Henry Constantine Richter (1821-1902)

Details
Henry Constantine Richter (1821-1902)

White-winged Black Tern
Hydrochelidon leucoptera
Chlidonias leucopterus
(Temminck)

numbered '5.76.' and with inscription on the mount 'J. Gould/Hydrochelidon leucoptera/White-winged Tern'; pencil and watercolour heightened with white and gum arabic
14 1/8 x 21 1/8in. (359 x 537mm.)
Literature
J. Gould, op.cit., V, pl.76

Lot Essay

Gould stated that as there were few records of the White-winged Tern, it could be regarded as only an accidental visitor in Britain.

The illustration was from a specimen found at Hickling Broad, on July 13th 1867. The dark parts of the plumage were 'dark greenish-black, and the shoulders beautifully white shading off into French Grey.'

The two birds are depicted in summer plumage.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds from eastern Europe eastwards through Asia to north China, southeast Iraq and irregularly in east Africa. Western Palaeartic population winters Africa south of the Sahara. Annual vagrant to Britain, between mid-April and early November

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