The Yellow Titmouse (Motacilla trochilus)
1754
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1754
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a small yellow bird perched on a branch. The bird has a bright yellow chest and a grayish back, sitting among glossy green leaves. The branch holds clusters of small blue and red berries, and the whole scene looks carefully drawn with soft colors. The artist labeled the bird *Parus luteus* (now called the Yellow Titmouse) and the plant *Laurus carolinensis*. This was part of a book about nature, mixing science with art. Look up Catesby, Mark to see how he blended drawings with early natural science.
