Busacca Gallery

Superb Painting of a White-Headed Vulture, 20th Century. Medium: Gouache on paper Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 inches Signature: Unsigned Frame: Metal frame Description: This exceptional painting depicts a lifelike and finely detailed portrayal of the White-headed vulture, scientifically known as Trigonoceps occipitalis. Despite its name, this African vulture showcases a colorful face. The species exhibits both scavenging and hunting behaviors, often targeting small vertebrates. It primarily inhabits sub-Saharan Africa and boasts a wide geographic range. However, over the past few decades, its population has experienced a significant decline. Nowadays, it is predominantly found in protected areas within southern Africa. Estimates suggest that only 10,000 to 20,000 individuals of this species remain. Provenance: This painting originates from a private American collection and was acquired in New Jersey, January 2000. The history and documentation of the White-headed vulture, scientifically known as Trigonoceps occipitalis, involves various aspects of scientific research, field studies, and conservation efforts. Here is an overview of the history and documentation of this species: Taxonomic Discovery: The White-headed vulture was first scientifically described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. Its specific name, "occipitalis," refers to the prominent occipital crest or "crown" on its head. It belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes other large birds of prey. Field Studies and Observations: Field studies and observations of the White-headed vulture have been conducted primarily in its native range of sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers and ornithologists have explored various aspects of its behavior, ecology, distribution, and population status. Behavior and Ecology: Studies have revealed that the White-headed vulture is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion and occasionally hunting small vertebrates. Its feeding behavior often involves congregating at large carcasses along with other vulture species. This species is known for its characteristic bald, white head, contrasting with its dark feathers and beak. Distribution and Range: The White-headed vulture is found across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a wide range of habitats such as savannas, woodlands, and open grasslands. Its range extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and southward to South Africa. Conservation Status: The White-headed vulture is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades due to various threats, including habitat loss, poisoning, persecution, and the impact of indiscriminate use of poisons on carcasses. Consequently, conservation organizations and researchers have focused on monitoring and protecting the remaining populations, emphasizing the need for habitat preservation, public awareness, and measures to mitigate threats. Documentation and Illustrations: Throughout history, naturalists and artists have documented the White-headed vulture through various means, including illustrations, paintings, and field notes. These records have contributed to our understanding of its morphology, plumage patterns, and other identifying features. Antique illustrations and paintings of the White-headed vulture, created by renowned artists and collectors, serve as historical artifacts and valuable references for studying the species. In summary, the history and documentation of the White-headed vulture involve taxonomic discovery, field studies, behavioral observations, ecological research, and conservation efforts. Ongoing documentation and conservation initiatives are essential to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species and raise awareness about its ecological significance and conservation needs.

The history of field antique illustrated watercolor animal studies of African buzzards is a specific niche within the broader field of field animal studies. While there may not be an extensive documented history solely dedicated to this particular subject, the general history of field studies and the interest in African wildlife can provide context for such studies. Field studies of African buzzards, which are a type of raptor found in Africa, likely have roots in the exploration and documentation of the continent's diverse wildlife. During the colonial era, European explorers and naturalists ventured into Africa, fascinated by its unique flora and fauna. These individuals often recorded their observations through various means, including illustrations and paintings. Watercolor illustrations were a popular medium for documenting wildlife in the field due to their portability and ability to capture intricate details. These studies aimed to depict the physical characteristics, plumage patterns, and behaviors of African buzzards and other bird species. These illustrations served as valuable references for scientific purposes, identification guides, and for the general appreciation of African wildlife. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a surge of interest in natural history and wildlife illustration. Many notable artists and illustrators, such as John Gould and Joseph Wolf, produced detailed illustrations of birds and animals, including raptors like buzzards. These works often showcased the beauty and diversity of African wildlife, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about these species. With the advancement of technology, including photography and later digital imaging, the focus of documenting African buzzards and other wildlife shifted towards capturing accurate representations through photographs. However, the tradition of creating antique watercolor studies and illustrations of African buzzards remains highly regarded and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, as they represent a unique historical perspective on the subject. Today, field studies of African buzzards and other raptors continue, often incorporating a combination of photography, field observations, and scientific research methods. These studies contribute to our understanding of these birds' behavior, ecology, and conservation needs. Additionally, antique watercolor illustrations of African buzzards serve as valuable historical artifacts, preserving the artistic and scientific endeavors of earlier naturalists and artists who documented the remarkable diversity of African wildlife.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulture

Vulture is the name given to two groups of convergently evolved scavenging birds: the New World Vultures, including the well-known Californian and Andean Condors; and the Old World Vultures, including the birds that are seen scavenging on carcasses of dead animals on African plains. New World Vultures are found in North and South America; Old World Vultures are found in Europe, Africa and Asia, meaning that between the two groups, vultures are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

A particular characteristic of many vultures is a bald head, devoid of normal feathers. This helps to keep the head clean when feeding. Research has shown that the bare skin may play an important role in thermoregulation.

A group of vultures is called a wake, committee, venue, kettle, or volt. The term kettle refers to vultures in flight, while committee, volt, and venue refer to vultures resting in trees. Wake is reserved for a group of vultures that are feeding. The word Geier (taken from the German language) does not have a precise meaning in ornithology; it is occasionally used to refer to a vulture in English, as in some poetry.