Michael Warren: Western Kingbird

Artist: Michael Warren
1938 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 14 by 12 inches
Overall Size: 16 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

The Western Kingbird is a member of the Flycatcher family, a small group of birds most often observed perched on exposed twigs and branches. It is from these perches that they are seen darting forth to snap up passing insects. Except for the occasional jerking of the tail they appear much less nervous than other small birds, In fact, they usually sit quite motionless. They will also feed on berries which they deftly pluck while in flight.

The Kingbird is the most boldly marked and therefore, most recognizable of all the Flycatchers. It is so named because of its brilliant orange crown patch which, although it is always emphasized in artist's renditions, is almost never visible in the field because it lies concealed beneath the black head feathers. The tail is also black with a white terminal band. The wings and rest of the upperparts are bluish-black while the throat and underparts are white.

The Kingbird's outstanding characteristic is its behavior, which is audacious, defiant, and fearless in the defense of its territory. Crows and hawks are pursued with such heated determination to make an observed inclined to stand and applaud. Squirrels are driven into hiding and Blue Jays are knocked from perches. These feisty birds live up to their Latin name "tyrant of tyrants."

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 © 1985 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): XB09873

US$ Price: Reg. $2,000.00 Today $1,000.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.

How to buy Original Artwork:

If you would like to buy Original Artwork, there are several convenient ways:

Use The Artwork Gallery: simply click the "Hang in Gallery" for pictures of interest. This puts the picture in your Personal Artwork Gallery, where you can view or remove it. When you've finished hanging artwork in your Personal Artwork Gallery, Go to your Personal Artwork Gallery and select an option for contacting us or ordering from us from there.

To get in touch with us directly about a piece of Artwork by Phone note the SKU and dial TOLL FREE 1-800-287-4079 from throughout U.S. and Canada.