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Corvids in Autumn

Posted on Nov 8, 2017

This painting by Roger Tory Peterson depicts several corvid species. While you’re not likely to see Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) in the Northeastern United States, Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Common Ravens (Corvus corax) can all be found here.

Peterson created this image for the 1951 book “Birds of Newfoundland”, by Harold S. Peters and Thomas D. Burleigh of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Peters and Burleigh were commissioned by the Newfoundland government to write the book to be used as a reference in schools, as well as for citizens and tourists of Newfoundland.

The book covers 227 birds, and was illustrated with 32 color plates and 40 line drawings by Roger Tory Peterson. The Newfoundland and Labrador Tourist Development Office created a series of prints from the book to sell as souvenirs to visitors to the provinces.

What a great example of birds – and Roger Tory Peterson – bringing nations together!