AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851), after. – HAVELL, Robert (1793-1878).

Frigate Pelican (Plate CCLXXII)
Tachypetes Aquilus

The modern name is this bird is the Magnificent Frigatebird. It was also known as the "Man O' War" bird for its aggressive tactics of assailing other birds in mid-air to steal their food, a technique that the young frigatebirds practice on each other with sticks instead of food. "Audubon wrote extensively of observing this species in the Florida Keys when he was there in the spring of 1832" (Low, p. 148). They are a hardy species, one male was captured who was at least 19 years old.

Engraving with hand-coloring, etching, and aquatint, on watermarked J Whatman paper dated 1835. 980 x 635mm sheet size, 38 1/4 x 25 inches. (Areas of toning in upper left quadrant, near plumage, and to left and bottom edges; affixed to mat board in two places; light wear and restoration to left edge.) Matted and framed.