Audubon Aquatint Velvet Duck

AUDUBON, John James (1785 - 1851).
Velvet Duck, Plate 247.
Aquatint engraving with original hand color.
London: Robert Havell, 1827-1838.
24 3/4” x 37 3/4” sheet.
"The flight of the Velvet Duck is strong and sustained, although it usually flies low; yet when pursued, or at the sight of gunners in a boat, it often rises to the height of forty or fifty yards, describes elegant curved lines as it passes and repasses, and thus continues to fly until dancer is no longer apprehended. Its movements in the air are performed by continued flappings, and when on wing the white of the wings is beautifully contrasted with the dark hue of the rest of its plumage. It dives with as much agility as the Eider or the American Scoter, and, when wounded, is equally difficult to be caught, nor can it be killed with certainty without a heavy shot." - Audubon's Ornithological Biography.