Black or Surf Duck (Plate 317)

Highlights

• 317 Black, or Surf Duck by John James Audubon from Birds of America — a faithful museum-quality reproduction of a celebrated ornithological study.
• CHOOSE YOUR SIZE & FORMAT: Pick your dimensions and shape right from this listing — vertical, horizontal, panoramic and square options available.
• MUSEUM-QUALITY GICLEE: Fade-resistant archival inks on premium artist-grade canvas, hand-stretched and gallery-wrapped over a solid 1.5" wood frame, hardware attached and ready to hang.
• A REFINED FOCAL POINT for the living room, bedroom, study, home office or entryway — timeless style with lasting appeal.
• HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Made to order in multiple sizes and shapes — a thoughtful, gallery-worthy gift.

Description

This plate from John James Audubon's landmark ornithological work 'The Birds of America' depicts the Black or Surf Duck (Melanitta perspicillata), showing a vivid male perched on a dark rock above a more subdued female resting on a sandy shore, with eggs and a distant coastal cliff in the background. The composition showcases Audubon's signature naturalistic style, capturing the species' dramatic sexual dimorphism — the glossy black male with its distinctive orange-and-white bill markings contrasting against the brown female. Originally published between 1827 and 1838, 'The Birds of America' is celebrated as one of the finest achievements in ornithological illustration and natural history art.