This beautiful crested bird is believed to have been discovered in 1669 but not described until 1783. Sadly, by the 1850s, less than 100 years later, it was considered extinct. Non-native species, introduced to their habitat along with being hunted for their meat, led to their extinction. There are believed to be 19 birds preserved in museums and this drawing was done from one located in Paris.
This lovely bird drawing is by Johannes Gerardus Keulemans (1842-1912). Keulemans was a Dutch bird illustrator and illustrated many of popular 19th century ornithology books, including this famous tome written by Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild (1868-1937).
As you can see from this drawing, these birds were striking. Their chests, necks and heads were a white-to-light grey color. Their back, wings and tail feathers were described as being dark grey. Their legs and feet were yellowish orange and their nails were curved.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.
