Strix candida, Tickell. [Grass Owl]

Description

original hand-colour lithograph. EXTREMELY RARE.

This stunning finely hand-coloured lithograph originates from John Gould’s celebrated ‘Birds of Asia’. The present example is from the same group of “pattern plates” retained and later acquired by Henry Sotheran & Co. following Gould’s death. This plate was specifically used as the original reference for Gould’s colourist to produce the rest of the work. It is a unique opportunity to own an important part of the production process of Gould’s works. Produced with contributions from artists including Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter.

The Grass Owl (Strix candida, now generally placed in Tyto as the Eastern Grass Owl complex) here shown with fluffy baby owl standing on rocks on ground is a widespread species across Southeast Asia and Australia, typically inhabiting tall grasslands, reed beds, and open marshy country. Unlike typical forest-dwelling owls, it is strongly associated with low vegetation and hunts primarily small mammals in open habitats. Its pale plumage and long wings give it a distinctive ghost-like appearance in flight, and it remains a secretive but broadly distributed species within its range, including the Philippines.