McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Black-throated Weaver-bird
Black Breasted Weaver, Bengal Weaver
Ploceus benghalensis
Cha. Collins Fect. Janry 1741;
Item
1 watercolour painting ; 56 x 39 cm + 1 leaf
Charles Collins was an Irish painter, known for his portraits of animals and still-lifes. He achieved success in England painting exotic birds, game, dogs and dead game still-lifes. He was the painter for Robert Furber’s ‘Twelve Months of Fruit’ (1732). In 1736 he published in collaboration with John Lee a set of 12 large engravings, coloured by hand, of British birds in landscape and garden settings, entitled Icones avium cum nominibus anglicis. He then came to the attention of Taylor White, who engaged him to paint birds from his and others’ collections until 1743. Collins died in 1744, when he was described as ‘Bird Painter to the Royal Society.’
Drawing of a pair of Black Breasted Weavers--also known as Bengal Weavers--from 18th century specimens [modern geographical distribution: India].
Manuscript note on front of drawing: Black-throated Weaver-bird (Ploceus bengalensis) Cha. Collins Fect. Janry 1741;
Manuscript note on back of drawing: Q. If the Bird called Hirngryll at Vienna, Lennus Gesner, Aldrov lib. 18. Cap. 20. Willughby 265 From India not described as I suppose
Scientific name: Ploceus benghalensis
With manuscript text on accompanying leaf.
Transcription of manuscript note on accompanying leaf: Aves Passeres Loxia
Bengalensis 9.
N. 23. Loxia grisea, pileo flavo, temporibus
albidis, abdomine albido fusco maculato
L. p. 175.
Passer bengalensis capite flavo Edw. 189
The yellow headed Benghal Sparrow
Translation of manuscript note on accompanying leaf: Aves Passeres Loxia
Bengalensis 9.
N. 23. Loxia grisea [The grey...], with a golden-yellow cap,
white temples, and a white and tawny spotted abdomen.
L. p. 175
Passer bengalensis with a golden-yellow head Edw. 189
The yellow headed Benghal Sparrow