Cow Bunting

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting featuring two birds on a patch of grass. Two birds are depicted in detailed naturalistic style, sitting on a small patch of ground overgrown with green moss and grass. The bird on the left has brown and gray plumage, while the bird on the right displays iridescent blue and brown feathers. They appear to be pecking or inspecting the ground. There is an array of small plants and a few clovers scattered around them. The labeling and numbering suggest this is a scientifically illustrated plate, likely used for ornithological documentation. This painting is in the style of John James Audubon.