photographed in Andalucia, Spain in spring

White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)perched in a dead tree. Photographed in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Male long-tailed widow bird (Euplectes progne) in eclipse (drab, non-breeding) plumage. Photographed in Wakkerstroom, South Africa

Superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) perching on a thorny branch. Superb starlings are very common throughout East Africa

Mountain wagtail (Motacilla clara) perching on a branch. Photographed in Malelane, South Africa

Greater striped swallow (Hirundo cucullata) collecting mud pellets from a small water pool for building its nest. Photographed in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa

African penguin chicks moulting
African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) chicks moulting their down feathers (brown). Photographed at Stoney Point, Western Cape, South Africa

Herring gull on a pole calling. The herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large bird found throughout the world. It is an omnivore that scavenges for food and hunts small prey

Griffon vulture in flight
Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) in flight. This scavenger bird has a wingspan of between 230 and 265 centimetres. It is native to mountainous areas of the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia

Barn owl at night
Barn owl (Tyto alba) at night. Photographed in Israel, in June

Bird red blood cells, SEM
Bird red blood cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of fractured red blood cells (erythrocytes, red) from avian heart tissue

Lesser swamp warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) perching on floating water weed while searching for insects. Photographed in Wilderness National Park, South Africa

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus), Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian Arctic

Blue waxbills drinking
Blue waxbills (Uraeginthus angolensis) drinking from a puddle of water. Photographed in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Cape white-eye (Zosterops capensis) hanging upside down to reach the nectar of a flower. This bird is endemic to southern Africa, and feeds mainly on insects, but also on fruit, grains

Bokmakierie and caterpillar
Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus) with a caterpillar. The caterpillar is beaten on a rock (such as at right) before being swallowed. Photographed at De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) resting in long grass by the edge of a body of water. This duck feeds mainly at night on seeds and aquatic plants

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"Exploring the World of Ornithology: A Journey through Art and Nature" Immerse yourself in the captivating world of ornithology as we embark on a visual journey filled with magnificent bird species and historical artwork. The majestic Red kite soars gracefully across the sky, its vibrant plumage catching the sunlight. In awe, we witness this symbol of freedom and resilience. A delicate Long-tailed tit perches delicately on a branch, its fluffy feathers creating an enchanting sight. It reminds us that beauty can be found even in the smallest creatures. Behold the Barn owl depicted in artwork C016 / 3233; its ghostly appearance evokes both mystery and wisdom. This nocturnal hunter silently glides through moonlit landscapes. Witness a mesmerizing spectacle as an enormous flock of European starlings takes flight, their synchronized movements painting the sky with intricate patterns. Nature's harmony unfolds before our eyes. In United Kingdom's riverside habitats, we find the Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) showcasing its vibrant blue feathers against lush greenery—a true gem among British avifauna. Travel back to 19th-century England through artwork C013 / 6315 featuring Common magpies—these intelligent birds have long fascinated artists and storytellers alike. Gaze upon historical artwork depicting a Tawny owl—the epitome of nocturnal elegance—with piercing yellow eyes that seem to hold ancient secrets within them. Two mischievous Jackdaws playfully interact atop an old stone wall—an amusing scene reminding us that birds too have their own unique personalities and social dynamics. Delve into history once more as you discover Nightjar depicted in stunning detail by talented artists from yesteryears—a mysterious creature known for its haunting calls during twilight hours. Once again, marvel at nature's grandeur as another vast flock of European starlings graces our presence—each individual contributing to create a breathtaking spectacle in the sky.