Catesby, Mark. Vol.I, Tab. 14, The Rice-Bird

Mark Catesby (1638 - 1749)Etching with hand color, paper dimensions: approximately 14 x 19 inchesFrom Volume I, Part 1 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama IslandsLondon: 1729 - 1771 Currently known as the bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus and rice, Oryza sativa*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: HORTULANUS CAROLINIENSIS. The Rice-Bird. In the beginning of September, while the Grain of Rice is yet soft and milky, innumerable Flights of these Birds arrive from some remote Parts, to the great detriment of the inhabitants. Anno 1724, an Inhabitant near Ashley river had forty acres of Rice devoured by them, that he was in doubt, whether what they had left, was worth the expence of gathering in. They are esteemed in Carolina the greatest delicacy of all other Birds. When they first arrive, they are lean, but in few days become so excessive fat, that they fly sluggishly and with difficulty; and when shot, frequently break with the fall. They continue a