White-tailed Kite

John James Audubon's life work, The Birds of America, remains today as be of the greatest achievements in American art and one of the most important documents of natural history. Audubon frequently made multiple watercolors of the same species of birds, often re-working poses and subjects before selecting the most characteristic composition for the final, engraved image. Audubon was a rigorous naturalist and tireless artist, even during his lifetime his works received critical acclaim. In addition to hiring noted artists Robert Havell, Jr., George Lehman, and Joseph R. Mason, among others, Audubon also turned to his own family for assistance in sometimes completing compositions. The branch in the present work was most likely added by a member of Audubon's studio to create a more complete scene.