Michael Warren: Indigo Bunting

Artist: Michael Warren
1938 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1986
Image Size: 14 by 12 inches
Overall Size: 15.75 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

"He sings just as well as he can, and I believe just as loud as he can." This was one naturalist's observation of the Indigo Bunting's joyful, yet unmelodious song. However, the quality lacking in its tune is compensated for by the bird's persistence. Singing well into the late summer months, the Indigo Bunting continues to croon long after most other songsters have ceased. Another distinction of this species is the ability of young males to copy the songs of their more established neighbors. By impersonating an experienced bird that has already fought for its turf, the copycat has better luck maintaining its territory and acquiring a mate under this assumed identity. Believing the impostor to be a bird that has already demonstrated its dominance, rival males will avoid the clever mimic. Yet, the Indigo Bunting can be duped as well. The female is often tricked into raising an offspring that is not its own. Crafty cowbirds deposit their eggs in the nests of birds such as the Indigo Bunting. Once nestled among the Bunting chicks, the interloper is cared for by the unsuspecting mother, who proceeds to nurture and protect it along with her own offspring. In fact, this attentive parent will fly in front of intruders without regard for her own safety, uttering a sharp warning tsick from a nearby perch. Males also contribute to rearing the young by bringing insects and seeds to feed the hatchlings.

This artwork was originally published on a Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Birds of America Collection. Each Cover featured a State Wildlife Conservation Stamp designed by Michael Warren, issued by the National Audubon Society and postmarked on the First Day of Issue of each stamp which was also the anniversary of statehood for each state.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 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): XB10553

US$ Price: $2,000.00

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