A Fascinating Natural History Articulated Anatomical Skeleton of a Sparrowhawk Preying on a Sparrow
SOLD
A Fascinating Natural History Articulated Anatomical Skeleton of a Sparrowhawk Preying on a Sparrow
Origin: English
Period: Early/Mid Twentieth Century
Provenance: A Single Owner Estate
Date: c.1930-60
Base Diameter: 4 inches
Overall Height: 9 inches
Fresh to the market, the pair of skeletal specimens, preserved and mounted on a ebonised two step octagonal circular wooden pedestal base showing a mature sparrowhawk feasting upon its sparrow prey, survives from the middle period of the twentieth century.
The skeletons are in decent order as is the stand, there has been some repair work over the years with the rib cage suffering a little loss but overall the composition is sound.
The sparrowhawk's prey extends to well over 120 bird species and small mammals. Among the victims recorded are collared dove, stock dove, great spotted woodpecker (taken from a birdtable), snipe, sanderling, wood sandpiper, starling, snow bunting, ring ouzel and crossbill. When hunting, a sparrowhawk flies low beating along a hedgerow and seldom rising to do more than skim over to the far side. It will fly up a lane, frequently topping hedges ever searching for victims. and it threads its way through woodland quickly but silently, dashing suddenly upon any unsuspecting birds.
Prepared to the highest order this is a fascinating insight into avian anatomy and is a super conversation starter.