Gene Jarvis: Blackbird

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen and Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

Daringly distinctive among the ninety-four species of the Icteridae family that graces the North American temperate zone, is the strong-willed Barbados Blackbird. Also known as the Carib Grackle, this medium-sized bird, that grows up to twenty-one inches long, ventures beyond the normal insect-eating habits of its family to become almost totally omnivorous. An incorrigible nest robber, this bold bird likes to feast on small reptiles and amphibians and, in some cases, on the small fish it has learned to catch. The legs and feet of this upland bird are strong in order to support its weight when th Barbados Blackbird goes walking along in its distinctive stride. Its long pointed wings make it easy for this bird to fly and, silhouetted against the sky, his rounded tail, sometimes call a "boattail," is clearly seen. All Barbados Blackbirds are exteremely gregarious. Thus, when roosting occurs, the blackbirds gather in tremendous swarms, rendering the tropical landscape awash in ebony waves. Following this communal pattern, nesting is typically colonial in open cup nests built in trees, on the ground or in marsh vegetation. The eggs of the Barbados Blackbird are usually light in color, but etched with heavy, irregular black scrawls. To the native of Barbados, the loud and somewhat harsh call of the blackbird is more than the sound of a familiar bird; it is the notice served by one of the most assertive birds of its size in the Caribbean.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Barbados Blackbird stamp issued August 7, 1979.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06496

US$ Price: $950.00

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