Orange-Chinned Parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis Postcard

A detailed natural history illustration from a 19th-century scientific publication, this image is a fine example of the work of Jacques Barraband, a renowned French illustrator of the era. The plate, titled La Perruche à gorge rouge and featuring the species known today as the Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis), is a meticulously rendered engraving from the seminal work "Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets," published between 1801 and 1805 with text by François Levaillant. Barraband's skill is evident in the bird's lifelike posture and the incredibly detailed feather work, which captures the unique textures and colours of the species. The illustration clearly depicts the defining characteristics of the Orange-chinned Parakeet, which is a small, vibrant parrot native to the humid forests, edge habitats, and open country of Central and South America, ranging from Mexico down through Colombia and Venezuela. The bird is primarily rich emerald-green, with distinct, bright orange-yellow feathers covering the chin and throat, a key identifying feature accurately rendered by Barraband. A defining characteristic of the Brotogeris genus is the presence of a noteable yellow and blue-grey speculum on the wing, visible here. The bird's tail is moderately long and pointed, and it is shown with a strongly curved, horn-coloured beak, perched on a weathered, lichen-covered branch, providing a naturalistic setting common in vintage scientific prints. This particular plate is highly sought after by collectors of antique natural history prints and those with an interest in ornithology, particularly the parrots of the Neo-tropics. Barraband’s illustrations are not only aesthetically beautiful but also historically significant as they represent an early and accurate scientific record of new species. The print, with its rich history and precise identification, serves as a valuable resource for understanding the early documentation of biodiversity and the high standard of scientific illustration achieved in the Napoleonic era.