Tooth-Billed Pigeon Or Hook-Billed Pigeon

25 x 19 cm (10 x 7.5 inches)

Samoa

This beautiful antique engraving was made in 1785 and is from "A General Synopsis of Birds" by John Latham. This bird has no close living relative, but it has been shown to be genetically close to the dodo, and the genus name Didunculus means "little dodo". The tooth-billed pigeon is evaluated as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

It was made by copper plate engraving, has well defined plate marks, is beautifully detailed and is on heavy weight,handmade, chain-linked paper. The engraving is on one side, the other side is blank. The paper is subtle creamy white, some age toning on the margins. It is in good condition.