Black Cockatoo. Australian Palm Cockatoo antique print c1811.

by Shaw, George

Black Cockatoo antique print. Goliath Cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus.

Superb original engraving c1811 by Mrs. M. Griffith, the principal illustrator for George Shaw's General Zoology or Systematic Natural History by George Shaw, M.D.F.R.S., &c. with Plates from the first Authorities and most select specimens, published by in London by George Kearsley, Fleet Street & the other Proprietors between 1800 and 1825 (later hand-colour).

This is a wonderful portrait of this ancient species and very clever bird. The male bird courts a female mate by drumming with a stick on the trunk of the hollow in a tree where he has made a home.

Slight soiling at top right of page, so price adjusted accordingly. Page measures 230 x 150mm (9 x 6 inches).