Arkansaw Siskin, Mealy Red-poll, Louisiana Tanager, Townsend's Finch and Buff-breasted Finch

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting depicting five birds perched on branches and grass. The birds are uniquely colored and posed, sitting on various levels of a thin, winding branch and on the ground among grass. The topmost bird has pinkish hues and a red cap. A bird below it has bright yellow plumage with black wings. Another bird is grayish and rests on the branch's end, while the bird on the right has warm orange and black feathers. The painting emphasizes precise lines and delicate coloring to detail the birds' feathers and markings. The background subtly gives an impression of distance, evoking an open natural space. This piece is stylistically reminiscent of John James Audubon.